Neste Completes Initial Processing Run Using Pyrolysis Oil from Discarded Tires

Neste has taken a step forward in chemical recycling by completing its inaugural processing trial using liquefied discarded tires, a challenging raw material. During this trial, Neste successfully generated high-quality raw material suitable for manufacturing new plastics and chemicals.

Neste obtained pyrolysis oil for the trial from discarded vehicle tires provided by Scandinavian Enviro Systems, a Swedish firm specializing in technologies for recycling materials from end-of-life products. The objective of Neste's pilot initiative was to assess the feasibility of extending chemical recycling beyond plastic waste, potentially expanding the range of waste streams capable of being transformed into premium-quality products.

Similar to challenging-to-recycle plastic waste, a significant portion of tires currently finds its way to landfills or is incinerated once they reach the end of their useful life. Due to the complex composition of tires, which consist of various materials, traditional mechanical recycling methods are inadequate for their recycling. Therefore, chemical recycling presents a compelling solution to retain valuable materials in the loop. Scandinavian Enviro Systems has developed pyrolysis technology specifically for extracting carbon black and oil from end-of-life tires.

"Chemical recycling's versatility extends beyond handling challenging plastic waste," explains Andreas Teir, an in charge of Neste's raw material supply for chemical recycling. "Given the fate shared by discarded tires and plastic waste, chemical recycling offers a viable solution to transition tires from a linear to a circular lifecycle. Our recent processing run, facilitated by our supplier Enviro Systems, validates this approach."

Previously, Neste has effectively completed multiple processing runs using liquefied waste plastic. These runs laid the groundwork for Neste's commitment to invest in significant chemical recycling capacities at its Porvoo site in Finland. The construction of these facilities, anticipated to be completed by 2025, will enable the processing of 150,000 tons of liquefied waste plastic annually. This initiative is part of Project PULSE, supported by the European Union through the EU Innovation Fund.

Neste is committed to developing solutions that address climate change and drive the transition to a circular economy. Neste converts waste, residues, and innovative raw materials into renewable fuels and sustainable feedstock for plastics and other materials.

As the foremost producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel globally, Neste is at the forefront of developing renewable and circular feedstock solutions for polymers and chemicals. The company aims to assist its customers in slashing their greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 20 million tons annually by 2030.

The company aims to transform its Porvoo oil refinery in Finland into Europe's most sustainable refinery by 2030. Neste aims to achieve carbon-neutral production by 2035 and plans to reduce the carbon emission intensity of its sold products by 50% by 2040. Additionally, Neste has established stringent criteria for biodiversity, human rights, and its supply chain.