The DRI process:
From waste to product
Since the start of our organization, we have always put great value in environmental-friendly development, quality and consistency. Throughout the years, we have developed a unique ‘waste-to-product’ process, becoming the global leader in reprocessed rubber compounds and fiber reinforced compounds, FRC®.
Waste streams
No matter how you look at it, waste is part of the tire and rubber production process. For a long time rubber waste was just disposed, no matter in what way. Of course, that is bad for the environment and it has given the global tire and rubber industry a negative image. But times are changing. With environmental care becoming more important, the way rubber waste is processed is looked upon with a different view. Rubber waste isn’t just a problem, we have learned it can also be a solution for many things. And that is where our story starts!
DRI Rubber services the global tire plants – like Continental, Goodyear and Michelin – in reducing waste streams. We provide many logistical solutions, can always take over large volumes of waste streams, and most importantly, because of our upcycling and circular processes (for example by directly giving back to the supplier) we can even achieve end-of-waste, extending the product life cycle, reducing prime material usage and lowering CO2 footprint.
Next level products
After receiving the waste streams, we start (re)processing, making sure we use the right quality streams and recipes for our compounds and products. By continuously adapting to changing markets and environmental challenges, we have earned our position as an industry leader, not only in handling waste streams, but also because of our rubber products. Via our upcycling and circular processes, we are able to convert rubber waste into semi-finished materials, on-spec compounds and finished products. It that sense it makes us a zero-waste company.
DRI Rubber was the first in the industry to develop Fiber Reinforced Compounds, also known as FRC®. These high-quality compounds – available in chopped & baled and preform – demonstrates unmatched performance in the industry and ensures consistency in quality. And what about our new Sustacom® products, circular rubber compounds based on the best practice application requirements, suitable for direct milling and extrusion, no mixing needed.
Our process is 100% aimed at upgrading quality and adding value. We continuously invest in knowledge, capacity and innovation, both internally with our production facilities and inhouse laboratories, and externally by collaborating with universities and specialized labs. Nowadays, DRI Rubber processes and handles approximately 50.000 metric tons of unvulcanized rubber each year.
Rubber matting
Earlier in 2022, DRI Rubber reintroduced LRP Matting within its company structure, but this time as the official brand for rubber matting products. Besides our compounds and by-products, we have also developed a large range of rubber mats, made from the rubber waste streams thanks to upcycling and fiber reinforcement processes.
Boosting the well-being of humans and animals, and improving the environmental footprint of both our customers and the rubber industry as a whole, LRP Matting has a solution for every surface and every size.
With the combination of LRP Mattings expertise in the matting world, aligned with DRI Rubbers extensive technical knowledge on rubber compounding and focus on upcycling and circularity, we can further improve product quality and performance to our customers. For example, DRI Rubber integrates their fiber-reinforcement technology and materials (FRC®) to offer an even wider scope of products to the commercial, industrial and agricultural markets.
The better alternative
DRI Rubber is becoming a more integral part of the global tire industry, reprocessing and upcycling rubber waste streams. By providing the better alternative for new raw materials, we reduce waste in the process and therefore lower the environmental footprint, not only of ourselves, but of the global tire and rubber industry. We aim to invest more in long-term collaborations with partners who also put great value in eco-friendly and sustainable development. That is how we believe we can make a true sustainable contribution to the circular economy.