NITI Aayog Proposes New Standards for Tyre Pyrolysis Oil and Recovered Carbon Black

Key Facts

• NITI Aayog proposed new standards in 2026 for tyre pyrolysis oil and recovered carbon black.
• Tyre pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition of waste tyres in absence of oxygen producing oil, gas, char, and steel wire.
• Tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) is a liquid hydrocarbon by-product used as industrial fuel after processing and quality control.
• Recovered carbon black (rCB) is a carbon-rich solid residue used in rubber, plastics, inks, coatings after further treatment.
• India faces increasing volumes of waste tyres due to growing automobile production, prompting regulatory efforts.
• NITI Aayog recommended mandatory online continuous emission monitoring for pyrolysis units and EPR mechanism revamp.
• Standards include quality parameters, testing, permissible uses, aiming to formalize and develop markets for these products.

Background & Context

India is one of the largest producers and users of tyres globally, generating approximately 1.5 to 2 million tonnes of waste tyres yearly. Waste tyres pose environmental hazards if unmanaged, including illegal dumping and pollution from informal recycling. Pyrolysis is an industrial method to recycle waste tyres by heating them in oxygen-free conditions, yielding valuable outputs: tyre pyrolysis oil, recovered carbon black, steel, and pyro-gas.

Current tyre recycling in India is largely informal, fragmented, and lacks standardisation for recycled products like TPO and rCB, limiting industrial acceptance and economic potential. NITI Aayog’s 2026 policy proposes national standards that specify quality criteria, testing methodology, and end-use guidelines to support industrial applications and reduce dependence on imports. Also, it suggests strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for tyres with traceable certificates and mandates pollution control through continuous emissions monitoring in pyrolysis facilities.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This development is significant for competitive exams focusing on environment, sustainable development, industrial policy, and waste management in India. Candidates should be aware of government efforts in circular economy promotion, sectoral regulations under NITI Aayog's guidance, and technological processes such as tyre pyrolysis that contribute to resource recovery and pollution control. Questions may test understanding of waste tyre management strategies, chemical recycling methods, government initiatives for sustainability, and industry-environment linkages.

Points to Remember

• Pyrolysis breaks down tyres thermochemically in absence of oxygen producing oil, gas, char, and steel wire.
• Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO) is a hydrocarbon liquid used as fuel after quality assurance.
• Recovered Carbon Black (rCB) is a solid carbonaceous material usable in various industries following refinement.
• Recovered carbon black differs from virgin carbon black, which is produced from fossil fuels; rCB is recycled from waste tyres and more sustainable.
• NITI Aayog's standards include product quality, testing protocols, end-use restrictions, and environmental compliance for pyrolysis units.
• EPR reforms involve auditable certificates and precise mass-flow mapping to improve accountability.
• Online continuous emission monitoring is now mandatory for pyrolysis units to control pollution.
• The initiative promotes circular economy models, import substitution, and job creation through formalization of waste tyre recycling.