IMPLEMENTING KLEAN INDUSTRIES' ADVANCED TIRE PYROLYSIS TECHNOLOGY IN JAPAN WITH LIFE FOR TYRES (L4T)

Klean Industries and L4T Group have partnered to deploy advanced tire pyrolysis technology in Japan, addressing the growing challenge of end-of-life tire (ELT) management. With Japan generating approximately 90 million ELTs annually, this project aims to transform waste tires into high-value recovered carbon black (rCB) and advanced biofuels. The first plant, planned for Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture, will leverage Klean’s industry-leading pyrolysis solutions alongside L4T’s operational expertise. This initiative supports Japan’s circular economy efforts and strengthens the country’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing and carbon reduction.

The Challenge

Japan generates a significant number of end-of-life tires (ELTs) annually, necessitating efficient and sustainable disposal methods. In 2023, the country produced approximately 90 million ELTs, with 78 million arising from tire replacements and 12 million from scrapped vehicles. While the effective utilization rate of these tires reached 99.2%, primarily through thermal recycling in paper mills and chemical plants, the reliance on traditional disposal methods presents environmental challenges and limits the recovery of valuable materials. Additionally, the import of cut/shredded ELTs has been increasing, reaching approximately 139,200 tons in 2023, indicating a growing demand for ELT processing.

The Solution

To address these challenges, Klean Industries Inc. ("Klean") and Life for Tyres Ltd. ("L4T") entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on deploying advanced tire pyrolysis technology in Japan. This partnership aims to transform ELTs into valuable commodities such as recovered carbon black (rCB) and advanced biofuels, thereby supporting a circular economy. The initial project is planned for Koriyama City in the Fukushima prefecture, approximately 230 km from Tokyo. ​

See more details about the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with L4T >> GO.

Klean brings over 20 years of experience in Japan, having established tire pyrolysis plants and built strong relationships with feedstock and offtake partners. L4T, through its subsidiary L4T Japan G.K., complements this with a robust network, including partnerships with major commodity suppliers. The integration of Klean's proprietary technologies and L4T's operational expertise is expected to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of ELT processing in Japan.

This project intends to utilize the patent-pending Klean Loop™ platform, which will provide supply chain transparency and further enable supply chain partners to measurably improve their financial and environmental performance.

The integration of the Klean Loop™—a blockchain-powered SaaS platform will provide:

• End-to-end transparency across the tyre recycling and manufacturing supply chain
• Track & trace capabilities for recovered carbon black, tyre-derived oil, and carbon credits
• Seamless data integration to support regulatory compliance and carbon offset reporting

By combining Klean's advanced pyrolysis technology with L4T's operational capabilities, the project aims to achieve several positive outcomes:​

• Resource Recovery: Efficient conversion of ELTs into high-quality rCB and biofuels reduces reliance on virgin materials and lowers carbon emissions.​
• Environmental Benefits: Minimizing ELT accumulation and illegal dumping, contributing to a cleaner environment, and supporting Japan's sustainability goals.​
• Economic Growth: Development of a new industry sector focused on sustainable commodity production, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity in the region.​
• Technological Leadership: Positioning Japan as a leader in advanced ELT processing technologies, setting a benchmark for other countries to follow.

This collaboration exemplifies how strategic partnerships and innovative technologies can address environmental challenges while fostering economic and technological advancements.

Why Klean Industries & L4T Are Leading Japan’s Tire Pyrolysis Market

As Japan accelerates its efforts to establish a circular economy for end-of-life tires, Klean Industries and L4T are at the forefront of this transformation with industry-leading tire pyrolysis solutions.

Why Klean & L4T’s Partnership is the Future of ELT Recycling in Japan:

✅ Advanced Pyrolysis Technology – Converting ELTs into high-quality recovered carbon black & sustainable biofuels.
✅ A Scalable, Market-Driven Solution – Designed to support Japan’s growing ELT recycling demand and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
✅ Circular Economy Impact – Enhancing supply chain sustainability by reintegrating recovered materials into tire & rubber manufacturing.
✅ Proven Experience in Japan’s ELT Market – Klean & L4T bring decades of expertise and strong industry partnerships to support long-term success.

Want to Learn More About Advanced Tire Recycling in Japan?

Contact Klean Industries to explore scalable, high-performance tire pyrolysis solutions for the Japanese market >> GO.