Teijin finds a breakthrough solution for reclaiming high-quality aramid fibers from rubber products

In 2023, aramid producer Teijin joined the Sustainable Industry Challenge, an initiative by Chemport Europe that connects innovative companies to accelerate sustainability in the chemical industry. Teijin’s challenge: reclaim high-quality aramid fibers from rubber products.

Driving sustainable innovation in tire Recycling

With a strong focus on sustainable solutions—especially for automotive tires—Teijin participated alongside other challenge owners in this high-impact event. The goal: form partnerships that drive meaningful innovation.

During the final event on November 16, Teijin engaged with experts in rubber recycling and advanced materials. Valuable insights were exchanged, and the potential for collaboration was clear. The result? Teijin selected not one, but two winning solution providers: New Born Rubber from Grootegast and UK-based Uplift360.

From winning to working: Research and pilots underway

It’s been over a year since the final event. We reached out to Remco van Leeuwen, owner of New Born Rubber (NBR), to hear how things have progressed since the win. Since being selected, NBR and Teijin have been in regular contact, and research is now in full swing.

The challenge focused on reclaiming aramid fibers from rubber products. Together, the teams decided to focus on conveyor belts, which contain embedded aramid fibers. Teijin provided NBR with sample materials, which NBR processed using various methods to extract the fibers.

These reclaimed fibers were sent back to Teijin’s research lab for analysis. The initial results were promising—showing that the fibers could be reused in new applications. The key takeaway: the purer the material, the broader its potential use.
Remco van Leeuwen explains:

We’re now exploring whether these conveyor belts can be collected at scale, with the goal of building a joint separation facility. Follow-up research is planned for 2025.

A perfect match for a rubber recycling expert

New Born Rubber specializes in recycling rubber products, making Teijin’s challenge a perfect fit. According to van Leeuwen, the most important factor in developing a strong solution was Teijin’s clarity and openness about its processes and goals. That transparency accelerated the project significantly, leaving few unanswered questions.

The biggest challenge ahead? Building a pilot facility to reclaim aramid fibers at scale.

The challenge gave us regional visibility and led to an exciting project with global player Teijin. The experience alone was worth it—and the opportunities this project offers are truly game-changing.

Advice for future challenge participants

Participating in the challenge was a major step forward for New Born Rubber, resulting in a full innovation trajectory and plans for a pilot facility. Thinking about joining a challenge yourself? Remco van Leeuwen shares his advice: Think outside the box. Look at the knowledge and capabilities within both companies—the challenge owner and the solution provider. You’ll discover far more possibilities than you initially imagined. The most important thing is having a shared goal. Together, you’re stronger.