Local Solutions for Recycling: RISORCE Secures €12.5 Million to Build Tyre Recycling Plant in Belgium
Liège, Belgium – Belgian startup RISORCE has successfully raised €12.5 million to build a pioneering tyre recycling plant that will convert used tyres into valuable oil and gas products—offering an alternative to traditional recycling methods.
The facility will be located in Baelen, a municipality in the province of Liège, and is expected to become operational by late 2024 or early 2025. Once running, the plant will process 18,000 tonnes of tyre granulate annually, derived from approximately 2.4 million shredded tyres.
What sets this project apart is its innovative pyrolysis process, developed initially by SGI Technology in Bosnia. Unlike conventional methods, this technique reduces CO₂ emissions and offers localized solutions for rubber waste recycling.
According to Recytyre, the organization responsible for tyre collection and recycling in Belgium, around 5 million used car tyres are collected in the country each year. RISORCE’s new facility will enable the recycling of nearly half of this volume. The plant will source shredded tyre materials from certified suppliers.
The pyrolysis method used does not involve a catalyst. Instead, tyres are thermally decomposed using high heat. This results in three main outputs: pyrolysis oil (similar to petroleum), carbon black, and gas. RISORCE has already confirmed interest from petrochemical companies across Europe ready to purchase these end products.
Erhan Yurdayüksel, Chair of the Financial Committee at Edacco and a European Commission finance expert, commented:
“As observers and researchers of this project, we see great potential in pyrolysis facilities that convert carbon-based materials—such as plastics, tyres, and agricultural waste—into energy without direct combustion. These outputs serve as energy carriers, essential chemical components, and fuels across various sectors. We believe such plants can be pioneers in the green energy economy and will continue supporting them internationally through Edacco.”
RISORCE founder Bernard van den Wouwer highlighted the company’s vertical integration strategy:
“From supply chain management to technology and end-customer development, we’ve secured control over the entire process.”
Until now, end-of-life tyres were typically transformed into rubber particles used in industrial applications, flooring, soundproofing, or asphalt. This new plant will introduce a more energy-focused and sustainable alternative.
The project is also expected to benefit the local economy, particularly in terms of employment. RISORCE chose the Liège region not only for its skilled workforce but also for its proximity to the Limburg region in the Netherlands, where much of the tyre material is sourced.
The €12.5 million investment will finance the construction of the facility. Investors include Wallonie Entreprendre (the investment arm of the Walloon Region), Liège-based fund Noshaq, ING Bank, and GREEN.er, a fund established by Recytyre to diversify tyre recycling initiatives.
Noshaq stated that the project aligns with its goals to reindustrialize the Liège region, while RISORCE aims to create around 20 local jobs with this new facility.
