Life Green Vulcan

High performance devulcanized asterbatches for the reuse of end-of-life tires high-volume technical compounding applications

A powerful method for obtaining high-quality rubber from End-of-Life Tires (ELTs) that does not compromise performance when implemented on new, sustainable products, developed by Rubber Conversion, represents the central part of the project.

Details of the project

Reference

LIFE19 ENV/IT/000213

Acronym

LIFE GREEN VULCAN

Budget

2.115.607 €

EU Contribution

1.163.583 €

Start of the project

September 2020

End of the project

February 2024

The challenge for the reuse of ELT rubber

Vulcanized rubber is very difficult to recycle, which is why ELT waste is used at very low concentrations in tire production (less than 3%). The rubber devulcanization method, patented by Rubber Conversion, has demonstrated its enormous potential for developing high-quality raw materials from ELTs.

Significant reduction in CO2 emissions

The LCA analysis, performed in line with the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, considered the entire life cycle of a product (from the acquisition of raw materials, through production and use , until disposal), with the Cradle-to-Gate approach. The technology developed by Rubber Conversion significantly contributes to establishing a scalable supply of quality sustainable materials derived from ELTs for the European tire and automotive industries, enabling them to achieve their decarbonization goals. The technology is also being successfully tested for the production of other automotive components and rubber-based products such as gaskets and shoe soles, broadening the market application and potential overall positive impact on decarbonization.

The results achieved

A new sustainable shock absorber for the Alfa Romeo Tonale was designed and manufactured with a weight concentration of 20% of recycled ELTs, as well as a tread for PCR tires with a weight concentration of 10% of recycled ELTs.