What if getting your tyres replaced on your car not only protected you on the road, but also helped save the planet? Currently 50 million end of life tyres are generated annually in the UK and 80% of them are exported to the EU to be burnt. What if a sustainable solution could help dispose of them but also not need for them to be exported overseas.

This week Vianney Vales, Wastefront joins Oscar on The SAF Podcast as we uncover the revolutionary process of transforming end-of-life tires into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Vianney, with his extensive background in the oil and gas, biofuels and project management sectors shares his journey towards innovative biofuels and climate solutions, shedding light on Wastefront's groundbreaking approach. We explore the dual-step process of converting waste tires into pyrolysis oil and then into SAF, delving into the significant environmental benefits and the advancements at their first industrial facility in Sunderland, UK.

Embarking on the journey of developing large-scale industrial projects in the UK is no small feat and on that many companies are currently tackling. Vianney provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the essential stages, from securing permits to finalizing supply chains and preparing for construction. Highlighting the project in Sunderland, he discusses first why they chose Sunderland as their first site, the hurdles and triumphs of funding such innovative ventures in Europe compared to the US. The conversation underscores the importance of early-stage funding, revealing the strategic steps that helped Wastefront de-risk and validate their project, and the ongoing capital raise efforts to secure strategic partners for the next construction phase.

Investment in pyrolysis projects presents a compelling proposition, offering both immediate profitability and long-term growth potential. Vianney outlines the strategies for attracting investors, balancing risk and reward, and the importance of clear communication. We delve into the challenges of creating scalable and profitable pyrolysis projects, the interplay between government mandates and private sector risk tolerance, and the UK's positive trajectory with its SAF mandate.

Vianney also suggests locations they are looking at for their next facilities and we discuss why a well known city called Springfield could be an excellent candidate.

If you enjoyed this discussion about finding use from waste, check out our previous episode with James Hygate, Firefly Green Fuels, who is working on making SAF from sewage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/14092944

Host and Producer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor