Used tires are either:

- re-used in another region where circumstances and/or demands are different then the regions where these are originally used

- re-treaded when the casing is still in order and approved for further operations

- shredded and its crumb or granulates are used for artificial grass or other “lower” end applications when the casings are disapproved.

- further grinded into powders or devulcanized into rubber reclaim; a masterbatch for high-end applications for tire- and other suitable compounds.

There are a few variables to determine which process to choose for devulcanization; mechanically, chemically and some in between. Then there are powder choices; ambient versus cryogenic.

Some variables, but certainly not all, are mentioned below:

• The kind of available rubber waste
• The intended final application; which properties are required
• Preference and knowledge of shareholders and management
• The rubber volumes
• Local labour versus energy costs

The options vary from the family of screws, till the family of autoclaves and reactors. All the options have different advantages and obviously also disadvantages.

Berub BV has the ability, experience, knowledge and contacts to guide within the decision-making process.