Designing for the future: NEW LIFE makes 10 May a turning point for secondary raw materials

German Overshoot Day

The 10 May 2026 is a date that should give us pause for thought. It is the day on which Germany begins to run up its „ecological debt“ for the year. As resources become scarcer, the initiative NEW LIFE, ...that the solution is often right under our feet – in the form of recycled old tyres.

German Overshoot Day challenges us to rethink our lifestyles and production methods. Why should we use valuable primary raw materials and fossil fuels when high-quality secondary raw materials are available? NEW LIFE impressively demonstrates how waste can be transformed into innovative products for modern life.

Our products made from ELT (end-of-life tyres) actively help protect the climate:

  • Sustainable urban development: Resilient floor coverings and safety mats for playgrounds and urban leisure areas.
  • Industry & Homes: Highly effective soundproofing systems and anti-vibration mats that are durable and resource-efficient.
  • Sport: Modern running tracks and artificial turf infill, which have an excellent environmental footprint thanks to recycled rubber granules.

Every square metre of a NEW LIFE product reduces CO2 emissions and conserves the natural resources that Germany had already used up by 10 May. We invite architects, local authorities and developers to become part of the solution. Let’s work together to give materials a „new lease of life“ and actively combat the ecological strain on our planet.

What is German Overshoot Day? The German Overshoot Day is an indicator of environmental sustainability. It marks the day on which humanity’s demand for renewable resources and the emission of waste (particularly CO₂) exceeds what nature can provide for that year. As we in Germany are living beyond our means, we slip into the „ecological red“ as early as May. Initiatives such as NEW LIFE are working to reduce the consumption of primary resources through upcycling and recycling, and to push back the date of Overshoot Day.

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