BERWYN, Pa. — Synthetic polymers producer Trinseo Inc. has struck a "commercial collaboration" deal with a Swiss tire recycling firm to accelerate the development of sustainable synthetic rubber tire formulations through increased use of recycled tires.
The agreement with Préverenges, Switzerland-based Tyre Recycling Solutions S.A. (TRS) calls for the companies to collaborate on research and development, pooling their combined technology expertise to help global tire manufacturers develop more sustainable tire formulations, the companies said. Trinseo also plans to make an as-yet undisclosed investment in TRS as part of the deal.
"This collaboration is extremely important for developing real circular solutions for the tire and technical rubber goods industries," Francesca Reverberi, vice president, engineered materials and synthetic rubber, for Trinseo, said.
"As a leading supplier of synthetic rubber to the tire industry, we are committed to helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals and believe that the most successful way to do this is through collaboration across the value chain. The partnership with TRS will provide us with high quality recycled tire feedstock to serve customers globally."
Berwyn-based Trinseo, a producer of plastics, latex binders and synthetic rubber, and TRS share 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."
TRS was founded in 2013 with a goal of building global solutions for the collection, processing and recycling of scrap tires through the development and implementation of innovative technologies and business processes.
Trinseo said the investment in TRS is consistent with its 2030 Sustainability Goals, which outline the company's focus on tackling climate change, embedding sustainability in its product portfolio, promoting supplier and operational stewardship, and embodying responsibility as an employer.
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.
TRS uses a water-jet milling process that produces high-performance powder for use as raw materials in a variety of industrial rubber products and high value applications and compounds. TRS derives its revenue from equipment sales, licenses and sale of high-performance rubber powder under its globally trademarked brand name TyreXol.