18 March 2026 is Global Recycling Day. The international day of action draws global attention to the importance of recycling and reminds people that used tyres and other waste can be valuable raw materials if they are treated correctly. Proper disposal and functioning recycling loops are crucial to protecting the climate, environment and resources in the long term. In Germany, too, recycling plays a key role in keeping valuable materials in circulation and avoiding waste.
Mechanical recycling keeps almost 40 percent of the used tyres produced in Germany and their valuable raw materials in the cycle. Using modern technology, the tyres are broken down into their components in a climate-friendly way. In this way, valuable secondary raw materials (steel wire, textile fibres and above all rubber) are recovered from tyres instead of disposing of them or burning them as secondary fuels.
This avoids hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste and CO2 emissions every year, conserves natural resources, keeps valuable raw materials in circulation and saves energy. Mechanical tyre recycling also helps to strengthen the regional economy, secure jobs, reduce dependence on raw material imports and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The aim of the day of action is to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and to establish recycling as an integral part of a sustainable economy. The initiators refer to recycling as the „seventh resource“. In addition to raw materials such as water, air, coal, oil, gas and minerals, recyclable materials should be recognised as a resource of equal value.
Recycling helps to conserve natural resources and save energy. Many materials can be recycled several times without losing quality. This reduces the need for new raw materials and at the same time reduces the amount of waste and environmental pollution. The (tyre) circular economy is therefore an important building block for climate protection and a sustainable future.