The German government has set clear priorities with its National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS): Waste avoidance, resource conservation, climate protection and economic independence. The recycling of used tyres by partners of the NEW LIFE initiative is a living example of how these goals can be achieved in practice.

Over 500,000 tonnes of used tyres are generated nationwide every year. If they are recycled, they are turned into valuable secondary raw materials (textile fibres, steel and rubber) and high-quality products for numerous areas of application - from green roofs and impact protection surfaces to elastic floor coverings for sports fields, playgrounds and riding arenas. The recycling of used tyres helps to avoid hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste every year in Germany alone, reduce CO2 emissions, conserve resources and reduce dependence on raw material imports. At the same time, it strengthens small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany and secures jobs in the green economy.

The new explanatory film on the BMUV's National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS) makes it clear that for the circular economy to work, all stakeholders must be involved. There are already functioning models, particularly in the area of recycling used tyres, which can serve as examples for other waste streams.

The recycling of used tyres is a forward-looking disposal solution and a contribution to the success of the national circular economy strategy.

🎥 Watch the BMUV explanatory film on the NKWS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj1X_cYtJLc

🔹 Further information on the National Circular Economy Strategy: https://www.kreislaufwirtschaft-deutschland.de/