Circular economy in precipitated silica: innovation using rice husk and end-of-life tyres

The tyre sector is making a forward-looking commitment to sustainability. Since the early 2000s, synthetic amorphous precipitated silica (SAS) has been part of some low fuel-consumption tread formulations, known as “green tyres”. The circular economy, and the use of renewable and/or recyclable raw materials, represents a further step towards improved sustainability. In this context, the recycling of this filler from end-of-life tyres and its incorporation into the manufacture of circular silica, as well as the use of renewable silicon sources —with rice husk ash (RHA) being one of the most promising residues— are under study and/or implementation. The talk will present the steps taken by Industrias Químicas del Ebro S.A. to advance these objectives and become a manufacturer of circular and sustainable materials.