Synthos, Sumitomo Rubber to advance use of powder recyclate in tires

Schkopau, Germany – Synthos and Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote the circular economy of tires.

As part of the deal, the partners will collaborate on the development, testing and evaluation of recycled rubber and its use in the production of new tires, Synthos announced 21 Nov.

The agreement covers the use of Synthos’ TyreXol high-performance rubber powder, which is derived from end-of-life tire treads.

Synthos produces the powdered recyclate under a partnership deal with Tyre Recycling Solutions (TRS), based in Switzerland.

The project, Synthos said, aims to create a circular solution that enables “a significant improvement in the environmental footprint of tires, without compromising safety, durability and rolling resistance.”

The partnership will “actively seek ways to keep valuable end-of-life raw materials in their material cycle,” commented Dr Malte Wohlfahrt, Synthos' R&D director.

It is encouraging "that closed-loop solutions are increasingly part of the innovation and technology development conversations,” added Malte.

In 2020, Trinseo, which later sold its rubber activities to Synthos struck a “commercial collaboration” deal with TRS.

The goal was to accelerate the development of sustainable synthetic rubber tire formulations through increased use of recycled tires.

Synthos and TRS have since reported gaining approvals from global tire manufacturers as well as “initial commercial sales” of powdered rubber for tire applications. (ERJ report)