reclaimed rubber production line

Scrap tires, known as "black pollution" within the industry, present a major global waste challenge. Their durability and volume make them difficult to dispose of. However, their high calorific value and low moisture content also make them a powerful alternative fuel, particularly for the cement industry. This process of converting whole tires into a usable energy source is both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. ​1. Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF) is a Greener Choice​ Research from a French company shows that scrap tires contain biomass components like natural rubber, rayon, and stearic acid. Passenger car tires are 17-20% biomass, while truck tires are 28-30% biomass. Tests on burned Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF) have yielded positive environmental results: It emits less carbon dioxide (CO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) than high-sulfur coal. The ash residue from burned tires contains fewer heavy metals than ash from some types of coal. Tires generate as much energy as oil, 25-50% more energy than coal, and 100-200% more energy than wood when burned. ​2. TDF is Widely Used Around the World​ The use of TDF began in Germany in the 1950s and is now common internationally. In the ​United States, over 40% of cement plants burn scrap tires for fuel. In ​Japan, approximately 10% of scrap tires are used as alternative fuel in cement kilns. In Eastern European countries like ​Poland​ and ​Ukraine, scrap tires are a primary energy source for rotary kilns, achieving a fuel substitution rate of over 60%. Major global cement companies are also significant users: ​Holcim: 10% of alternative fuel ​Cemex: 16% of alternative fuel ​Heidelberg Cement: 11.6% of alternative fuel ​Lafarge: 19.7% of alternative fuel While TDF was not widely used in China before, the country's push to reduce coal consumption has led to growing adoption in the cement industry. Now, over 6% of cement kilns in China are equipped to co-process scrap tires, unlocking the sector's waste-utilization and environmental potential. ​3. Industries That Use TDF​ The high heat value of scrap tires makes them an excellent alternative fuel for energy-intensive industries. ​Cement Plants:​​ The cement industry uses more tire-derived fuel than any other sector. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cement kilns in the U.S. burn approximately ​71 million​ scrap tires every year. ​Power Plants:​​ Utility boilers, which traditionally burn coal to generate electricity, use about ​42 million​ tires annually. The high heat value and low cost of TDF make it an ideal supplemental fuel. ​Paper Mills:​​ The pulp and paper industry uses roughly ​30 million​ tires each year to fuel its boilers. Using scrap tires as fuel solves two problems at once: it reduces "black pollution" from waste tires and cuts down on coal consumption. This creates a circular economy that is both practical and green. The successful global use of TDF proves that what was once a major waste problem can now be a source of clean, efficient energy. ​Conclusion​ The journey from a pile of scrap tires to a source of clean energy is a powerful example of innovation. Turning "black pollution" into fuel helps protect our environment and conserves natural resources. As technology improves, the use of TDF is expected to grow, offering a sustainable solution for industries worldwide.