On 26 and 27 February 2026, over 70 participants from industry, SMEs, trade, politics and science met for the sixth AZuR partner meeting in Upper Austria - including, of course, NEW LIFE partners. Host KIAS Recycling GmbH operates the only used tyre recycling plant in Austria. The agenda at the „Alte Fabrik“ event centre included exciting specialist presentations, workshops, an exclusive tour of the plant and a lively exchange between players from all segments of the European tyre/recycling industry. The focus: the development of forward-looking solutions, processes and projects for the further optimisation of retreading, mechanical and chemical recycling.
Network coordinator Christina Guth was delighted with the „personal commitment of the partners from all over Europe, fresh impetus from specialist presentations and lively discussions, which resulted in exciting ideas for the future-oriented expansion of the tyre recycling industry. My special thanks go to the team from KIAS-Recycling, without whose great preparation and organisation we would not have been able to hold an event of this size.“
New ideas and impetus for the future of the circular economy
After the official welcome by Christian Zirgoi (KIAS Recycling), Stephan Rau (wdk) and Christina Guth, Prof. Holger Hoppe (TH Ingolstadt) opened the specialist programme with an interactive presentation on the future of the circular economy. In line with the motto, he showed how innovative business models, regulatory measures and interdisciplinary collaboration can accelerate the transformation.
One focus of the partner meeting was the presentation of the three AZuR project groups retreading, mechanical recycling and chemical recycling. The project groups presented their highlights, challenges and activities for 2026. In the area of mechanical recycling, the focus is on municipal tenders, specialist congresses and collaborations.
Exclusive insights behind the scenes at KIAS Recycling
One particular highlight was the impressive tour of KIAS Recycling's state-of-the-art facilities. In groups, the AZuR partners were given practical insights into modern waste tyre recycling processes - from acceptance and processing to the high-quality recycling of the secondary raw materials obtained. The professionally organised tour impressively underlined how essential certified disposal and recycling structures are for the success of a functioning tyre recycling economy.