Plant to be built at the VTTI Antwerp Terminal within the Port of Antwerp and Bruges with a planned recycling capacity of up to 90,000 tonnes of waste tyres per year
Belgium could become Europe’s centre for tyre recycling as another project is slated for pyrolysis in Antwerp.
VTTI, a leader in energy storage and infrastructure, has entered into an agreement with Pyrum Innovations AG, to develop a state-of-the-art waste tyres recycling thermolysis plant at VTTI’s Antwerp Terminal (ATPC). This agreement marks a significant step towards integrating sustainable waste management solutions into VTTI’s infrastructure and marks another important step in Pyrum’s international expansion plans.
The project entails the construction of a waste tyre recycling thermolysis plant with a processing capacity of up to 90,000 tonnes of End-of-Life Tyres (ELT) annually, implemented in two phases of 45,000 tonnes each. VTTI will hold full ownership of the plant, while Pyrum will act as the development partner, providing its proprietary and patented thermolysis technology. Following a comprehensive evaluation, Pyrum was selected as the development partner due to its advanced, proven thermolysis technology and successful track record of industrial-scale operations in Europe.
It is worth noting that there are three other plants slated for development in Belgium – Bolder Industries Antwerp plant (20ktpa plus) , Tyros at Ostend (18ktpa plus 82ktpa ambient recycling) ), and Risource in Liege (18ktpa).
If all of these projects come to fruition, these three operations alone will require 228,000 tons per year in feedstock. According to ETRMA statistics Belgium produces around 87,000 tons per annum (2016). This will put Belgium in the position of being a net importer of waste tyres if these operations are to meet their targets.
The Pyrum partnership aligns with VTTI’s strategic vision of expanding its infrastructure footprint in sustainable energy solutions. As part of VTTI’s commitment to achieving 50 per cent of its earnings from transitional and sustainable energies, the development of this plant represents a key milestone in diversifying its portfolio. VTTI aims to develop similar plants at its existing sites across the globe.
Guy Moeyens, CEO of VTTI, commented on the partnership; “This collaboration with Pyrum marks a significant step in our journey towards a more sustainable future. By integrating cutting-edge thermolysis technology into our existing infrastructure, we are not only diversifying our energy portfolio but also contributing to the circular economy. This project reflects VTTI’s commitment to innovation and responsible energy solutions, reinforcing our role in the transition towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape.”
By leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise, VTTI aims to facilitate the transition to a circular economy while enhancing the sustainability of industrial side streams.
Pascal Klein, CEO of Pyrum Innovations AG, commented on the partnership; “The collaboration with VTTI marks the next important milestone in modern tyre recycling and offers great potential for the future. We are very proud of the trust placed in us and our technology. With the construction of our largest Pyrum recycling plant to date, which will have a capacity of up to 90,000 tonnes of ELTs per year, we are collectively making a strong statement for the circular economy in Europe. Our goal is not only to actively contribute to a more environmentally friendly future but also to create a sustainable recycling system for used tyres. We can only achieve this with a dedicated team and strong partners by our side.”
The new plant will be situated at ATPC within the Port of Antwerp and Bruges (PoAB), one of Europe’s key industrial hubs and home to the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. VTTI Antwerp’s strategic position within the PoAB ensures connectivity through an extensive pipeline network and proximity to both upstream and downstream industrial hubs. Furthermore, the location provides close access to Europe’s largest ELT markets, including Germany, the UK, and France, making it an ideal site for a large-scale recycling initiative.
The waste tyre recycling plant directly supports the European Union’s Green Deal objectives. The European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), a cornerstone of the Green Deal, seeks to reduce pressure on natural resources, foster sustainable economic growth, and contribute to the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target.
With the agreement in place, VTTI has already allocated land at its Antwerp site for the project, and preparations for the permit application process are underway. Market consultation where relevant in relation to feedstock and offtake of TPO and rCB will follow in due course.
With the signing of the contract, Pyrum will now start the engineering phase, during which the plant design for a capacity of 20,000 tons of end-of-life tyres per year will be revised and expanded. The aim is to optimise the plant so that it can process up to 90,000 tonnes of ELTs per year in Antwerp.
This partnership underscores VTTI’s ongoing commitment to pioneering the next generation of energy infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
