The innovative tire recycling plant in Upper Austria is revolutionizing waste management by converting end-of-life tires into valuable raw materials. This facility exemplifies sustainable practices and contributes significantly to the circular economy in the region.

KIAS Recycling, located in Ohlsdorf, is Austria’s only end-of-life tire plant. It is dedicated to breaking down end-of-life car and truck tires into constituent elements to create usable materials.

Truck tires of various sizes and car wheels clutter the area outside the company premises. Managing Director Christian Zirgoi notes that all that remains are tire shreds the size of a hand.

At KIAS Recycling’s tire recycling plant, the tires undergo shredding, grinding, and sieving processes, enabling the separation of their components: spring steel, textile fibers, and rubber, which are then processed into flour or granules.

These reclaimed materials are in high demand and find markets easily. Rubber is sought after by mat manufacturers or utilized in road construction projects.

However, the tire business has faced challenges recently. While KIAS can recycle up to 30,000 tons annually, last year’s processed amount dropped to 15,000 tons due to tire shortages.

Concerns arose about the tires’ destination, with indications suggesting exports to Turkey for cost-saving incineration despite unclear specifics.

Interestingly, Swiss waste management companies now favor processing in Ohlsdorf due to lower CO2 emissions than incineration. This trend directs tires to the Traunviertel region, where individuals dispose of their used tires for a fee of 1.50 euros per piece.

Source: Kronen Zeitung