Tyre Recycling

Every year in Italy about 430 000 tons of used tires (EoLT = End of Life Tyres) are dismissed (in Europe about 2.5 millions). Since July 2006 landfills do not accept anymore neither whole nor shredded used tyres, therefore it is necessary to identify some other disposal or material recovery strategies (valorization).

The research carried on by Pirelli Labs in the field of EoLT has dealt with many projects, from de-vulcanization to the use of carbon black obtained from pyrolysis of EoLT, from the compatibilization of rubber powder or granules in a matrix (thermoplastic, rubber-, bitumen- and concrete-based, water-based binders) up to the chemical and/or physical modification of the powder surface in order to improve the compatibilization itself.


Interesting results have been also accomplished in the field of EoLT pulverization technology with the optimization of special process assistant additives.

Among the above mentioned activities, one project has led to the realization of a novel product, characterized by low environmental impact, which offers an excellent solution to the problem of acoustic insulation from impact noise in residential buildings. The product has been developed at Pirelli Labs laboratories and characterized according to specific standards and regulations during the industrialization phase.

The project has been carried on in collaboration with Pirelli RE. The material developed by Pirelli Labs and its location inside the floor is shown in figure.