What the Project Is
Green Distillation Technologies (GDT) has developed technology that converts tyres back into carbon, oil and steel, without producing emissions. The breakthrough innovation cleanly recycles end-of-life car and truck tyres (ELTs) into high-value oil, recovered carbon black (rCB), and clean steel. GDT takes tyres destined for landfills, or worse, and gives these raw materials new life. The technology, described as world-first, uses a process known as destructive distillation to recover energy from the tyre, leaving behind a pristine steel skeleton and converting 100% of the rubber into valuable materials. It is a journey from invention to testing, then approval and now commercial viability – a truly impressive achievement.
Main Benefit
The main benefits of GDT’s innovative approach are clear and impactful. The following key figures and facts highlight its potential and performance:
- Locally developed, refined and approved technology with operational recognition.
- Award-winning innovation recognized by the Edison Foundation.
- Fully operational at the GDT – Warren Plant in NSW, receiving end-of-life tyres (ELTs) for recycling.
- Competitive tyre disposal rates for commercial clients using a low-temperature distillation technique.
- Capability to process 19,000 tonnes of tyres per year at full capacity.
Technology Process and Efficiency
The process uses destructive distillation to convert tyres into two primary products – a semi-refined light oil and recovered carbon black (rCB) – while the sorted metal becomes readily available for steel scrap buyers. The mild heat treatment applied to the metal ensures it emerges clean, ready for immediate market use. The light oil produced from this process is generated from low temperature distillation, allowing it to be used as fuel at the plant as well as being made available to the market for a variety of applications. This technique is not only environmentally friendly but also maximizes the efficiency of the recycling process.
Operational Excellence and Environmental Benefits
Currently operating in New South Wales and with plans for expansion into Queensland and other states, the GDT process has been refined and approved locally. It offers a clean solution by eliminating the noxious greenhouse gases and damaging emissions associated with traditional tyre recycling methods such as burning tyres as furnace fuel. The approach is efficient enough to ensure that zero waste is generated during the process. Instead of grinding up tyres into crumbs or flakes—which limits their reuse to very specific applications like playground surfaces—the GDT method fully transforms the resource into assets. This leads to a markedly lower environmental impact while creating valuable raw materials.
Market and Industrial Impact
By transforming tyres into high-demand products, GDT addresses a longstanding environmental issue posed by end-of-life tyres. Old tyres have been a blight on the environment since their invention over a century ago. They have not only been dumped illegally in bushland and waterways but, when left to collect rainwater, become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and sources of diseases such as Dengue Fever and Ross River Fever. GDT’s technology mitigates these issues by turning a potential environmental hazard into products that fuel industrial and market growth. The process is competitive and appeals to commercial clients looking for sustainable tyre disposal rates while maintaining profitability.
Award-Winning Innovation and Local Impact
The significance of the technology is further underscored by the Edison Foundation award, which highlights the efficiency and ingenuity of the process. Operating from the first processing plant located 5 kms north of Warren in Western New South Wales – northwest of Dubbo on the main trunk route between Brisbane and Melbourne – the site spans approximately 2 hectares of a larger 21-hectare area. This generous allocation of space not only caters to current operations but also leaves room for expansion and synergistic industries. The project, a result of a hard and long task, represents the dedication and commitment of its founding group. There is a clear demonstration that innovation can overcome environmental challenges.
Project Impact
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
Future Prospects and Global Expansion
Looking ahead, GDT’s technology is poised for wider adoption. The project is currently exploring international partnerships while expanding operations across Australia, starting in New South Wales and moving into Queensland before reaching other states. This momentum signifies not just a local success, but a scalable solution to the longstanding problem of tyre waste worldwide. The technology promises cleaner recycling processes and ensures all recovered products – oil, carbon, and steel – maintain high market value. As international markets search for sustainable, economical and environmentally friendly solutions, the conversation naturally turns to innovations like GDT’s destructive distillation process… a process that could soon become a benchmark for tyre recycling globally.
