Tyre recyclers ‘disappointed’ by support levels

Europe – Around 81% of the 3.2 million tonnes of tyres arising last year in the EU-28 and Norway were treated ‘in a sustainable manner’, with almost equal volumes going for material recycling and for energy recovery. However, the overall percentage was significantly lower than that for 2013, largely because of a sharp reduction in the numbers of tyres channelled into retreading, it was explained at the BIR world recycling convention in Prague last week by Dr Valerie Shulman, secretary general of the European Tyre Recycling Association.

Shulman highlighted a number of areas of concern for recyclers, including the lack of transparency in data provided by end-of-life tyre (ELT) management groups. Recyclers were also ‘disappointed’ by the limited government support available in terms of finance, incentives and ‘green’ public procurement, as well as by legislation that appeared ‘outdated’ in some instances.

Fazilet Cinaralp, secretary general of the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association, suggested the design of mandatory ‘green’ public procurement schemes would assist in the vital task of supporting the development of new markets for secondary raw materials. She also urged the provision of EU-harmonised end-of-waste criteria for materials derived from ELTs.

Recycling International will carry full coverage of the BIR world convention in its November issue.