Company
Sustainability, responsible use of nature and optimal use of available resources are the guiding principles of KIAS’ corporate philosophy. These considerations form the basis of our recycling plant for the recovery of used tires, which is fundamentally different from thermal recycling or simple landfilling and conforms to the KIAS principles outlined above.
The recycling plant breaks down the used tires into their components: rubber, steel, and textile cord. The end product is high-quality recyclable materials that can be reused in the manufacture of new products such as fall protection mats, impact sound insulation, sports facilities, children’s playgrounds, etc. KIAS has also developed its own recycling channels for the steel and textile cord components of used tires that arise during reprocessing.
Between 5.5 and 6 million used tires are generated annually in Austria alone – through the ecologically and economically viable recycling of end-of-life tires, KIAS makes an important contribution to the sustainable use of natural resources and thus to protecting the environment.
We are proud of a successful collaboration with
Waste Hierarchy
The waste hierarchy is a fundamental concept in waste management designed to minimize the environmental impact of waste. It consists of five levels arranged in descending order of environmental friendliness. These levels are: waste prevention, preparation for reuse, recycling, other recovery, and finally, disposal. The waste hierarchy serves as a guide for waste management decision-making and promotes more sustainable practices to conserve resources and minimize environmental impacts.
We at KIAS Recycling have adapted this hierarchy for our purposes, i.e., for used tires. The key difference is that we have divided the recovery stage into two levels: material recycling and thermal recycling. Our pyramid means the following:
- Prevention is about extending the lifespan of tires.
- Reuse includes, for example, retreading.
- Utilization involves reprocessing tires into new ones.
- Material recycling is what we do at KIAS, because our work turns used tires into new products.
- Instead, thermal recycling means burning tires to generate energy.
We believe that, in principle, the top level of the pyramid should always be the goal. Our focus is on material recycling. To be able to carry out this activity in an environmentally friendly and professional manner, both the commitment of our employees and an optimal recycling facility are essential.
Recycling Plant
Used tires were a disposal problem and were often landfilled. At KIAS Recycling, rubber (65 percent), steel (20 percent), and textile cord (15 percent) are recovered from car and truck tires with almost no emissions. The steel wire is recycled back into the steel industry. Textile cord is processed into insulation materials or used as fuel for industrial plants. The rubber is processed in several production steps into granules of various grain sizes. These are then used to make plastic coatings, mats, insulation boards, floor coverings, or shoe soles, and are used in sports field construction, playgrounds, and as high-quality alternative fuels. As an additive to asphalt, rubber granules and rubber powder extend the lifespan of roads and reduce noise. KIAS has also developed an oil binder from rubber powder that is already used by many fire departments. The “KIAS Protect” safety granulate for shooting ranges is also unique.
The KIAS recycling plant is characterized by its high flexibility in recycling and the first-class quality of the recycled materials. State-of-the-art technology ensures the best possible fulfillment of diverse customer requirements. The annual processing capacity is 30,000 tons of scrap tires, from which up to 18,000 tons of rubber granulate or up to 6,000 tons of rubber powder can be produced.
KIAS’ in-house developments
KIAS creates its own scientifically based, practical solutions. The result is innovative products – simple, intelligent, safe, and cost-effective. We develop customized applications for our customers quickly, flexibly, and reliably. Achieving the highest quality while breaking new ground – that is our goal!
The material determines the possibilities.
Takeover of Used Tires
At our newly constructed rubber granulation and grinding facility in Ohlsdorf, you can dispose tires of trucks, cars, motorcycles, and tractors in an environmentally friendly manner. These tires are recycled in the spirit of environmental protection and sustainable resource use.
In addition to contacting our representatives, you are also welcome to visit the KIAS Recycling FAQ page for more information about delivering your used tires. Click here for the used tire disposal FAQs!
We look forward to your inquiry and are happy to assist you!
Manuela Knoll
m.knoll@kias-recycling.at
+43 50 799 – 5303
Possible Applications
The textile inserts in tires are made of the highest quality fibers (polyamide, polyester, viscose) mixed with rubber dust. KIAS has created a new application in a development project, thus converting current disposal costs into justified revenue. To this end, processing techniques for the textile fiber were developed, and potential uses for the textile fiber were also sought.
One possible application is in asphalt production. For example, the currently added cellulose fiber (which has many disadvantages, such as water absorption) can be replaced with our processed textile fiber.
Our customers are also found in the production of insulation materials, the construction industry, and the automotive industry.
Customer Benefits
By processing the fiber, the customer receives a product with additional properties compared to existing ones, and the customer can save up to 30% of their current costs.
We look forward to your inquiry and are happy to assist you!
Christian Zirgoi, MA
c.zirgoi@kias-recycling.at
+43 50 799 – 5301
Rubber granulate / rubber powder
The stuff ideas are made of.
| Granulares | Standard Grains |
|---|---|
| Type 0004 | 0,0 – 0,4 mm |
| Type 0008 | 0,0 – 0,8 mm |
| Type 0412 | 0,4 – 1,2 mm |
| Type 1020 | 1,0 – 2,0 mm |
| Type 1030 | 1,0 – 3,0 mm |
| Type 2030 | 2,0 – 3,0 mm |
| Type 3060 | 3,0 – 6,0 mm |
Other grain sizes available upon request with appropriate lead time.
| Flour | Standard Grains |
|---|---|
| Type 0003 | 0,00 – 0,30 mm |
Other grain sizes and grindings available upon request. Our granulate is delivered loose in containers, in 1,000 kg or 500 kg big bags, in 25 kg PE bags, or in containers according to customer requirements.
Collection from the factory or worldwide free of charge by KIAS contracted freight forwarders.
We look forward to your inquiry and are happy to assist you!
Verena Hörletseder
v.hoerletseder@kias-recycling.at
+43 50 799 – 5301
KIAS Oil Absorbent
KIAS Oil Absorbent TYPE III / R
Our KIAS oil absorbent, made from 100% recycled and mechanically activated rubber powder, is suitable for use on traffic areas as well as in industrial applications. This innovative Austrian product is certified by Dekra Automobil GmbH according to “DWA-A 716-9” and included in the list of tested oil absorbent products.
Area of application: For universal binding of mineral oils and mineral oil products.
Approximately 3,000 tons are produced annually.
Verena Hörletseder
office@kias-recycling.at
+43 50 799 – 5301
KIAS-Protect
What exactly is KIAS-Protect?
KIAS-Protect – High Performance Safety Shooting Granule 3060 is a tested, recyclable rubber granulate made from high-quality recycled rubber for all types of shooting ranges. It guarantees safe bullet retention and risk-free energy dissipation. This safety granulate impresses with its wide range of applications, durability, and the highest safety standards, while maintaining low acquisition and maintenance costs. Furthermore, lead and dust emissions are reduced compared to steel and sand bullet traps – a relief for both the shooter and the operator.
More information at: www.kias-protect.at
Approximately 3,000 tons are produced annually.
Verena Hörletseder
office@kias-recycling.at
+43 50 799 – 5301
Tire Wire
The tire wire produced at the KIAS facility is made of high-quality spring steel and is characterized by its exceptional purity (< < 3% rubber adhesion).
Pro Jahr werden ca. 3.000 to produziert.
We look forward to your inquiry and are happy to assist you!
Manuela Knoll
m.knoll@kias-recycling.at
+43 50 799 – 5303
Sustainability at KIAS Recycling
At KIAS Recycling, we are aware of our ecological responsibility and therefore strive to make a valuable contribution to sustainable development through proactive action.
Environment
The plant was designed and constructed using state-of-the-art technology. The technology used operates at ambient temperature (warm grinding).
The production facilities are located in enclosed production halls; pre-sorting and pre-shredding take place in a covered area, directly adjacent to the processing machines in the production hall.
The rubber grinding systems are largely encapsulated, allowing the air from the processing areas to be extracted and thoroughly cleaned via dust filters. This ensures that no air pollution occurs for employees or the environment.
Furthermore, noise minimization through appropriate insulation measures was considered during the planning phase. For this purpose, calculations and measurements were carried out by independent experts to ensure optimal protection for residents and employees.
The sum of the measures implemented ensures the environmental friendliness of the recycling plant.
How we contribute to climate protection
Every time KIAS recycles a ton of used tires, this represents a saving of at least 0.7 tons of CO2 emissions compared to incineration as an alternative disposal method. This corresponds to the amount of CO2 emitted by an average diesel car (190 g CO2/km) on a 3,800 km journey – for example, the route from Ohlsdorf to Valencia and back.
With an impressive total capacity of up to 30,000 tons of used tires annually, we can achieve annual savings of 21,000 tons of CO2 by recycling used tires. Thanks to KIAS’ advanced process technology, significant amounts of emissions can be avoided. This contributes to reducing the overall carbon footprint and protecting the climate.
Sustainability strategy
Sustainability strategy
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
At KIAS Recycling, we are aware of our social responsibility. We value fair cooperation and a healthy, mutually respectful working environment. We offer our employees various training and development programs and maintain active dialogue with regional social partners. We are also committed to social justice.
ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY
As a recycling company, the environment is particularly important to us in our activities. For sustainable site development, we strive to use the available space as effectively and climate-friendly as possible. We make decisions with foresight and adhere to the highest social, environmental, and quality standards. Optimal use of resources is essential for achieving environmental goals. To this end, we also participate in awareness-raising projects.
ECOLOGICAL RESPONSIBILITY
We consider not only economic profit, but also holistic business activities. We are concerned with how we can contribute to a sustainable and more livable world. It is important to us not only to be crisis-resistant, but also to create added value for our customers. To achieve these goals, we work intensively on the research and development of our products and along the entire value chain.
Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals, also known as SDGs, were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This agenda contains 17 sustainable development goals that encompass social, environmental, and economic aspects and aim to “transform our world.”
KIAS Recycling is aware of the environmental and social impacts of its business activities and is working to proactively contribute to the following SDGs:
Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
To support this goal, KIAS Recycling provides a regular, seasonal fruit basket for all employees. In addition, regular employee health checkups are financially supported
Goal 4: Quality Education
Employee training and development is an important building block for KIAS Recycling to build a competent team. Therefore, regular courses and seminars are held on topics such as fire safety and cargo security.
Goal 5: Gender Equality
Because equality for all gender identities is a key component of social responsibility, KIAS Recycling promotes gender equality. Furthermore, there is no gender pay gap at this company.
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Since the use of renewable energies is essential for a sustainable future, KIAS Recycling regularly implements energy-saving measures, such as replacing conventional light bulbs with energy-saving LEDs. We also rely on solar power, primarily using electricity from the photovoltaic system on the production building.
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The goal of creating decent jobs and supporting creativity and innovation is firmly anchored in our corporate policy. To support this goal, KIAS Recycling promotes equal pay for equal work.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
KIAS Recycling is committed to the efficient and careful use of natural resources and strives to minimize the adverse impacts of waste on human health and the environment. The company’s primary goal is to significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
Goal 13: Climate Action
At KIAS Recycling, we continuously strive to improve the energy efficiency of our processes and buildings. Through the use of renewable energy, such as our in-house photovoltaic system, we actively support climate protection measures.
