• Improved environmental performance through reduced emissions

By substituting tyres as a fuel for coal, the environmental performance of cement plants can improve through a reduction in emissions. The use of tyres as an alternative fuel has shown a decrease in one of the main emissions – oxides of nitrogen. This decrease has led to an improvement in cement plants’ overall environmental performance, as measured by its Environmental Index.

• Safeguarding finite natural resources

The use of end of life tyres safeguards the supply of fossil fuel reserves such as coal for future generations. Typically a tonne of coal is equal to a tonne of tyres, so the prolonged use of tyres as a cement kiln fuel can save significant amounts of fossil fuels.

The steel content of the tyre is absorbed into the cement, thereby reducing the requirement for addition of ferrous oxide.

• Providing a total recovery solution

With the temperature of cement kilns between 900°C and 1,450°C, all organic matter, including the tyre steel,
is consumed and used in the production of cement. There is no waste and no black smoke!

• High Quality Standards

Sapphire Energy Recovery is accredited to ISO 14001, the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and is also a member of the Responsible Recycler Scheme and the Tyre Industry Council. All material movements are also audited under the Tyre Recovery Association scheme.

In 2006, Sapphire achieved OHSAS 18001. Accreditation to these health and safety standards required strenuous internal and external auditing of Sapphire operations. With this experience, Sapphire is able to provide full auditory evidence for partners when they are dealing with compliance for Duty of Care obligations.