New technologies turn old tires into reusable materials

The recycling and reuse of reusable materials is an important trend in efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment. In particular, old tires are one of the materials that are difficult to recycle and cause many environmental problems. However, thanks to new recycling techniques, old tires can be transformed into reusable materials and minimize waste of resources. In this article, we will learn about the methods and processes of recycling old tires, as well as the latest technologies in the field.

1. Why should old tires be recycled?

The recycling of old tires brings many benefits to the environment and also to society. First, recycling tires helps reduce the amount of waste, especially in the context of increasing levels of environmental pollution and the demand for tires. The development of tire recycling technology also brings business opportunities and helps create more jobs for workers.

In addition, the process of producing new tires is very energy and natural-resource-intensive. If recycled tires are used, not only minimizes adverse environmental impacts, but also minimizes production costs and saves resources. Therefore, tire manufacturers are focusing on developing technology and recycling old tires to help protect the environment and minimize negative impacts on the economy.

Besides, old tires can be used to create new products such as furniture, building materials, floors, etc. Since then, old tires have not only been reused but have also become an important resource for other industries.

The recycling of old tires brings many economic, environmental and social values. Automotive tire recycling technologies and methods are also being strongly developed, especially new technologies such as transforming old tires into reusable materials. Let us collectively respect and make maximum use of resources, contributing to the sustainability of the environment and the development of society.

2. Tire recycling methods

Recycle old tires, there are various methods applied, each of which has its own advantages and limitations. Here are some common tire recycling methods:

· Tire recycling method by mixing with plastic: This is the most common method and uses recycled plastic to mix with the rubber of the tire. This process will help increase the strength and bearing capacity of the tire. However, this method also has the disadvantage that the recycled product may not reach the required quality standards.

· Tire recycling method by separating components: This process aims to separate the rubber layer, steel fiber, and belt from each other. After the rubber layer is separated, it can be recycled and used as toys, floors, sound shields, or as raw materials for other products.

· Tire recycling method by grinding and processing: This is the simplest and most common method to recycle tires. The process aims to grind and process tires into plastic granules for use in the manufacture of household appliances, plastic products and building materials.

· Tire recycling method by conversion: This process uses a thermochemical or catalytic method to convert the components of a tire into gas, oil, or coal. These recycled products can then be used to produce energy, gasoline, or other chemical products.

· Tyre recycling method by converting into baked ash: This is a method that uses high temperatures to convert tires into baked ash, then uses this calcined ash to produce cement and other building materials.

3. Car Tire Recycling Process

The car  tire recycling process  consists of the following main steps:

· Old tire collection: Old car tires are collected from service stations, auto repair facilities, or tire recycling centers.

· Pretreatment: After collecting old tires, recyclers proceed to separate tire components such as rubber layer, steel fiber layer and other additives from each other. The rubber layers are then cut into small pieces to facilitate recycling.

· Rubber tire recycling: The rubber pieces after being pretreated will be recycled by putting them into the grinding machine to form rubber powder. This rubber powder is then further processed to form recycled rubber products such as car cushions, foot mats, protective cushions, pads and some other rubber products.

· Steel fiber layer recycling: After the rubber layer is separated, the steel fibers will be drawn and put into the processing machines to make other products such as chains, cables, steel plates, jumpers, iron cups and some others.

· Disposal of additives and waste: Other additives and wastes separated from the recycling process will be disposed of in an appropriate way such as putting into a welding machine to make other products or put into another recycling process.

However, the recycling process of old tires also has some challenges such as high initial investment costs, expensive technology and equipment, difficult production process to control, and an unstable economic engine. Therefore, the development of old tire recycling technology still has a lot of potential for further research and improvement in the future.

4. New recycling technology

Bridgestone — one of the leading companies in tire manufacturing and selling globally — is researching and developing new tire recycling technology to create reusable materials. The organization has announced that it will invest about $800 million in research and development of new recycling techniques between 2020 and 2030.

One of Bridgestone’s new recycling technologies is Pyrolysis. This is a recycling process in which old tires are placed in a tube roll and thermally heated to separate the plastic components of the tire into liquid form. These ingredients are then processed and converted into products such as gasoline, oil, coke and carbon black.

Bridgestone’s tire recycling technology is said to be able to recycle up to 100% of old tires and produce products of comparable quality to those created from natural materials. In addition, Pyrolysis technology can also help reduce the amount of plastic waste and harmful emissions into the environment.

If  Bridgestone’s tire recycling technology is widely deployed and used, it will contribute to solving the global problem of plastic waste and protecting the environment.

5. Summary

Thus, the recycling of old tires has become an important trend in environmental and resource protection. Currently, the methods of recycling automobile tires have been developed abundantly and diversely, from mechanical recycling, to chemical recycling, thermal recycling, and even innovative recycling. In addition, new recycling technologies are being researched and developed to optimize the recycling process and produce high-quality materials.

In the future, we hope to see more advanced recycling technologies adopted, bringing better economic and environmental value to society. At the same time, WRV 2023 (Waste & Recycling Vietnam Expo 2023) organized by RX Tradex will be a great place for manufacturers and scientists to share and exchange about tools The latest technology, products and solutions in the field of environmental protection and plastic recycling. This exhibition will provide investors and businesses operating in this sector an opportunity to showcase their products and expand their business network.