Marubeni Corporation has acquired a stake in Green Rubber Energy (GRE), a Thai company specializing in the pyrolysis recycling of end-of-life tires (ELT). The ¥1 billion ($7 million) investment aims to support GRE’s technology, which converts discarded tires into valuable raw materials like recovered carbon black (rCB) and tire pyrolysis oil (TPO), reducing reliance on incineration and landfilling.
GRE’s pyrolysis method offers a sustainable solution by producing high-quality rCB, now viable for tire manufacturing due to a reduction in impurities. Marubeni plans to leverage its subsidiaries, including B-Quik Co., Ltd., to supply ELTs and use its network to sell recycled materials.
The initiative aligns with Marubeni’s green strategy outlined in its GC2024 mid-term plan, focusing on sustainable value chains in the tire and rubber industry. Beyond Thailand, the company intends to expand tire recycling operations across Southeast Asia and Japan. The move highlights growing regulatory pressures and industry demands for environmentally friendly tire disposal and production methods.
