UK Rubber (UKR) Limited, managed by David Ashurst, provides Scotland’s first industrial-scale, circular economy tyre recycling service. Operational since 2019, UKR is proud to rejuvenate Glasgow’s Motherwell site by investing in both local staff and cutting-edge processes and equipment. Since 2023, UKR has processed 35,000 tonnes of tyres.
The Scottish Government’s ambition to make Scotland a zero-waste society with a circular economy aligns with UKR’s vision to create a full circular economy for Scottish tyres in Scotland. To date, UKR has created a capacity to recycle 150 tonnes of tyres per week, and over the next two years, UKR plans to add another 150 tonnes.
UKR is committed to reducing their clients’ carbon footprint by uplifting tyres across Scotland that would otherwise be transported to England for processing. Acting as a local Scottish business partner to both commercial and private clients reduces the environmental impact across our value chain.
Innovation Implementation at UKR
UKR strives to improve its environmental performance in line with its business performance. When UKR first commenced operations in 2019, it was baling tyres and exporting them to the Indian market, where they were used in pyrolysis plants or further processed for reclaimed rubber.
Their vision is to maximise the full circular economy value of the tyres they collect by enhancing operational practices and reducing their carbon footprint. UKR developed a business model that differentiates it from competitors who only bale tyres, thereby improving its recycling efficiency.
In phase two of UKR’s operations, they leased a diesel-fuelled tyre shredder, which produced a 50 mm chip. This chip was sent to Turkey, where it was used as fuel in cement kilns and blended with coal to create energy.
After successfully building a client base, UKR invested in an Untha XR3000 electricity-powered tyre shredder. Upgrading the plant has reduced its carbon footprint by 90%, improved site health and safety for the team, and reduced operating expenditures on energy bills, making the business more resilient against volatile energy prices.
Implementation of Carbon Oil Renewables
David Ashurst believes pyrolysis is the future of tyre recycling. In June of this year, he partnered with Richard Martin, who shares a similar vision regarding end-of-life tyres. An opportunity presented itself, allowing them to purchase the UK’s first pyrolysis plant, currently located in Doncaster, Worksop, formerly Green Forest Solutions. Together, they formed Carbon Oil Renewables (COR) and aim to have the plant operational within the next two months, along with the sale of plants in Sweden and Holland, producing recovered carbon char and tyre pyrolysis oil.
These are exciting times for Carbon Oil Renewables, which will significantly contribute to the solution of dealing with end-of-life tyres within the UK rather than exporting abroad. The significant investment in this advanced technology will allow David and Richard to further decrease the carbon emissions associated with exports and reduce the carbon footprint of the tyres they recycle, initially needing to transport tyres only within the UK rather than to Turkey and elsewhere.
With Richard’s invaluable experience within the auto trade and salvage business, coupled with an existing tyre recycling facility managed by David Ashurst, the two are aligned to create a business strategy to focus on the continuous innovation of business operations, environmental performance and combining these to result in maximising the full circular economy value of the tyres they process – contributing to a full circular society in the UK and abroad.
Richard and David are not only committed to transforming their business into a fully circular model but are also delighted to be generating additional employment and job opportunities within the local community of Doncaster. The new plant in Worksop will initially require twelve support staff, and as operations expand, this number is expected to grow further. This initiative not only supports the company’s sustainability goals but also contributes significantly to the local economy by providing stable jobs and fostering economic development in the area. Richard and David are dedicated to ensuring that their business practices benefit both the environment and the community, creating a positive impact that goes beyond their immediate operations. The expansion of the plant will also involve collaboration with local suppliers and businesses, further integrating their company into the community and supporting the local economic ecosystem.
