PolymerTech has learned that the recycling of used tires has transformed from a pollution problem into "black gold," and a little-known, highly profitable industry is rising in China. In March of this year, Michelin, Antin, and Enviro jointly announced that they would establish their first used tire recycling plant in Udhammar, Sweden. The plant has already begun construction and is expected to come into operation in 2025, with an initial plan to recycle 35,000 tons of used tires per year.
In addition to securing financing for the plant's construction, the joint venture has signed a series of multi-year contracts, including supply contracts for used tires, recycled carbon black, and thermal oil. In this context, Michelin will continue to actively support the development of the used tire recycling ecosystem and the long-term development of the company. Michelin has already signed a multi-year supply agreement with the company for carbon black and thermal oil.
In the past, "burning tires to extract oil" was a common practice among many small workshops that dealt with old tires, which not only polluted the environment but also endangered people's health (at least 200 different chemicals are contained within a tire). However, nowadays, through the process of thermal cracking, old tires can be transformed into a "money tree".
