Our history
Phoenix was founded to offer an innovative alternative to the gasification and pyrolysis of elastomer waste. Using a second-hand thermokinetic mixer, the company developed a promising processing method for elastomer crumb rubber. Successive trials validated an efficient processing method, although the initial process required several minutes per cycle. A prototype enabling continuous production was then developed, leading to two patents protecting this technology worldwide.
This new equipment, combined with standard peripherals, enabled continuous production in a pre-industrialization phase. After being relocated, the equipment processed 1,045,000 pounds of crumb rubber, validating its performance and paving the way for full industrialization of the process.
At the end of 2022, Phoenix decided to manufacture an elastomer compound for truck tire treads, incorporating 30 PHR (15% by mass) of crumb rubber from truck tire carcass treads. Concurrently, the team was preparing the second generation “Bravo” of surface processing equipment. This modular version, optimized for the type of elastomer to be recycled, would increase the number of PHRs in the compounds, while reducing power consumption and boosting the plant’s overall performance.
The Mirabel pilot plant in operation from 2014 to 2021.
Chronology
From the company’s foundation in 2004 to this day!
Market sectors
In 2023, the global market for rubber products reached $400.07 billion, with an annual growth rate of 6.9% over 2022. Rubber is valued for its properties such as resistance to heat, abrasion and low temperatures, and is mainly used in the manufacturing of tires, as well as other products such as sealants (EPDM) and hoses.
The growing demand for tires, particularly in the automotive industry, is driving the trend to reduce resource consumption and reuse post-consumer waste. Rubber accounts for over 40% of tire composition and is also used in industrial applications such as drive belts and much more.
Recycled rubber, in particular Surface Activated Regenerated (“SAR”) crumb rubber, offers economic and strategic benefits by replacing part of the raw materials used during the manufacturing of a rubber product.
And also reduces the energy required and the CO² generated during the entire manufacturing process.
This recycling model represents a functional circular economy approach that can significantly reduce global production costs and dependence on raw materials.
Annual demand for processed rubber is currently estimated at 200 million pounds and is expected to exceed 400 million pounds in the U.S. alone within the next five years.
Target markets include tire tread manufacturers for the tire transportation retreading market. We are currently creating with our “Tread to Tread” project, introducing our technology solution to major tire companies.
This is just the beginning!
The company’s vision encompasses much more than the recycling of elastomer waste into technical products.
The emphasis is now on processing the source of waste into high-performance rubber products that reduce the need for raw materials, cut energy requirements, and alleviate the burden on natural and synthetic rubber worldwide.
NOTRE ÉQUIPE
Phoenix travaille avec ses clients, du laboratoire au produit final, pour obtenir des économies de coûts et des performances optimales pour leurs composés à base de caoutchouc régénéré
Jean Prevost, COB (Chair of the Board)
Perfectly bilingual executive professional with a successful track record in the development of artificial turf fields for global applications. Author of numerous patents and developer of significant installation methods used in the industry, he has built his reputation on these achievements.
Phoenix Innovation Technology Inc.: Acquisition of a struggling company with unique expertise in elastomer processing. Restructured the company and established a management team. The company now holds two patents and has technology validated by recognized third parties in the rubber industry (2024).
FieldTurf Inc.: Co-founder and creator of the FieldTurf artificial turf concept, with sales exceeding $350 million. Developed high-performance safety products, establishing a dominant brand in a newly created industry.
Sylvain Martel, CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
Passionate about electronics, computer science, and industrial equipment design, I began my career in fixed machine mechanics at Pavillon Paul-Guérin Lajoie, where I was the top of my class in 1980. With a strong aptitude for learning and analytical skills, I significantly contributed to various projects, particularly in modifying boiler management systems for steam boilers, and I trained operators for high-pressure boiler operations.
My career at Thermex Technologie allowed me to rapidly advance from second operator to technical director and then VP of Operations in just 18 months, showcasing my versatility and leadership. As a shareholder at TGS, I led a gasification plant project in Spain, and in 2002, I was responsible for the instrumentation of the Molson boiler in Montreal, where I improved the combustion control strategy.
As a co-founder of Phoenix Innovation Technology, I currently serve as VP of Operations, focusing on the reuse of elastomer waste. We developed innovative technology that resulted in two patents and successfully tested products in 2023 for manufacturing tire treads, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Since January 2024, I have been the CEO of Phoenix, where I strive to enhance our technology and create companies tailored to the specific needs of distinct geographic markets.
Dominic Mathieu, CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
Chartered Professional Accountant with CA designation and over 13 years of experience, including 3 years at a prestigious accounting firm, 3 years as General Manager, and 2 years as Vice President of Finance.
My strengths include leadership, a clear accounting vision, organization, teamwork, strong interpersonal skills, and robust analytical abilities. My previous roles have allowed me to develop expertise in organizational management, client and supplier relations, and ERP system optimization.
• Passed the Uniform Final Examination (UFE) (2010)
Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
• Chartered Professional Accountant designation (CPA Auditor, CA) (2012)
Kim Amesse, Director of Technical Operations and Quality Control (DTO-QC)
As Director of Technical Operations and Quality Control, with a diploma in Chemical Process Technology and training in Laboratory Analysis, I possess a broad range of expertise. I provide operational support for Scientific Research and Experimental Development by conducting physical analyses and preparing results for review by the company’s team.
Responsible for the development of new materials, I oversee the preparation and execution of mixtures according to the requests of the company’s chemist. I contribute to the development of technical protocols, updating of operational manuals, and emergency planning. Finally, I play a key role in training future operators as well as commissioning client equipment.
This highlights my skills in operations management, quality control of materials, and my strategic role in training and technical support.
Pierre Bayeur, Technical Advisor
Pierre, a chemist with 32 years of experience at Bridgestone Canada, started as a process engineer in the mixing department before becoming the head of quality control laboratories. He was heavily involved in the rubber manufacturing process, from the mixing stage to tire vulcanization, and contributed to the implementation of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Japanese management principles. For 17 years, he improved rubber manufacturing processes.
As an environmental manager/coordinator during his last 15 years at Bridgestone, he focused on establishing high standards for rubber recycling and achieving zero waste to landfill.
Since 2022, he has been a technical advisor at Phoenix Innovation Technology, bringing his expertise in the reuse of vulcanized rubber.