Tyre Recycling Solutions eyes first rubber powder plant in Korea

Preverenges Switzerland – Tyre Recycling Solutions (TRS), a Swiss-based tire recycling technology supplier has joined forces with Korean recycler LD Carbon to scale up its rubber powder production process in South Korea.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to build the first factory to produce TyreXol-branded rubber powders from end-of-life tires (ELTs), using water-jet milling technology by TRS, the Swiss company announced 29 Aug.

As part of the deal, LDC will use the remainder of ELTs after TyreXol production to produce tire pyrolysis oil and recovered carbon black.

Initially, the plant will process 25 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of ELTs, yielding a volume of 5 ktpa rubber powder.

The rubber powder, TRS added, has already "passed quality assurance tests from global end customers such as tire manufacturers."

According to TRS, the joint project will provide “major technical and commercial synergies” while enabling the Swiss firm to bring production capacity to customers in Asia.

“We have been screening many companies globally which could enhance our product range and further differentiate the value-in-use,” said Baek, Seong-Mun, CEO and co-founder of LDC.

TRS, the LDC official went on to say, provides both ‘complementary technologies’ and a “deep understanding of the market”.