Joint venture focuses on tire pyrolysis

Prismore Capital, BDI-BioEnergy International GmbH and JR New Horizons, the investment arm of the Germany-based Rieckermann Group, have jointly acquired Grupo BB&G's advanced tire pyrolysis technology through BB&G Recycling, a newly formed subsidiary.

The investment includes patents, know-how, a demo plant in Portugal and a collaboration agreement with industry leaders Bridgestone and Versalis.

The deal was finalized after BDI-BioEnergy, co-acquired by Rieckermann in January 2024, was approached by Portugal-based Prismore Capital to be a potential technology and investment partner. BDI is a supplier and developer of greentech solutions headquartered in Austria.

"This strategic investment marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen and scale our circular economy vertical," Prismore Capital CEO Miguel Gil Mata says. "We are excited to collaborate with BDI and Rieckermann to bring this cutting-edge technology to market.”

The technology converts end-of-life tires into valuable products through a proprietary pyrolysis process. This process produces tire pyrolysis oil (TPO) and recovered carbon black (rCB), both of which can be utilized to manufacture new tires or alternative rubber-based products such as seals and compound-based plastic products.

The companies say the joint venture through Portugal-based BB&G has further strengthened the continued development of the BB&G brand through continued process optimization that will lead to enhanced technology availability and high-quality product offerings in the market.

“BDI is proud to be the technology partner in this joint venture," say David Niederl and Manfred Baumgartner, managing directors of BDI. "The innovative tire pyrolysis technology not only addresses a critical environmental issue but also promotes a circular economy by converting end-of-life tires into valuable products. This strategic investment also allows us to diversify and strengthen our position in pyrolysis technologies, thereby fostering innovation and technological advancements within the industry.”

Rieckermann Chairman Flynn Seidel adds, "With the tire pyrolysis technology, our customers in Asia can look forward to the development of new and improved products and high-quality, sustainable options. Leveraging on the Rieckermann Group’s extensive operating network in Asia and MENA, we can effectively market the technology licenses and solidify BB&G’s position and ours as the first-choice industrial solution provider.”