Catalytic converters contain high quantities of platinum group metals, which constitute their active catalytic elements.

They suffer thermal and mechanical damage during their service life and cannot be reused as such.

The precious metals and the outer steel casing can, however, be recycled, with significant environmental and economic benefits.

The project intends to start recycling secondary raw materials from end-of-life mufflers using an innovative pyrometallurgical process.

This process will be developed through an experimental phase conducted in a prototype plant, the implementation of which will be an integral part of the project.

The process used will be able to separate the metal casing of the mufflers from the ceramic part containing the precious metals, recover, with extremely high yields, the precious metals, and reduce the ceramic fraction to an inert glassy residue.

During the design of the prototype plant, particular attention will be paid to the issues of reducing risk for workers and reducing environmental impact.

Rubberplast intends to develop specific know-how on the supply, installation and maintenance of electrolytic plants, thus diversifying its offering.