SRI annouces commercially viable tyre recycling technology

ERJ staff report (RD)

Kuala Lumpur -- Sekhar Research Innovations (SRI), developer of cleantech solutions for tyre recycling technologies, has announced the world's “first commercially viable recycling solution that addresses the problem of scrap tyres globally,” a 12 May statement said.

“SRI's technology will fundamentally change the landscape of rubber manufacturing and tyre waste management, as we know it today. For the first time scrap tyre material can be utilised in substantial proportions in the manufacture of premium rubber goods, such as tyres,” said Gopinath Sekhar, SRI ceo.

SRI has been developing its proprietary solutions since 2006, having invested more than RM 3 million (Euro 740 000) to date. The proprietary SRI Activation Technology has successfully produced compounds that are currently being tested and evaluated by leading global tyre manufacturers, the statement said. Locally, SRI is involved in ongoing evaluations and road testing trials with the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia.

SRI Compound Masterbatch (MB) is derived from the recycling of scrap tyre rubber that has been devulcanized and converted into raw material rubber compound. The primary input material for SRI's process is 40 mesh (less than .04 mm) crumb rubber from ordinary whole car and truck tyres.

In two months, SRI will produce 50 metric tons of SRI Compound Masterbatch per month at its present test facility located in Malaysia, the company added.

This initial production will be targeted towards the retread tyre and general rubber goods market, and is expected to generate revenues in excess of RM 2 million per annum.

“In the meantime we are finalising sites for a full size production facility in Port Klang which is expected to be operational by the end of this year. This plant will produce approximately 20 000 metric tons of SRI Compound Masterbatch annually and represents an investment of RM 35 million,” Sekhar said, adding, “This facility, targeting the demands of Malaysia and ASEAN markets, will generate revenues in excess of RM 80 million per annum.”

As part of SRI's global expansion strategy, it has a licensee in the United States for the eventual production of SRI Compound Masterbatch. Similar agreements are underway in Europe and Asia.

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Press release from Sekhar Research Innovations SDN DHD