The Scottish Government has granted planning approval for a new tyre recycling facility in Linwood, Renfrewshire, to address the growing challenge of waste tyres across the country.
The facility, operated by Renfrewshire-based SSH Recycling, is the first of its kind in the UK and is designed to recycle or repurpose every component part of waste tyres.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with operations expected by 2027. The facility will create up to 80 jobs, including skilled scientific roles and apprenticeships, contributing to local economic development and bringing over £120 million of investment to the West of Scotland.
“The approval of this facility represents a major milestone in Scotland’s transition to a circular economy” said Robert Keay, Director of Operations at SSH Recycling.
“By transforming waste tyres into valuable materials, we’re addressing a significant environmental problem and supporting other industries to lower their carbon footprints. We’re proud that this plant sets new standards for sustainable resource management, while providing local jobs, investing in the local economy, and protecting Scotland’s environment.”
Once operational, the plant will process up to 100,000 tonnes of waste tyres annually, equivalent to over one million commercial tyres and nearly four million passenger tyres. It will operate as a carbon-negative facility, preventing approximately 2.7 tonnes of CO₂ emissions for every tonne of waste tyre processed.
Recycled materials from the facility will be used as a substitute for virgin rubber in tyre manufacturing, alongside in industrial products and construction.
The Linwood site has been designed with flood-resilient infrastructure to address local environmental concerns. Processing equipment will be elevated to reduce flood risk, and the buildings are designed to accommodate floodwater without displacing it to surrounding areas.
An on-site energy system powered by micro turbines will generate low-carbon energy, initially using green gas with plans to transition to green hydrogen.
Source: Tyretradenews
