VTTI has announced the development of its TyreLoop project at the existing VTTI Antwerp terminal in Belgium, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to supporting the circular economy and global energy transition. The innovative initiative focuses on converting end-of-life tyres into valuable secondary raw materials, including Tyre-Derived Oil and Recovered Carbon Black.
Strategic Partnership and Technology
The project represents a major milestone in VTTI’s sustainability efforts, with the company having made substantial progress during the 2025 feasibility phase. VTTI has secured Pyrum Innovation AG as its development partner through a consultancy agreement signed in February, alongside contracting specialised permitting and engineering consultants.
Pyrum brings proven expertise in waste tyre recycling through thermolysis technology, having been selected following a comprehensive evaluation process. The German company’s proprietary and patented thermolysis technology, combined with its successful track record of industrial-scale operations across Europe, positioned it as the ideal partner for this ambitious project.
Market Engagement Initiative
VTTI officially launched a market consultation process on September 9, 2025, seeking potential offtakers for Tyre-Derived Oil produced by the facility. The structured approach involves a two-phase process, with interested parties required to submit expressions of interest by October 17, 2025, at 18:00 CEST.
The consultation process requires participants to complete a comprehensive information package including a non-disclosure agreement and detailed questionnaire. Following the initial phase, VTTI aims to finalise Heads of Agreements with selected partners by the first quarter of 2026, establishing the commercial framework for the project’s operations.
Advanced Production Process
The TyreLoop facility employs a sophisticated three-stage production process designed to maximise resource recovery and minimise environmental impact. The process begins with off-site pre-treatment, where waste tyres undergo shredding and separation to remove steel wire and textile components, leaving clean rubber granulates for processing.
The core thermolysis process occurs on-site through thermal decomposition at high temperatures, producing TDO, pyrolytic gas, and recovered carbon black. The system demonstrates remarkable efficiency by utilising pyrolytic gas to generate electricity for heating the pyrolysis reactors. Notably, the natural rubber content contributes to a minimum 40 percent biogenic component in the resulting pyrolysis oil.
Post-treatment operations transform the solid char fraction through milling and pelletising processes, creating rCB suitable for various applications including new tyre production, mechanical rubber goods, and specialty products such as paints.
Quality Assurance and Certifications
The partnership with Pyrum ensures access to best-in-class pyrolysis technology, enabling consistent TDO quality backed by thousands of tonnes of delivered product from Pyrum’s Dillingen plant. The facility plans to obtain comprehensive certifications including ISCC+, REACH compliance, ISO 9001 and 14001 standards, VDA 6.3, IMUG ESG certification, and ISCC EU designation.
Strategic Location Advantages
The project benefits from VTTI Antwerp’s strategic positioning within the Port of Antwerp and Bruges, situated at the heart of Europe’s largest integrated chemical cluster. The location provides exceptional connectivity through extensive pipeline networks and proximity to major end-of-life tyre markets in Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.
The existing terminal infrastructure offers significant operational advantages, including established utilities, experienced operators with strong safety cultures, and comprehensive logistics capabilities. The facility supports multiple transportation modes through dedicated train, truck, and ship loading facilities, enabling efficient distribution across European markets.
Broader Sustainability Goals
TyreLoop directly supports VTTI’s ambitious target of generating 50 percent of earnings from transitional and sustainable energies while expanding infrastructure that enables circular economy solutions globally. The project exemplifies the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility by reducing dependence on virgin materials and supporting sustainable industrial practices.
The initiative addresses the growing challenge of waste tyre management while creating valuable secondary raw materials, demonstrating how industrial innovation can simultaneously tackle environmental concerns and create economic value in the transition toward a more sustainable energy future.
