From a single plant in Denmark to a global recycling leader – Genan turns end-of-life tyres into new resources, driving sustainability through innovation and circular thinking.
Our story
In the late 1970s, the global car industry was booming. With it came a growing waste problem: End-of-life tyres. As these tyres piled up in landfills and degraded slowly, it became clear that a new solution was needed – one that didn’t just move the problem elsewhere, but truly solved it.
The idea to recycle end-of-life tyres at industrial scale began to take shape. Through the 1980s, it was refined and developed. And in 1990, Genan opened its first tyre recycling plant in Viborg, Denmark, with a capacity of 35,000 tonnes. It was the beginning of a journey, and a new approach to sustainability.
Genan has grown from a single plant in Viborg to a global network of high-capacity recycling facilities – all driven by one goal: to turn end-of-life tyres into valuable, sustainable raw materials. In the 1990s, the Viborg plant was steadily expanded and upgraded, reaching 70,000 tonnes in annual capacity by 2011. The next chapter began in Germany: Oranienburg opened in 2003, followed by Dorsten in 2008 and Kammlach in 2010. With three high-performance plants, Genan secured a strong foothold in one of Europe’s largest markets. Then in 2014, we crossed continents with the launch of Genan Houston – one of the world’s largest tyre recycling facilities, capable of processing 100,000 tonnes annually. It marked not just growth in scale, but a new level of ambition.
At Genan, scale and innovation go hand in hand. Believing that true recycling requires processing at a level where the output substitutes virgin raw material, we continually invest time and resources in developing new applications and improving performance. In 2011, we launched R&D into cryogenic milling – a critical step in producing fine, high-quality rubber powder. By 2015, we began producing micronised rubber powder in Viborg, enabling its use in new tyre manufacturing. Two years later, we introduced GENAN PELLETS – uniform rubber pellets for shock-absorbing base layers in playgrounds and sports facilities.
To strengthen our position in Southern Europe, we acquired the Biosafe plant in Ovar, Portugal, in 2019. Renamed Genan, S.A., the site was quickly upgraded from 25,000 to 40,000 tonnes capacity. It also became a hub for product development. In 2021, we launched two colour-coated innovations: GENAN COATED INFILL for artificial turf, and GENAN COATED TOP LAYER for playgrounds, running tracks and bicycle paths. These materials combine durability, safety, and sustainability – helping cities and communities rethink what recycled rubber can do.
Most recently, Genan has launched two ready-to-use rubber modifiers: GENAN ROAD+ PREMIXED for asphalt and GENAN RUBBER+ PREMIXED for industrial use. Engineered for performance, they improve elasticity, durability, and impact absorption – while helping customers integrate recycled content with confidence. As the latest chapter in our innovation journey, they reflect how far we’ve come – and how much more recycled rubber can still achieve.
Timeline
Production started in Viborg, Denmark – production capacity: 35,000 tonnes/year
Production started at new plant in Oranienburg, Berlin, Germany – production capacity: 65,000 tonnes/year – authority approval, processing: 55,000 tonnes/year
Production started at new plant in Dorsten, NRW, Germany – production capacity: 70,000 tonnes/year – authority approval, processing: 65,000 tonnes/year
Production started at new plant in Kammlach, Bayern, Germany – production capacity: 70,000 tonnes/year – authority approval, processing: 65,000 tonnes/year
Production capacity in Viborg increased – new production capacity: 70,000 tonnes/year – authority approval, processing: 70,000 tonnes/year
Production started at new plant in Houston, Texas, USA – production capacity: 100,000 tonnes/year – authority approval, processing: 100,000 tonnes/year
New management, financial reconstruction and reorganisation of Genan
Production of micronised rubber powder started in Viborg
Production of GENAN PELLETS started in Viborg
Portuguese Biosafe plant acquired – production capacity: 25,000 tonnes/year
Name change of Portuguese company to Genan, S.A. and upgrade of production plant in Ovar – new production capacity: 40,000 tonnes/year – authority approval, processing: 40,000 tonnes/year
Production of GENAN COATED INFILL and GENAN COATED TOP LAYER started in Ovar
At Genan, we give used tyres a new life, creating unique and sustainable products – only imagination sets the limit! Have an idea or a request? Let’s make it happen.
