Innovative plan: convert used tyres into SAF
A groundbreaking project in Sunderland aims to produce jet fuel from recycled tyres, addressing both aviation fuel demands and tyre waste issues, with the first factory set to begin construction soon.
In a novel approach to reducing carbon emissions, the aviation industry is turning to a surprising source: worn-out British car tyres. The Telegraph reports that a Norwegian company, Wastefront, is leading this innovative effort from Sunderland docks, where it plans to construct a factory to convert tyres into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Pyrolytic modules
Wastefront's facility will process 80,000 tons of tyres annually using pyrolytic modules. These modules will heat the tyres to 500 degrees without oxygen, breaking them down into oil, soot, and gas. The oil extracted will be used as the feedstock for SAF, while the gas will power the process, making it energy-efficient.
Vianney Valès, Wastefront’s CEO, highlighted the environmental impact, stating that many assume tyres are recycled, but they are often incinerated in Asia. This project not only aims to support the aviation industry but also recover other substances that can be reused by tyre manufacturers.
110,000 tons of SAF
The Telegraph reports that, with plans to scale up to 20 modules, Wastefront could potentially consume all of the UK's used tyres, producing 110,000 tons of SAF annually. This would cover 1% of the UK’s aviation fuel demand, a significant increase from the current levels of SAF available in the country.
The plant is set to commence construction next month and start production in early 2026. This initiative aligns with the UK's goal of using 10% SAF in aviation by 2030, contributing to the global mandate for net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
Alternative feedstocks for SAF
According to the report of The Telegraph, the project underscores the urgent need for alternative feedstocks in SAF production, given the limitations of current sources like cooking oil. Valès pointed out the advantages of using tyres, which provide a cost-effective and technically feasible solution to meet the aviation industry's sustainability targets.
