VTTI and Pyrum Innovations are partnering to develop a large-scale tire recycling thermolysis plant in Antwerp, revolutionizing the waste-to-energy sector. This state-of-the-art facility will use advanced pyrolysis technology to convert end-of-life tires into valuable resources like recovered carbon black (rCB), pyrolysis oil, and reusable steel, supporting the circular economy and reducing environmental impact.

VTTI, a global leader in energy storage and infrastructure, has agreed with Pyrum Innovations AG, an expert in the recycling of waste tyres via thermolysis, to develop a state-of-the-art waste tyres recycling thermolysis plant at VTTI’s Antwerp Terminal (ATPC). This agreement marks a significant step towards integrating sustainable waste management solutions into VTTI’s infrastructure and another critical step in Pyrum’s international expansion plans.

The project entails the construction of a waste tyre recycling thermolysis plant with a processing capacity of up to 90,000 tonnes of End-of-Life Tyres (ELT) annually, implemented in two phases of 45,000 tonnes each. VTTI will fully own the plant, while Pyrum will act as the development partner, providing its proprietary and patented thermolysis technology. Following a comprehensive evaluation, Pyrum was selected as the development partner due to its advanced, proven thermolysis technology and successful track record of industrial-scale operations in Europe.

This partnership aligns with VTTI’s strategic vision of expanding its infrastructure footprint in sustainable energy solutions. As part of VTTI’s commitment to achieving 50% of its earnings from transitional and sustainable energies, the development of this plant represents a key milestone in diversifying its portfolio. VTTI aims to develop similar plants at its existing sites across the globe.

Guy Moeyens, CEO of VTTI said: “This collaboration with Pyrum marks a significant step in our journey towards a more sustainable future. We diversify our energy portfolio and contribute to the circular economy by integrating cutting-edge thermolysis technology into our existing infrastructure. This project reflects VTTI’s commitment to innovation and responsible energy solutions, reinforcing our role in transitioning towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape.”

The thermolysis process will transform waste tyres into valuable by-products, including Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) and Recovered Carbon Black (rCB). By leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise, VTTI aims to facilitate the transition to a circular economy while enhancing the sustainability of industrial side streams.

Pascal Klein, CEO of Pyrum Innovations AG, commented on the partnership: “The collaboration with VTTI marks the next important milestone in modern tyre recycling and offers great potential for the future. We are very proud of the trust placed in us and our technology. With the construction of our largest Pyrum recycling plant to date, which will have a capacity of up to 90,000 tons of ELTs per year, we are collectively making a strong statement for the circular economy in Europe. We aim to actively contribute to a more environmentally friendly future and create a sustainable recycling system for used tyres. We can only achieve this with a dedicated team and strong partners.”

The new plant will be at ATPC within the Port of Antwerp and Bruges (PoAB), one of Europe’s key industrial hubs and home to Europe’s largest integrated chemical cluster. VTTI Antwerp’s strategic position within the PoAB ensures connectivity through an extensive pipeline network and proximity to both upstream and downstream industrial hubs. Furthermore, the location provides close access to Europe’s largest ELT markets, including Germany, the UK, and France, making it an ideal site for a large-scale recycling initiative.

The waste tyre recycling plant supports the European Union’s Green Deal objectives. The European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), a cornerstone of the Green Deal, seeks to reduce pressure on natural resources, foster sustainable economic growth, and contribute to the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target. Through this initiative, VTTI and Pyrum play an active role in Europe’s transition to a circular economy, supporting environmental sustainability and economic development.

Next steps

With the agreement, VTTI has already allocated land at its Antwerp site for the project, and preparations for the permit application process are underway—market consultation where relevant concerning feedstock and offtake of TPO and rCB will follow in due course.

With the signing of the contract, Pyrum will now start the engineering phase, during which the plant design for a capacity of 20,000 tons of end-of-life tyres per year will be revised and expanded. The aim is to optimize the plant to process up to 90,000 tonnes of ELTs annually in Antwerp.

This partnership underscores VTTI’s ongoing commitment to pioneering the next generation of energy infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

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