RUB-UP

Introduction 

End-of-life tyres represent a growing global environmental challenge. Current recycling methods, such as mechanical grinding into granulate, are increasingly restricted due to health and regulatory concerns. RUB-UP aims to turn this problem into an opportunity by developing an innovative technology that converts vulcanized rubber waste into high-value chemicals and functional materials. This approach supports circularity and reduces dependence on fossil carbon. The project is executed by KU Leuven (cMACS) and Ghent University (LCT, STEN) in close collaboration with industry. 

Goal 

The project will create an integrated, multi-step valorization platform to: 

• Produce high-purity devulcanized rubber with low sulfur content for reuse. 

• Transform rubber polymers into BTX aromatics (benzene, toluene, xylenes) and dienes (butadiene, isoprene), essential building blocks for plastics, textiles, and coatings. The ultimate goal is a scalable, sustainable solution that replaces downcycling with true circular valorization.

Approach 

RUB-UP combines three key innovations: 

• Reactive devulcanization and sulfur removal using supercritical fluids and greener agents. 

• Selective purification to remove carbon black, fillers, and additives. 

• Catalytic conversion of rubber polymers into BTX aromatics and dienes via sulfur-tolerant catalysts, integrating CO₂ reduction for enhanced circularity.  

Expected impact and valorization 

• Environmental: Significant reduction of harmful emissions and up to 42% lower CO₂ footprint compared to mechanical recycling.  

• Economic: Creation of new business models by producing high-value outputs instead of low-grade granulate.  

• Technological: Breakthrough in sulfur-resistant catalysis and circular chemistry.  

• Policy: Supports EU Green Deal, REACH, and Circular Economy Action Plan.