Wheels turning for proposed tyre recycling facility

USED tyres will be given new life through an initiative at the Geelong Refinery.

Viva Energy has taken the first step toward developing a tyre-recycling facility that would have the capacity to process up to 80,000 tonnes of used tyres per year.

It means tyres would be diverted from landfill and contribute to the manufacture of lower-carbon fuels.

Viva has signed a memorandum of understanding with Canadian resource recovery and advanced recycling business Klean Industries to collaborate on a pre-feasibility study for the establishment of the facility.

Klean Industries specialises in recovering resources derived from end-of-life tyres, non-recycled plastics and other waste materials.

If it goes ahead, the biogenic pyrolysis oil extracted will be processed through the refinery after being sorted and processed by Klean.

Viva chief strategy officer Lachlan Pfeiffer said the project marked a critical step in a new role the refinery could play in the future.

“By transforming end-of-life tyres into valuable resources, we are not only reducing waste but also pioneering new paths for low-carbon fuel production.

“This project demonstrates our determination to develop a circular economy and deliver environmental and economic benefits for the community.”