Closed-loop production cycle for bicycle tires: Pyrum supplies recycled industrial carbon black (rCB) to Schwalbe for the manufacture of new bicycle tires
- Pyrum has begun regular shipments of industrial carbon black (recovered carbon black, rCB) to Schwalbe
- The cycle of bicycle tire production is thus completely closed thanks to the “Schwalbe Recycling System,” which has already been launched
- Sustainably produced bicycle tires are set to hit the market in June 2023
Dillingen / Saar, November 28, 2022 – Pyrum Innovations AG (“Pyrum”), a pioneering company that sustainably recycles used tires using its globally patented, unique pyrolysis technology, announces the first delivery of recycled carbon black (rCB) to Ralf Bohle GmbH and its Schwalbe brand. The rCB is sourced from old bicycle tires that Schwalbe collects from specialty retailers throughout Germany via its “Schwalbe Recycling System.” Pyrum then takes over the mechanical processing and pyrolytic recycling of the used tires at its pyrolysis plant in Dillingen. With this, Schwalbe is now beginning production of the first bicycle tire made entirely from rCB. The tire is set to be unveiled in June 2023 at Eurobike, the world’s largest bicycle trade show in Frankfurt, and will subsequently be available in stores.
Pascal Klein, CEO of Pyrum Innovations AG: “One of our stated goals is to establish a circular economy model for the recycling of used tires in the medium to long term. Together with our partner, Ralf Bohle GmbH and its Schwalbe brand, we have now taken a major step toward achieving this goal with bicycle tires.”
The delivery of rCB to Schwalbe took place as part of the commissioning of the pelletizing plant at the main facility in Dillingen. The pelletizer improves the rCB’s transportability, thereby facilitating further processing of the raw material. As a result, the volume of rCB delivered can be significantly increased. In addition, production lines 2 and 3 at the site are expected to begin operations in the first half of 2023, significantly increasing the processing capacity for scrap tires—including used bicycle tires. The regulatory operating permit for the expansion has already been granted.
Back in July 2022, Pyrum and Ralf Bohle GmbH unveiled the “Schwalbe Recycling System” for used bicycle tires at this year’s Eurobike trade show. The system enables the comprehensive recycling of used tires of all brands. To this end, Schwalbe has established a return network so that used bicycle tires can be dropped off at all participating specialty retailers; Schwalbe then collects them and delivers them to Pyrum.
Frank Bohle, Managing Director of Ralf Bohle GmbH: “The response to our Schwalbe Recycling System has been overwhelming. After launching the program earlier this year with about 50 participating specialty retailers, we now have over 1,200 participating retailers across Germany. We are now beginning production of the first bicycle tire to use Pyrum’s rCB. In the medium term, our goal is to manufacture all Schwalbe tires from recycled carbon black, and we want to continue leading the way as pioneers with our innovative recycling solutions.”
For more information, including an explanatory video and an infographic on the technical process of the “Schwalbe Recycling System,” visit https://www.pyrum.net/loesungen/fahrradreifen-recycling/.
About Pyrum Innovations AG
Pyrum Innovations AG operates in the attractive market for recycling used tires with its patented pyrolysis technology. Pyrum’s pyrolysis process is energy-self-sufficient and, according to the Fraunhofer Institute, significantly reducesCO2 emissions compared to current standard methods of recycling scrap tires—particularly compared to incineration in cement plants —and produces new raw materials such as pyrolysis oil, gas, and recycled industrial carbon black (recovered carbon black—rCB) from the waste used as feedstock. In this way, Pyrum closes the material cycle and pursues a fully sustainable business model. As a pioneer, Pyrum Innovations AG was the first company in the scrap tire recycling sector to receive REACH registration from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for its pyrolysis oil as early as 2018. This means the oil is officially recognized as a raw material that can be used in production processes. In addition, Pyrum has received ISCC PLUS certification for its pyrolysis oil and rCB. Both products are thus considered sustainable and renewable raw materials. These achievements have also been recognized by international experts in the tire industry. For example, Pyrum was honored in the “Best Tire Recycling Innovation” category at the inaugural Recircle Awards and was nominated for the Saarland State Grand Prize for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.
About Ralf Bohle GmbH
Ralf Bohle GmbH, with its Schwalbe brand, is Europe’s market leader in bicycle tires. The family-owned company, founded in 1922 in Bergneustadt, employs 193 people at Ralf Bohle GmbH in Reichshof and 61 employees at five subsidiaries in Europe and North America. Since 1973, Schwalbe has been manufacturing its tires in cooperation with its Korean production partner, Hung-A. In 1993, Hung-A relocated production from Korea to Indonesia and, in 2015, opened a second Schwalbe plant in Vietnam. Schwalbe and Hung-A are linked not only by a joint venture but also by a friendship spanning nearly 50 years—one that is unparalleled in the industry.
Contact
IR.on AG
Frederic Hilke
Tel: +49 221 9140 970
Email: pyrum@ir-on.com
Pyrum Innovations AG
Dieselstraße 8
66763 Dillingen / Saar
Email: presse@pyrum.net
https://www.pyrum.net