June 18, 2026
The pyrolysis of plastic waste and end-of-life tyres has now become an integral part of a functioning circular economy. Pyrolysis oils can replace fossil raw materials in the production process and reduce resource consumption. TÜV SÜD points out that pyrolysis oils fall under the EU Chemicals Regulation and require REACH registration.
Pyrolysis oils are liquid products obtained through the thermal conversion of plastic waste and end-of-life tyres. This allows even non-recyclable materials to be reintroduced into the production cycle, materials which would otherwise have to be incinerated or sent to landfill. In addition to being used as fuel, pyrolysis oils are blended with fossil raw materials to produce a wide range of chemicals, including raw materials for plastics manufacturing.
When such recycled materials are placed on the market or further processed, European Union Chemicals Regulation applies. “Depending on the type of processing – simple shredding or thermochemical treatment – different regulatory obligations may arise for the companies involved,” says Dr. Bratislav Djordjevic of TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH. “With regard to REACH registration, pyrolysis oils in particular are especially challenging due to their composition.”
According to Dr. Djordjevic, experience to date in supporting manufacturers and importers has shown that the REACH registration process for pyrolysis oils is virtually impossible to manage without external assistance. The main reasons for this are the chemical variability and complexity of the oils produced by pyrolysis, the associated time-consuming substance identification, the complex requirements for testing strategies, and the implementation of the information requirements within the framework of a REACH registration.
TÜV SÜD has extensive experience in the field of EU chemicals regulations. The experts assist manufacturers and importers in determining which regulatory obligations apply under the REACH Regulation, the CLP Regulation, or other regulations, and how these can be implemented. For more information on TÜV SÜD’s services in this area, visit tuvsud.com/en/reach.
Press contact: Dr Thomas Oberst
