SOUTH AFRICA – KwaZulu-Natal-based Mathe Group, a leader in radial truck tire recycling, has achieved a major milestone by processing its one-millionth tire.
This accomplishment has resulted in the production of approximately 38,500 tonnes of rubber crumb, which, according to CEO Dr. Mehran Zarrebini, is now being reused in various industrial and construction applications.
To put this into perspective, the rubber crumb produced could fill 385 full-size football fields (requiring 100 tonnes per field) or 700 hockey fields (55 tonnes per field). It is also sufficient to pave 8,000 kilometers of roads, highlighting its versatility and impact.
Dr. Zarrebini, a British investor who acquired KwaZulu-Natal carpet manufacturer Van Dyck, discovered Mathe Group as a small operation in 2016.
Initially sourcing rubber crumb for acoustic products used in high-rise buildings, Zarrebini acquired a 49% stake in Mathe Group, relocating its operations to Hammarsdale and significantly scaling up production.
Through consistent reinvestment over the past eight years, the plant processes 700 radial truck tires daily, producing 30 tonnes of rubber crumb. Each 55kg truck tire yields 70% rubber crumb and 30% waste steel, which is exported via Durban’s port.
Today, Mathe Group’s products include non-slip paving and flooring, gym mats, rubber pavers, ballistics products, and infills for sports fields. Rubber crumb is also used in road resurfacing, non-slip paints, automotive parts molding, tire retreading, and brake linings.
Reaching this milestone was not without obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic forced an 18-month plant shutdown while loadshedding, water shortages, and delays in implementing the Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan also hindered progress.
The company awaits the renewal and expansion of its tire recycling quota from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Waste Bureau. Mathe has remained resilient despite these setbacks and is preparing for further growth.
Future investment plans
Half of a new tranche of equipment will arrive early this year, with the remainder expected in the second quarter.
This equipment will replace aging machinery and enable the processing of diverse tire types, including radial steel and nylon tires.
Additionally, the company is finalizing external funding for upgrades to its existing production line. These enhancements will allow the facility to diversify further and accommodate a greater volume of recycled tires.
A phase-three investment, contingent on increased tire supply, includes plans for a new production line. Mathe has already secured a waste management license for this line.
Dr. Zarrebini notes that while the group’s growth between 2016 and 2019 was steep, recent years have seen challenges due to high energy costs and factory closures during the pandemic.
However, with a stable energy supply, production increased last year as the plant returned to 24/7 operations.
With its upcoming investments and a renewed focus on innovation, Mathe Group is optimistic about reaching its next milestone—processing its two-millionth tire—soon.
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