From Factory to Recycling Plant: Tracing the Lifecycle of Tyres
These visits were part of establishing professional collaboration within the INOVO project – Innovative Technologies for a Cleaner Ostrava Region.
Both companies have long demonstrated that an environmentally responsible approach can go hand in hand with technological advancement and economic success. For our researchers, this was a unique opportunity to explore operations where ecological principles are truly put into practice.
A Glimpse into the World of Tyres and Their Second Life
At Continental Barum s.r.o., one of the largest tyre manufacturers in Europe, we learned about technological innovations in the production of tyres for passenger and commercial vehicles. We were impressed not only by the materials used and the production processes, but also by the strategies aimed at reducing the environmental footprint – such as the incorporation of recycled and renewable raw materials. With an annual output of over 20 million tyres, the scale and importance of this company on the European market is evident.
In contrast, RPG Recycling s.r.o. showcased the other end of the tyre lifecycle – their environmentally friendly processing. Modern technologies allow worn tyres to be broken down into their individual components, such as rubber granulate, steel cord, and textile fibres. These products are then used in construction, transportation, or sports surfaces. In this way, the company contributes not only to reducing landfill waste but also to the principles of the circular economy.
Research with Environmental Impact
The visits to both companies provided fresh inspiration for our research on waste material processing. The newly established cooperation is now taking a practical form within the INOVO project, where our colleagues are exploring, among other topics, the migration of hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in recycled tyre-based products and/or the transformation of waste tyres into adsorbents capable of reducing VOC emissions.
These solutions have the potential to significantly improve air quality in the Ostrava region and other industrially burdened areas.
Bridging Science and Practice
Collaboration with industrial partners is crucial for our institute. It allows us to test our findings in real-world conditions, respond to the current needs of companies, and jointly search for pathways to a more sustainable future. We are pleased that companies like Continental Barum and RPG Recycling are open to dialogue with the research community and actively participate in joint projects.