Pyrolysis of end-of-life tyres

8.11.2017

Question for written answer E-006871-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Emilian Pavel (S&D)

3.2 million tonnes of end-of-life tyres are produced every year in the EU, of which roughly 50% are still being (co-)incinerated in a primarily destructive process. However, several environmental protection agencies recommend the pyrolysis of end-of-life tyres as an alternative recycling method and recovery strategy. The pyrolysis of tyres involves their thermal decomposition in the absence of air to prevent oxidation. It has been studied thoroughly during recent decades and may represent one of the most eco-effective technologies for the treatment of end-of-life tyres.

EU legislation classifies the depolymerisation of tyres by pyrolysis as an incineration activity. However, as the pyrolysis of end-of-life tyres has been proven as an energy and material recovery process, it should be differentiated from incineration and enhanced as a method with greater environmental and energetic benefits than combustion-incineration, also resulting in ‘zero waste’.

1. Would the Commission be able to follow this line of argument and aim to further encourage the recycling of end-of-life tyres by pyrolysis in the EU?

2. Would the Commission encourage and support further research and development on pyrolysis for other waste streams (e.g. for plastic waste, contaminated soils, etc.) and, in particular, the realisation of pyrolysis projects for end-of-life tyres?