Wastefront is a rubber waste recycling company on a mission to stop unsustainable handling of end-of-life-tyres, an underreported but major cause of pollution.

Founded in Oslo in 2019, Wastefront is a rubber waste recycling company which converts disused tyres into useful commodities, including liquid hydrocarbons and carbon black, which can then be reutilised in processes such as alternative fuel manufacturing or ground rubber production. Through a combination of proven technology and our own proprietary processes, we aim to reduce the negative environmental impact associated with ELT (end-of-life-tyre) waste, while delivering an economically attractive solution to strategic partners.

 

We are proud to have the backing of Norwegian state-owned company and national development bank, Innovation Norway.

“We are delighted that Wastefront has chosen to construct its first ever plant at Port of Sunderland and we are looking forward to working with Christian and the team to bring their vision to life."

— Matthew Hunt, Port of Sunderland

Due to a complex blend of materials, tyres are highly durable and not naturally biodegradable. It is estimated that 29 million metric tonnes of vehicle tyres reach the end of their lifespan each year.

Tyres deposited in landfill sites result in the leaching of toxins into the soil and surrounding water tables. In some countries, landfill sites also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes spreading malaria and Zika virus.

The Scale

Worldwide more than 29m MT of End-of-Life tyres go to waste every year.

Low Energy Recovery

There currently only a 33% “Energy Recovery” incinerated in power plants or cement mills.

Landfill Usage

10% of the tyre waste is dumped in landfills or unknown locations.

Decomposition Time

The natural decomposition time of a standard car tyre is more than 50 years.

EU Banned Tyres to Landfill

Due to risk of heavy metals and other pollutants leaching of toxins in to the water table.

Fire Hazard & Pollution Risk

Illegally stored or dumped tyres pose a significant fire hazard and pollution risk to local communities.


Combining conventional methods with our own proprietary technology, we minimise the environmental impact typically associated with traditional tyre pyrolysis.

Wastefront uses pyrolytic reactors which utilise a form of thermal decomposition known as ‘pyrolysis’ to break down a tyre’s materials at elevated temperatures. By sending granulated tyres through reactors, a combustible gas is produced, in addition to liquid hydrocarbons, carbon black, water and heat. The gas is circled back in to fuel the furnace and the liquid hydrocarbons undergo a refining process as a means of improving the quality of the product. The carbon black is then washed and milled to upgrade the chemical properties, and can be used as a complement to natural rubber in tyre production, mechanical rubber goods or as a filler for plastics. The heat is repurposed locally within industry or can be used to heat residential homes.

 

Our pyrolytic reactors comply with all local environmental regulations and Wastefront is continually working to ensure compliance with all planned future regulation updates. The gas purification system removes pollutants, organic compounds and harmful solid particles without releasing anything toxic into the environment. This purified gas is also used to feed the reactors in operation. It promotes self supply for the pyrolysis process without an extra heating source. The technology complies with the emissions levels and specifications established by the European standards.

We thrive when coming up with innovative ideas but also understand that a smart concept should be supported with measurable results.

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