The Scottish Government has granted planning approval for a “groundbreaking” new tyre recycling facility in Linwood, Renfrewshire.
The facility will be operated by Glasgow-based SSH Recycling who say it is the “first-of-its-kind” in the UK.
The new tyre recycling facility is designed to recycle or repurpose every component part of waste tyres.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with operations expected by 2027.
SSH Recycling said the facility will create up to 80 jobs, including skilled scientific roles and apprenticeships, and attract “over £120 million” of investment to the West of Scotland.
Robert Keay, Director of Operations at SSH Recycling, commented: “The approval of this facility represents a major milestone in Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.
“By transforming waste tyres into valuable materials, we’re addressing a significant environmental problem and supporting other industries to lower their carbon footprints.
“We’re proud that this plant sets new standards for sustainable resource management, while providing local jobs, investing in the local economy, and protecting Scotland’s environment.”
SSH Recycling said the plant will operate as a carbon-negative facility and process up to 100,000 tonnes of waste tyres annually once operational.
Recycled materials from the facility are set to be used as a substitute for virgin rubber in tyre manufacturing, alongside industrial products and construction.
As part of efforts to address local environmental concerns, SSH Recycling the Linwood site has been designed with “flood-resilient infrastructure”.
An on-site energy system powered by microturbines will generate low-carbon energy, initially using green gas with plans to transition to green hydrogen, the Glasgow-based company said.
