Recent Advances on Thermochemical Recycling of End-of-Life Tires and Their Coblending with Waste Plastic Fractions

As the number of vehicles on the road continues to rise, so does the challenge of dealing with millions of end-of-life tires (ELT) discarded yearly. These nonbiodegradable materials pose serious environmental and economic concerns, making it crucial to find sustainable ways to recycle them into potential usable products. One of the most promising solutions is pyrolysis, a thermochemical process that breaks down ELT into valuable products. This timely review explores the latest advancements in the pyrolysis of ELT, where different reactor designs were explored, such as fixed bed, fluidized bed, and vacuum reactors, along with key process conditions that influence the quality of products, most notably the tire pyrolysis oil (TPO). The review also examines the copyrolysis of ELT with waste plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. The primary aim is to enhance the quality of TPO through a series of H-derived reactions. Catalysts also play a crucial role in this process via improving selectivity toward alkylated benzenes, and through reducing the sulfur content for cleaner fuel production. Despite its high potential, pyrolysis of ELT entails considerable drawbacks, most notably the production of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and sulfuric products, which requires advanced control technologies and regulatory frameworks to ensure environmental compliance. By bringing together the latest insights and addressing key obstacles, this perspective highlights the role of pyrolysis-based operations in creating a more sustainable, circular approach to ELT management.