Bekaert and Chinese Group Launch Steel Cord Recycling Project

Bekaert has partnered with Chinese steelmaker CITIC Special Steel to develop a closed-loop recycling project for tire reinforcement steel. The project aims to turn steel recovered from end-of-life tires into high-quality tire cord wire rod for new tire production. This joint project is part of a circular low-carbon strategic cooperation agreement signed by the two companies on July 6, building on a green cooperation agreement reached in April 2025. The program will involve joint technology research and industrial-scale trials to explore how steel recovered from scrap tires can be remelted into tire cord wire rod without sacrificing technical performance. The partners will also evaluate material performance to assess the impact of using a high proportion of closed-loop recycled steel on product performance, manufacturing, and economics, while maintaining industry quality standards. According to Jim Dobson, SVP technology & quality at Bekaert Rubber Reinforcement, this project represents a key breakthrough in the companies’ shared commitment to green development and aims to help transform the steel supply chain towards a closed-loop circular economy model.