US$ 41 million tyre recycling plant opens its doors in Qatar

United Arab Emirates – The start-up of a modern tyre recycling facility in Qatar is proof that rubber recycling continues to become established across the Gulf region. Located in Qatar’s Mesaieed Industrial City, the 20 000-square-metre plant will process end-of-life tyres and other rubber materials into new products.

Costing US$ 41 million, the facility reflects the Qatar National Vision 2030 of boosting sustainability and supporting green technology.

It has been financed by local banks, the government of Qatar as well as a handful of technology partners and suppliers, including Eldan Recycling of Denmark.

‘We are honoured to have been chosen to supply the recycling equipment for this esteemed project,’ comments Eldan’s managing director Toni Reftman. According to Fahad Al Khalifa, ceo of Al Khalij Commercial Bank, the project bolsters the production of environmentally-friendly, value-added products, creating ‘economic opportunities that contribute to diversifying state revenues’.

No less than 100 000 new cars are put on the roads of Qatar every year, reports the Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA). The booming automotive market sees the country import approximately 913 000 tyres annually, and this volume is rapidly growing. Almost two million end-of-life tyres are said to be discarded every four years or so – as the average lifecycle is around three years.

Qatar produces around 7000 tons of waste on a daily basis, of which an estimated 30% is generated by households.