The NEW LIFE initiative presented the ecological benefits, opportunities and possibilities of mechanical tyre recycling into high-quality secondary raw materials and products made from rubber granulate to the 350,000 visitors to Green Week 2026 in Berlin. At the Spielraum:Talks, NEW LIFE partners presented the benefits and possibilities of elastic impact protection surfaces made from tyre rubber granulate to 150 invited guests. A special kind of sustainable experience: The stand areas of the ZERO theme island were equipped with an exhibition floor made of tyre rubber granulate. Network coordinator Christina Guth was delighted with „the great interest and positive feedback from a wide range of target groups. Whether politics or local authorities, agriculture or GaLaBau: In the end, everyone loved what we did with old tyres.“
With its appearance in Berlin at the beginning of the year, the NEW LIFE initiative set an example for a climate-friendly, resource-conserving future. Under the motto „ZERO WASTE INSTEAD OF ZERO FUTURE“, the initiative and its partners presented themselves at the heart of the newly created ZERO theme island. A giant turtle made of rubber granulate from NEW LIFE partner KRAIBURG Relastec made a particular impression on younger guests. „The discussions showed that NEW LIFE is in tune with the times. Numerous visitors were interested in sustainable solutions made from recycled materials and responded very positively,“ says Elke Sondermann-Becker (Regupol), summarising her impressions.
Sustainability at every turn: exhibition flooring made from tyre rubber granulate
Exhibitors and visitors to the ZERO theme island were pleasantly surprised by the elastic stand flooring made of rubber granulate. The floor panels from MRH Mülsen are comfortable to walk on and prevented signs of fatigue, which was noticeable after a long day at the trade fair. Floor tiles made of tyre rubber granulate reduce impact noise and have high compressive strength and abrasion resistance. The smooth, dirt-repellent surface is very easy to clean. Thanks to the puzzle click system, the mats are easy to lay - without any adhesive - and can be quickly packed up again at the end of the trade fair.
In contrast to the usual disposable exhibition carpets, the easy-care, robust rubber flooring can also be easily reused and recycled at the end of its life cycle. Production takes place in Germany with short transport routes and in compliance with the highest environmental and quality standards. By using the secondary raw material tyre rubber granulate, the flooring helps to avoid waste, conserve resources and save energy and CO2 emissions, square metre for square metre.
Clear the stage for the circular economy in Hall 27
NEW LIFE also took part in the varied programme on the large stage in Hall 27 and in special events at the Green Week in Berlin. In an entertaining, interactive quiz on the circular economy and products made from tyre rubber granulate, visitors could win an elegant tyre rubber vase from Conradi+Kaiser and cute horse figures made from rubber granulate.
NEW LIFE also successfully took part in the Green Week Startup Days - the meeting place for young companies with green ideas. On the big stage, Daniel Schockmann from Regupol showed how the recycling of tyres can lead to new ways of climate-friendly circular economy. In a dialogue, he presented recycling solutions made from rubber granulate that not only pay off ecologically, but are also economically viable: „The audience's interest in the entertaining event was great, as you could see from the numerous questions.“
Spielraum:Talks: More fun with sports and games for sure
One of the highlights of Green Week 2026 was the SPIELRAUM:TALKS - a specialist conference on sustainable play and open spaces in cities and municipalities, which was attended by decision-makers from politics, local authorities, social organisations and planning offices. Sabine Rehberg (Regupol), Dr Georg Maxein (Conradi+Kaiser) and Ralf Hertrampf (MRH Mülsen) presented a topic that is of fundamental importance for the safety, operating costs and climate friendliness of play areas to around 150 invited guests: Fall protection solutions made from tyre rubber granules.
Elastic fall protection floors made of tyre rubber granules can be laid as a seamless surface or in the form of elastic slabs. They fulfil the highest requirements for safety, appearance and climate protection in indoor and outdoor areas. The sustainable rubber flooring is robust, weather-resistant, non-slip, easy to clean and protects against serious injuries from falls of up to three metres. Available in various shapes, colours and designs, the flooring opens up new design freedom, enables barrier-free access to play areas, helps to conserve resources and contributes to optimising the ecological footprint of local authorities and clubs.
„We presented our impact protection solutions very well, presented a broad picture of the available options - especially the advantages of rubber impact protection - and answered questions from the specialist audience with confidence,“ says Dr Georg Maxein, summarising his impressions. „We were also able to credibly demonstrate that by using the secondary raw material tyre granulate in our rubber impact protection products, the life cycle of the original tyre rubber is extended by around 10 to 15 years, and in sports surfaces by as much as 15 to 20 years. That is sustainability,“ adds Sabine Rehberg.
The event concluded with a get-together in the ZERO theme island, giving all participants the chance to experience the benefits of floor coverings made from tyre rubber granulate in person.