Recycling tyres into green paving solutions

PFE International director, Dr Mehran Zarrebini

PFE International director Dr Mehran Zarrebini says the group recently commissioned new machines to produce various different paving bricks, tiles and innovative interlocking paving mats and are in the process of applying for the Green Tag certification.

Rubber crumb is recycled rubber produced from automotive and truck scrap tyres. The process is done at the Hammarsdale-based Mathe Group, a sister company. During recycling steel and tyre cord (fluff) are removed leaving tyre rubber with a granular consistency.

The global Green Tag certification independently assures every product has been fitness tested and certified under one of the organisation’s two leading scientific certification programmes.

Zarrebini says the group aims to capture architects and designers seeking to add a Green Star rating, the benchmark for green buildings in terms of design, construction and management, to their buildings.

PFE International acquired Van Dyck Carpets from Belgian company Domo Carpets in 2004. Subsequently the group invested significantly in equipment, new product ranges and sustainable manufacturing in South Africa.

Envirobuild, KwaZulu-Natal’s first manufacturer of eco-friendly rubber flooring, will specialise in the sales and distribution of the new brick and paver product manufactured at Van Dyck Carpets. The company is a joint venture between Envirobuild MD Jaco Snyman and PFE International.

Snyman believes the new products, that includes 93% recycled materials, complement architects, interior designers and construction industry players under pressure to meet their clients’ demands for sustainable building requirements.