Recycled carbonaceous materials from pyrolysis of end-of-life tyres for useing in EAF steelmaking
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan - Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan Inst f materialvetenskap |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 995 692 |
| Project duration | November 2024 - June 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals |
Important results from the project
This project explored the feasibility of using end-of-life tyres, as an alternative carbon source for EAF steel production, through pyrolysis. The project starts reviewing on the use of alternative carbon sources in EAF steelmaking. Then laboratory-scale pyrolysis of waste-tyres tests have been be performed. Mainly results are a higher sulfur in the recycled carbon needed to be considered when this is used for EAF. A carbon emission from such material is lower than that of fresh fossil carbon.
Expected long term effects
The project promotes circular economy by using pyrolyzed carbon from waste tires in EAF steelmaking, reducing landfill and fossil coke use. It enables 17–26% CO₂ emission reduction per ton of carbon, supports resource efficiency, and aligns with green steel and sustainability goals. The process is scalable, economically viable, and compatible with existing EAFs, offering long-term benefits for decarbonization and industrial adoption.
Approach and implementation
The project was structured into five work packages (WP1–WP5) as below. KTH coordinated the project, with active contributions from Outokumpu AB, Ovako AB, Envigas AB, and Stena Recycling AB. all go as planed.