Trinseo partners with Swiss recycler for sustainable tire rubber 

Berwyn, Pennsylvania – Trinseo SA has struck a “commercial collaboration” deal with Switzerland-based Tyre Recycling Solutions (TRS) to accelerate the development of sustainable synthetic rubber tire formulations through increased use of recycled tires.

The agreement calls for the companies to collaborate on R&D, pooling their combined technology expertise to help global tire manufacturers develop more sustainable tire formulations, the companies announced 27 Oct. 

Trinseo also plans to make an as-yet-undisclosed investment in the Swiss recycler as part of the deal. 

“This collaboration is extremely important for developing real circular solutions for the tire and technical rubber goods industries,” said Francesca Reverberi, VP engineered materials and synthetic rubber for Trinseo. 

Trinseo, said Reverberi, aims to help customers achieve their sustainability goals through collaboration across the value chain. 

“The partnership with TRS will provide us with high quality recycled tire feedstock to serve customers globally,” she added. 

Berwyn-based Trinseo has set itself a long-term goal of developing “value-creating” systems for producing tires that reduce environmental footprint and create a sustainable outlet for end-of-life tires.

Noting that TRS has been working with Trinseo for several years, TRS CEO Staffan Ahlgren called the partnership “confirmation of the great strides we’ve made since the company was founded seven years ago.”

Headquartered in Préverenges, Switzerland, TRS has a recycling facility in Yvonand, in western Switzerland.

The company uses a water-jet milling process that produces “high-performance” rubber powder for use as raw materials in a variety of industrial rubber products and applications. 

TRS derives its revenue from equipment sales, licenses and sale of rubber powder under its globally trademarked brand name TyreXol.

Trinseo said the investment in TRS is consistent with its 2030 Sustainability Goals, which outline the company’s focus on tackling climate change.

Trinseo’s synthetic rubber portfolio comprises both emulsion- and solution solution-styrene-butadiene rubber (e-SBR and s-SBR) under the brand names Buna and Sprintan. Production is located at a plant in Schkopau, Germany.