Official opening of Europe’s largest end-of-life tire pyrolysis facility to date in Delfzijl, the Netherlands
Bilfinger delivered engineering and system integration for fast-track execution, combining design, procurement support, and contractor coordination
Facility designed for scalable growth, with Phase 1 at six reactors and infrastructure reserved for expansion to 28 reactors
Today, Bilfinger and Circtec celebrate the official opening of Circtec’s tire recycling facility in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. The plant marks a major milestone in the circular economy and represents Europe’s largest end-of-life tire pyrolysis facility to date. It also reflects the strong position of the Netherlands in attracting large-scale green industrial investments, supported by grant programs from RVO and the Province of Groningen that stimulate sustainable innovation and regional development.
"Bilfinger turned our technology into a full-scale plant with professionalism and precision. The collaboration was seamless, and we are very proud of what we achieved together," says Allen Timpany, CEO of Circtec.
As an engineering and system integration partner, Bilfinger played a central role in turning Circtec’s proven technology into a full-scale industrial installation. Building on the design of Circtec’s pilot plant in Poland, the facility in Delfzijl significantly scales up capacity while integrating complex equipment, utilities, and infrastructure into a single coherent plant design.
The facility uses a pyrolysis process to recover valuable raw materials from end-of-life tires. Under oxygen-free conditions, tires are thermally decomposed into gas, oil fractions, and solid carbon-rich material. These outputs are refined into sustainable marine fuel, circular naphtha for the chemical industry, and recovered carbon black that can be reused in rubber and plastics production. Metals contained in the tires are also separated and recycled, completing the circular loop. Once fully developed, the site will process up to 200,000 tons of waste tires annually, contributing to CO₂ emissions reduction through the displacement of fossil fuel use.
Bilfinger started with the project in May 2024, delivering engineering services, procurement support, and contractor coordination for a project characterized by an exceptionally short realization time. Design and construction were executed in parallel, requiring tight coordination and fast decision-making across all disciplines. Key equipment was sourced from multiple European countries, adding complexity in logistics, communication and scheduling.
“To deliver a project of this scale within such a compressed timeline requires close collaboration and absolute trust between all parties,” says Kevin Pieterse, Vice President at Bilfinger Engineering & Consultancy. “We worked as one integrated team with Circtec, from joint engineering sessions to a strong on-site presence during construction. Despite the challenges, I am very proud of what the team has achieved together.”
The Delfzijl plant has been designed with future growth in mind. Phase 1 includes six reactors, while space and infrastructure have already been reserved for expansion to a total of 28 reactors in a later phase. This positions the site as a long-term hub for circular tire recycling in Europe.
The opening of this facility is a clear example of how engineering expertise, integrated project execution, and close client collaboration can accelerate the energy transition. Together with Circtec, Bilfinger delivered a pioneering plant that combines industrial performance with real sustainability impact.
With the official opening, including a ceremonial inauguration attended by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and the Dutch Minister of Climate Policy and Green Growth Sophie Hermans, the Delfzijl facility stands as a flagship project for both partners and a strong reference for future circular economy projects worldwide.
