Viva Energy, Klean Industries sign MOU to explore tire-recycling facility in Melbourne

Image: Klean Industries

Canadian recycling firm Klean Industries announced March 10 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Viva Energy to conduct a prefeasibility study for Viva Energy’s proposed tire-recycling facility in Melbourne, Australia.

Viva Energy has announced plans to develop the facility in Melbourne to process up to 80,000 metric tons of used tires annually to divert waste from landfills and contribute to the production of lower-carbon fuels.

This initiative aligns with Viva Energy’s commitment to sustainable waste management and resource recovery.

“This partnership with Klean Industries is an important development for Viva Energy as we explore new pathways to a more sustainable future for our refinery,” said Lachlan Pfeiffer, Viva Energy’s chief strategy officer. “By transforming end-of-life tires into valuable resources, we are reducing waste and pioneering new paths for low-carbon fuel production.”

The proposed plant would recover three key materials from end-of-life tires:

• Recovered carbon black used in tire and plastic manufacturing.

• Steel for recycling.

• Biogenic pyrolysis oil to be processed at Viva Energy’s Geelong Refinery for low-carbon fuel production.

Jesse Klinkhamer, CEO of Klean Industries, said the company is excited to join in a strategic partnership with Viva Energy to effectively address the end-of-life tire crisis in Australia.

“Together, we are poised to transform used tires into sustainable products that fulfill the growing demand for sustainable low-carbon fuels and raw materials,” Klinkhamer said. “Together, we are making a difference and leading towards a more sustainable future.”

Viva Energy is importing a shipment of tire pyrolysis oil to the Geelong Refinery for processing trials using Klean’s technology.

The company has also announced other initiatives to process alternative feedstocks, including soft plastics, tallow and used cooking oil to reduce waste and support Australia’s circular economy.

Klean Industries said Viva Energy selected it as a key technology provider for the Melbourne tire-recycling facility due to Klean Industries’ proven expertise in pyrolysis, advanced resource recovery, and sustainable waste-to-energy solutions.

Klean Industries’ pyrolysis system has a high-efficiency tire-to-fuel conversion ratio to produce biogenic tire pyrolysis oil (TPO).

Viva Energy can process this TPO to create sustainable and circular low carbon-intensity fuels such as biogenic marine fuel.

Additionally, Klean’s carbon-upgrading technology ensures superior recovered carbon black (rCB) quality, which provides a seamless integration into the circular economy.

Klean said its modular, scalable tire-pyrolysis systems deliver maximum yield, reduced emissions and industry-leading operational efficiency, making them the preferred choice for global energy companies, rubber compounders and sustainable manufacturers.

“Klean’s turnkey solutions enable energy companies and tire manufacturers to meet stringent environmental regulations, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and create high-value, sustainable raw materials for rubber production, industrial applications and alternative-energy markets,” Klean Industries stated.