What is the Project?
SECOND LIFE AND RECYCLING OF ELECTROMOBILITY BATTERIES, PVC MARKET STUDY, DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECO-DESIGNED SOLID TIRE, IMPACT STUDY OF THE REP LAW, and GRAPHITE FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES FROM WASTE TIRES are a series of interconnected initiatives that explore diverse opportunities in environmental innovation. Sustrend, through GIZ Chile and at the request of the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Energy, carried out a comprehensive technical and market study to gather information regarding the second life and recycling of used batteries from the electromobility industry in Chile. This bold work aims to lay the foundations for the circular economy for this waste in the growing electromobility industry in Chile. At the same time, SustrendLab and its partners have extended these explorations to the world of plastic markets, eco-design in the tire industry, and even innovative recycling methods that convert waste tires into high-quality graphite for lithium-ion batteries.
Main Benefits of the Initiatives
The projects deliver a range of benefits. Consider these key figures and facts:
- SECOND LIFE AND RECYCLING OF ELECTROMOBILITY BATTERIES – A comprehensive study setting the stage for transforming battery waste into valuable assets.
- PVC MARKET STUDY – A technical-economic evaluation that paves the way for installing a PVC recycling plant in Chile.
- DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECO-DESIGNED SOLID TIRE – A breakthrough formula using waste from the retreading industry (rubber dust), with final tests underway for market launch.
- IMPACT STUDY OF THE REP LAW – Guidance for companies like EPIROC to determine, quantify, and comply with new regulatory measures, focusing on Individual Tire Management Systems.
- GRAPHITE FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES FROM WASTE TIRES – The first commercial-grade graphite production from carbon black derived from end-of-life tires, already recognized as one of 13 national winners, with a standout bcorp score of 95.4.
Innovative Recycling and Second Life
The project on electromobility batteries is nothing short of groundbreaking. The study was designed to capture shifting market trends and technological advances, essentially showcasing how used batteries can step into a second life. This shift in perspective – from waste to resource – is a vital move toward a circular economy. The initiative speaks volumes about how industries can transform debatable waste into opportunities that support environmental stewardship… and help meet rising energy needs in a sustainable way, ensuring that every battery finds value even after its initial cycle.
Digital Market Insights
The PVC MARKET STUDY carried out by Sustrend and SustrendLab is a comprehensive examination of the plastic recycling landscape in Chile. The detailed technical-economic evaluation is critical for planning the installation of a PVC recycling plant, and it offers valuable insights into market dynamics. This market study not only identifies key opportunities but also efficiently bridges the gap between technology and commercial feasibility. Such initiatives—presented in technical yet engaging language—underscore the importance of using data-driven insights to guide environmentally friendly projects in a time when sustainability is more than just a buzzword…
Eco-Design and Regulatory Impact
The DEVELOPMENT OF AN ECO-DESIGNED SOLID TIRE project is an exemplary case of innovation meeting environmental responsibility. By incorporating waste from the retreading industry—in this case, rubber dust—the study highlights a creative way to repurpose byproducts and reduce landfill loads. In parallel, the IMPACT STUDY OF THE REP LAW provides a clear picture of regulatory impacts, especially for companies like EPIROC, by identifying the priority products governed by Law 20920 and outlining the necessary production targets. The combined focus on eco-design and legal compliance serves as a reminder that both innovation and regulation can work in tandem to drive sustainable progress.
Exploring Further Opportunities in Industry
From assessing battery recycling to developing advanced eco-materials, the projects explore varied facets of environmental innovation. The focus on comprehensive data collection, technological advancement, and market readiness forms an essential pillar for industries eager to embrace sustainability. This multi-pronged approach not only ensures that environmental benefits are well calibrated with economic impacts but also offers clear guidelines for broader applications across numerous sectors. Such initiatives demonstrate the capability of modern analytical and design methods to create products and systems that are both innovative and eco-friendly.
Project Impact on Sustainability Goals
- Sustainable Development
- Circular Economy
- Green Economy
- Environmental Finances
Technological Innovation Advancing the Industry
GRAPHITE FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES FROM WASTE TIRES stands out as a forward-looking project that combines cutting-edge research with tangible industrial application. SustrendLab’s initiative to produce the first commercial-grade graphite from carbon black derived from end-of-life tires is paving the way for significant advancements in the electric vehicle battery sector. This technological development project, selected as one of the 13 national winners for the first generation of innovation projects by the Ministry of Science and Technology, is set to have far-reaching implications. By the end of 2021, the first electric vehicle batteries produced with this graphite will be mounted, affirming the project’s potential for transforming waste into high-value components – a true testament to sustainable development and innovation in the transforming world of energy and mobility.
