Wastefront has secured a strategic recovered carbon black (rCB) supply agreement with Weber & Schaer, one of Europe’s leading rubber and chemical distributors. This partnership aims to strengthen the circular economy by integrating rCB into tire and rubber manufacturing supply chains. As demand for sustainable alternatives to virgin carbon black grows, rCB is positioned as a key material for reducing environmental impact and enhancing the sustainability of end-of-life tire (ELT) recycling.

However, with challenges in securing UK-based feedstock, the success of projects like this will depend on overcoming supply constraints. This market analysis explores the implications of the Wastefront-Weber & Schaer deal, industry trends, and the broader challenges facing rCB supply chains.

Wastefront AS has announced a significant partnership with Weber & Schaer, one of Europe’s largest distributors of rubber industry products, for the offtake and on-sale of their Recovered Carbon Black (rCB). According to Wastefront, this agreement secures a fully circular supply chain for end-of-life tires (ELTs) in the UK. The deal initially covers a minimum of 35% of rCB produced at Wastefront’s Sunderland plant, with potential for future expansion.

By manufacturing renewable fuels and new tires using ELTs and rCB, Wastefront moves closer to its goal of creating a Green Global Industrial Platform. With Weber & Schaer’s expertise in rubber, carbon black, plastic, and adhesives distribution across Europe, Wastefront’s ELT solution contributes to the global circular economy while expanding into new markets.

The agreement is particularly significant given the EU sanctions limiting imports of carbon black from Russia (a sizable amount of the carbon black utilized in Europe is produced in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus). With the carbon black market projected to grow significantly, domestic production of rCB becomes crucial. Wastefront has established key partnerships to develop its circular supply chain, including agreements with Vitol and Technip Energies.

Furthermore, Wastefront has partnered with Gateway Resources and ENSO to guarantee the supply of ELTs and establish a global presence for the offtake and on-sale of their rCB. Through these strategic alliances, Wastefront has built a blueprint to scale its Green Global Industrial Platform beyond the Sunderland plant.

In addition to completing its circular supply chain, Wastefront is actively engaged in research and development with partners such as Hulteberg and Newcastle University to optimize processes and enhance their rCB. The company’s pyrolytic reactors utilize pyrolysis to break down tire materials, producing rCB and other by-products. Once fully operational, Wastefront’s Sunderland plant will process a significant portion of the UK’s ELTs and contribute to reducing emissions.

To reduce pollution caused by landfilling or incinerating tires, Wastefront’s Sunderland plant will process 80,000 tons of ELTs annually, significantly mitigating CO2 emissions and generating sustainable power and low-carbon fuels for maritime transportation.

Overall, the partnership between Wastefront and Weber & Schaer marks a crucial step towards achieving a circular supply chain and positively impacting the environment by utilizing recovered carbon black.

To find out more, proceed to Wastefront’s article.

How rCB Feedstock Challenges Could Impact Wastefront’s Future & Why Klean Industries Has the Solution

While the Wastefront-Weber & Schaer partnership is a promising step in scaling rCB adoption, securing sufficient feedstock for UK tire pyrolysis plants is a significant challenge. Over 85% of the UK’s waste tires are being exported to India, creating a severe supply constraint for domestic rCB production. Without a secure and sustainable feedstock supply, UK-based tire pyrolysis projects could face significant operational risks, planning delays, and financial uncertainty.

Discover the Critical UK Feedstock Challenge & How It Affects the Future of Tire Recycling

Read Klean Industries’ UK Case Study on the tire feedstock crisis and why local supply chain resilience is crucial for the success of pyrolysis and rCB production in the UK » GO.

Want a Proven, Feedstock-Secure Pyrolysis Solution?

Contact Klean Industries to explore scalable, high-performance tire recycling solutions that ensure feedstock security and long-term profitability » GO.