A process known as nano surface intensification will be employed at a new tyre recovery facility to produce highly homogeneous wood replacement goods from waste tyres and recycled UPVC.

The facility, which will be operated by Gradena, a joint venture between waste consultancy firm Gradsol and nanotechnology specialist Dena Technology, will process around 1,200 tonnes of waste tyres in the first year before scaling up production.

According to Gradena, the end wood replacement product can be moulded and cut into a wide range of shapes to meet customer requirements and will have specific physical and chemical properties that make it more desirable than natural alternatives.

It will also be far less susceptible to degradation from adverse conditions such as heat, cold, dampness, wind, insects and UV and at end of life, can be recycled. Gradena has just received investment for the project from Iona Capital.

Gradsol’s finance director Robert Paley said that the efficient use of recycled tyres and UPVC not only reduces waste volumes, but can produce new recyclable products. “We even expect to have off-cuts and end-of-life recovery programmes so that nothing is wasted,” he added.

Maxine Perella

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