Turning "Black Pollution" into Green Energy: The Power of Tire-Derived Fuel

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.