Pyrum and UNITANK Launch European Tyre Recycling Venture

Pyrum Innovations AG of Saarland and Hamburg-based UNITANK Holding GmbH & Co. KG have formalized a joint venture aimed at expanding tyre recycling capacity across Europe, according to company reporting. The collaboration, structured with UNITANK holding a 51% stake and Pyrum 49%, is expected to position the partners as a leading producer of tyre-derived materials through pyrolysis.

The new entity, branded UniPyrum and headquartered in Hamburg, plans to develop five to ten advanced recycling plants over the coming years. Each facility will initially operate three thermolysis reactors capable of processing at least 22,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres annually, with modular technology allowing for scalable growth in line with market demand. Observers note that, if fully realized, UniPyrum could become the largest producer of tyre-derived materials in Europe by volume.

The move comes amid rising attention on circular economy initiatives and sustainable waste management. European tyre recycling has historically been fragmented, with plants often limited by capacity and technological constraints. Analysts say the market is increasingly favoring high-efficiency pyrolysis systems, which can convert tyres into oil, carbon black, and steel for reuse. Past efforts by Pyrum include partnerships in Greece and with SUAS, signaling a strategic push to consolidate operations across the continent.

UNITANK’s CEO Jan Vogel emphasized the venture’s growth potential beyond the company’s traditional tank storage business. “The combination of Pyrum’s leading technology and our extensive experience in operating critical infrastructure in the energy sector opens up exciting opportunities for the future,” Vogel said, noting plans to rapidly develop sites in Germany and neighboring countries. Pyrum CEO Pascal Klein highlighted the venture’s role in accelerating plant construction and enhancing Europe-wide recycling capabilities. “The founding of the joint venture with UNITANK represents the next important step in finally accelerating the construction and operation of new plants,” Klein added.

Preparatory work has already begun, with three initial plant sites identified and pre-engineering tasks underway. UNITANK has proposed its Emleben site in Thuringia as a potential first location, while both companies are initiating approval procedures and engaging prospective tyre suppliers and end-product buyers. Industry groups argue that such coordinated efforts could set new benchmarks for efficiency and environmental performance in tyre recycling.

Looking ahead, UniPyrum aims to scale operations rapidly, potentially reshaping the European tyre recycling landscape and strengthening supply chains for secondary raw materials. Observers note that the partnership may also serve as a model for integrating industrial expertise with emerging clean technologies.

Source: Tire and Rubber Recycling

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Pyrum and UNITANK’s joint venture marks a significant step toward scaling advanced tyre recycling across Europe.