The Alliance Future Tyres (AZuR) has published an updated version of its Greenpapers on the status of the tyre recycling economy in Europe. The 32-page paper presents the ecological and economic potential of retreading, repair, reprofiling, mechanical and chemical tyre recycling. The green paper highlights the contributions to climate protection, resource conservation and industrial competitiveness of the circular economy consistently implemented by AZuR.
Specific demands are also made of politicians: In order to utilise the existing potential, adjustments to the legal framework are urgently required. The European Court of Auditors also warns „to strengthen the recycling markets, as the circular economy requires functioning markets, consistent implementation and reliable financing in the EU.“ For network coordinator Christina Guth, the circular tyre economy is „a functioning example of sustainable business in Europe. It combines climate protection, resource conservation and economic value creation.“
Circular economy as the key to climate protection and industrial future
The European economy is facing a multiple challenge: it must simultaneously become more climate-neutral, increase competitiveness and secure its supply of raw materials. The transition from a linear economy - produce, use, dispose - to a functioning circular economy plays a central role in this. The Clean Industrial Deal initiated by the European Commission provides important impetus for a sustainable industrial policy.
The updated AZuR Greenpaper makes it clear, however, that the circular economy must become more central to political measures. This transformation is becoming increasingly relevant in the mobility sector in particular. As the number of vehicles increases, so does the demand for tyres - and therefore the amount of used tyres. A sustainable circular tyre economy offers the chance to combine ecological challenges with economic opportunities.
Tyres that can no longer be repaired, re-profiled or retreaded are preferably sent for climate-friendly mechanical recycling. Valuable secondary raw materials such as steel wire, textile fibres and, above all, rubber granulate are produced here. The steel is suitable for remelting, while the textile fibres have very good insulating properties. Tyre rubber granulate is used to manufacture high-quality recycled products for various industries and applications.
Need for political action in Germany and Europe
Despite efficient technology, successful practical application and increasing attention, AZuR and NEW LIFE still see a considerable need for political action. The AZuR Greenpaper therefore formulates concrete demands for politicians and administrators at federal, state and European Union level. These include binding quality and sustainability standards as well as the development of a European market for high-quality secondary raw materials from recycling processes. AZuR and NEW LIFE are also calling for a clear legal framework for innovative recycling technologies and greater recognition of recycled materials as raw materials of equal value. This is the only way to secure investments in sustainable technologies in the long term.
Tyre circular economy as an opportunity for climate, economy and society
The updated AZuR Green Paper makes it clear that a consistently implemented circular tyre economy offers many advantages. It reduces waste and CO₂ emissions, conserves natural resources and at the same time strengthens regional value chains and small and medium-sized enterprises. It can therefore make an important contribution to the transformation of European industry. However, the prerequisite is that politics, business and society work together to create the necessary framework conditions and consistently utilise the existing potential.