Salvadori supplying downsizing technology to Michelin’s new mining tyre recycling plant in Chile

Trentino, Italy-based Salvadori is to supply its OTR tyre downsizing technology for Michelin’s new mining tyre recycling plant in Chile. Michelin’s new-generation recycling plant built in Chile is under construction in collaboration with Enviro, a Swedish company that has developed a patented technology to recover carbon black, oil, steel and gas from end-of life tires. The plant will be based in Chile’s Antofagasta region.

Salvadori’s technology will be used specifically to reduce the large mining tyres of up to 63 in into pieces of predetermined dimensions which will then be further processed in the factory. Salvadori Srl has been part of the American industrial group TRC – Tech Tire & Recycling Holding since 2016. Foreign markets account for an overall value equal to 97% of its turnover.

Luca Olcese, General Manager of Salvadori stated: “The Michelin project is innovative and very important for us. The fact that a giant of this calibre in tyre manufacturing has decided to invest its own resources on a fully integrated recycling and processing plant is a very important sign for Salvadori, who is a pioneer in this industry. It strengthens us and opens incredible promises and business prospects. The world needs to solve this problem and we are present.”

The tyres of earthmoving machinery, due to their large size represent an environmental problem, especially in countries like Chile where there are many mines. Being able to dispose of and recycle them directly on site is a major achievement. Michelin’s plant will be able to recycle 30,000 t of earthmover tyres a year, or nearly 60% of such tyres scrapped every year in the country.

The machines designed and developed together with Michelin in the Trentino Sviluppo technological hub in Rovereto, where Salvadori is based, constitute a complete cutting station and are of three types. The first is used to separate the sides of the tread, the second to remove the bead, or the steel core that forms the structure of the tyre, while the last to cut into small pieces what remains from processing which will be used in downstream transformation processes. Once the tyres are cut, they are ready to enter into the transformation process.

Michelin has requested the Trentino company construct the machinery as well as install it and train its staff in Chile. Olcese adds: “Salvadori was chosen through a long selection process where we highlighted our creativity and innovative power, demonstrating how Salvadori’s solutions are the most efficient and effective on the market. Collaborating with such an important partner is a great pride for us and gives us the direction in continuing the development of our technology towards ever greater automation and effectiveness.”