In the eastern city of Lublin, Jacek Orzeł runs an SME called Orzeł SA selling tyres to carmakers and end users. Although the company met the recycling requirement by sending used tyres to be burnt in cement factories, Orzeł was eager to find a greener and more cost-efficient solution.  

For help he turned to the Enterprise Europe Network branch at the Lublin University of Technology.

Network consultant Pawel Chrapowicki entered Orzeł’s request into the Network’s technology transfer and business cooperation database – the world’s largest with more than 23,000 profiles.

An answer soon came through the Network’s branch at Austria’s FFG national research support institute, which put Orzeł in touch with WIL AG. The Vienna-based SME builds turn-key tyre-recycling plants worldwide.

The companies signed a deal, under which WIL is helping Orzeł SA set up a recycling line on its premises in Poland.  Later, WIL will sell the recycled rubber parts to its clients throughout Europe, which include makers of safety mats and sports arenas.

 “Not only will we benefit from WIL’s technological know-how, but they will also provide a market for the used tyres,” says Jacek Orzeł.

Robert Weibold, WIL AG Executive Board Member, is also pleased with the new partnership: “We hope to work together for many years to come.”

The recycling line is now up and running and eight new jobs have been created.