• Closed-Loop Ecosystem: Bridgestone, BB&G, and Versalis collaborate to create a sustainable tyre recycling process, turning old tyres into new ones.
• Innovative Technology: Using pyrolysis, the partnership aims to convert end-of-life tyres into high-quality elastomers for new tyres.
• Sustainability Commitment: This initiative supports global sustainability goals and aims for 100% sustainable materials by 2050.

Bridgestone, Grupo BB&G, and Versalis have launched a groundbreaking initiative to establish a closed-loop ecosystem for tyre recycling. The partnership focuses on transforming end-of-life tyres (ELTs) into new, high-performance tyres, using innovative pyrolysis technology to produce tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO). This collaboration aims to develop a scalable, sustainable supply chain to maximize tyre lifecycle and contribute to environmental goals.

“At Bridgestone, we have set a goal of working with 100 per cent sustainable materials by 2050,” said Laurent Dartoux, Group President Bridgestone EMEA. “Recycling and reusing products is an important part of this. The partnership with industry leaders Grupo BB&G and Versalis will contribute towards this target.“

Pyrolysis, the key technology in this process, breaks down ELTs into TPO, which is then used to create high-quality elastomers. These elastomers are comparable to those made from traditional materials and will be used by Bridgestone to produce new tyres. BB&G’s thermomechanical process has been validated through its commercial scale plant in Fatima, Portugal, operational since July 2024.

“This strategic partnership with industry leaders Bridgestone and Versalis is a huge step towards achieving our visionary goal of accelerating tyre recycling worldwide,” stated Germano Carreira, CEO of BB&G.

Versalis, a key partner in this initiative, has been developing circular technologies for polymer recycling. By integrating BB&G’s TPO into its supply chain, Versalis expands its Balance® product range, which is ISCC PLUS certified. This aligns with Versalis’s commitment to diversifying feedstock with renewable sources and secondary raw materials.

“In line with our strategy for circularity, we have developed lower-carbon solutions,” said Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis. “This agreement aims at delivering maximum value to our customers and an innovative boost to the tyre industry, furthering our commitment towards a more sustainable mobility.“

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The first batch of tyres using these recycled materials is expected to be produced by early 2025. This collaboration is a significant step toward a more sustainable future in tyre manufacturing, focusing on reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency.

Together, Bridgestone, BB&G, and Versalis are not just advancing their products; they are setting a new standard for sustainability in the tyre industry, aiming to establish a successful ecosystem for tyre recycling on a global scale.