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In Episode 9 of TRR Insights, we speak with Brad Pierce and Blake Richardson, Executive Directors of Treadlite New Zealand, a key player in both tyre recycling and collection for the Tyrewise scheme.
Treadlite Leaders Brad Pierce and Blake Richardson Share Insights on NZ’s tyre Collection
Brad and Blake discuss their efficient, nationwide collection operation, utilising a hub-and-spoke model with smaller trucks for local pickups. They share their passion for creating high-quality recycled rubber granules, emphasising their commitment to producing a 99.9% metal-free product to build customer trust.
Infiniteria announced the appointment of Kajsa Ryttberg-Wallgren as Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1
Ms Ryttberg-Wallgren succeeds Stefano Madeddu, who will stay in Infiniteria as an advisor after heading the company since its inception in 2023. Ms Ryttberg-Wallgren joins Infiniteria from Stegra, the Swedish company focusing on decarbonising the hard-to-abate steel industry, where she was Chief Growth Officer since 2021. She brings experience in industrial businesses and in establishing new businesses across the world, having previously occupied executive roles in a range of Scandinavian companies such as PIAB, Yara International, Sandvik and Sapa. She is also a Board member of PowerCell Group and WTR Group AB.
Anand Jagannathan, Senior Partner of Antin Infrastructure Partners NextGen strategy, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Kajsa Ryttberg-Wallgren as CEO of Infiniteria. She offers a strong combination of Swedish industrial experience, a track record in international expansion and strong sustainability credentials, all of which are highly relevant for Infiniteria and the journey ahead of us. We’d like to thank Stefano Madeddu for his many contributions to Infiniteria, establishing the joint venture and putting it on track for growth across Europe. We’re very pleased that he will continue to be involved with the business in an advisory capacity, allowing us to continue drawing on his valuable experience.”
Kajsa Ryttberg-Wallgren added: “I am truly excited to join Infiniteria as CEO at such a pivotal moment. Thanks to Stefano Madeddu, the team, and our partners, we now stand with a first-of-its-kind plant nearing completion and a production and business concept ready to scale. I am grateful to Antin for their trust and look forward to working closely with the entire organisation as we enter commissioning and expand across Europe. Together, we will build a circular and profitable business that makes a real difference for the planet and the generations to come.”
Infiniteria is building its first plant in Uddevalla, Sweden, at the moment, which is expected to start operations in 2026, while planning to establish further end-of-life tyre recycling plants across Europe. The company relies on Enviro’s patented tyre pyrolysis technology to produce reusable materials from end-of-life tyres, forming a fully circular process that will contribute to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. The delivery and installation of the five pyrolysis reactors for the tyre recycling plant in Uddevalla were completed in October 2025 in accordance with the schedule previously communicated by Enviro.
The construction of the plant, which has been ongoing for about 1.5 years, is now approaching the point where the majority of the process equipment has been delivered and installed, and the main focus is on further installation. The provisional acceptance certificate (PAC) is expected to be reached in mid-2026. In the first phase, the plant will have an annual capacity to process 34,500 tons of end-of-life tyres.
Scott Gerber, Program Director of the Better Play Initiative (BPI), joins Ewan Scott for Episode 83 of The Tyre Recycling Podcast. The BPI is a US-based advocacy group promoting the safe, sustainable use of recycled rubber in sports and playground applications.
BPI’s Scott Gerber Cuts Through the Noise on Crumb Rubber Safety and Sustainability
Scott addresses concerns about the safety of crumb rubber infill, citing comprehensive studies from agencies like the EPA and CalEPA (California) that have found no significant health risks.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to Episode #83: Scott Gerber & The Better Play Initiative
In a monumental step toward advancing global recycling technology, Fornnax Technology has unveiled one of the world’s largest New Product Development (NPD) centre and demonstration plants, covering more than 12 acres of land
This groundbreaking facility represents a major milestone in Fornnax’s long-term vision to become a global leader in recycling solutions by 2030.
This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for new product development, specifically designed to cater to evolving application demands. Fornnax also plans to use the centre to upgrade its existing range of shredders and granulators by increasing their capacity, improving energy efficiency, and reducing downtime. These enhancements will not only boost equipment availability, ensuring operational readiness for up to 20 hours per day, but also validate newly developed equipment for as long as 3,000–15,000 hours based on the product and under real-world conditions.
Commenting on this significant achievement, Jignesh Kundariya, Director and CEO of Fornnax Technology, shared his insights on the importance of in-house development capabilities; “Innovation in product development is the key to success of becoming a global leader. With this new facility, we now have the speed, flexibility, and controlled environment to design, test, and validate new technologies in just 6 to 8 months something that would take significantly 4-5 years at a customer site. We aim to validate each machine as per global standards, rigorously testing every critical part and assembly under Engineering Build (EB) and Manufacturing Build (MB) protocols. We’ve also developed an endurance test setup, giving us a clear edge in staying ahead of industry demands and delivering solutions that are future-ready.”
The new plant is powered by a robust New Product Development framework based on a Gate Review Process that ensures precision, cross-functional input, and performance at every stage, here’s the brief overview:
Gate 0: Market Research & Ideation
The initial process is led by Sales & Marketing Team to capture the voice of the customer, analyse the product demand and prepares a tentative concept and budget for management evaluation and strategic alignment in the next development phase.
Gate 1: Strategic Review
The Leadership Team manages this stage, evaluating market growth, potential, and conducting a competitive cost analysis. This review ensures strategic alignment, laying the groundwork for the project’s economic viability and market position before proceeding.
Gate 2: Design Conceptualization
The Design Team takes ownership of this gate, developing detailed CAD designs, the Bill of Materials (BoM), and integrating features. Sequential reviews are then conducted by the Manufacturing Team for manufacturability, the Service Team for ease of maintenance, and the Safety Committee for comprehensive safety validation.
Gate 3: Final Design Approval
This stage incorporates all feedback and addresses open points from prior reviews, ensuring a refined design. The primary objective is to guarantee the machine is easy to manufacture, simple to operate, and straightforward to service, securing comprehensive approval before the physical build begins.
Gate 4: Engineered Build (EB) – Validation Phase
A functional prototype is constructed during this phase, undergoing 6–8 months of rigorous validation and endurance testing. This critical period ensures the design performs as intended and is durable under demanding, real-world conditions, confirming its readiness for further development.
Gate 5: Manufacturing Build (MB) – Production Readiness
In this final stage, the design is meticulously optimized for efficient mass manufacturing. Once completed, the equipment is officially declared ready for large-scale production and commercial scaling, marking the transition from development to market readiness.
Tailored Testing and Customer Demonstration
One of the key features of this new centre is its open-door policy for customers looking to validate their materials and applications. Clients who are uncertain about which equipment suits their specific shredding or recycling needs can now bring their material to the NPD centre. Here, they can observe performance across multiple machines and operating conditions.
This approach provides a risk-free, real-world testing environment that empowers customers to make informed investment decisions regardless of the application type or material. Also, upgrade their existing technology to the latest advancements to stay ahead of the curve.
Comprehensive Support for Sales and After-Sales Services
The new facility also houses an OEM training centre, which will be instrumental in developing a skilled operators and maintenance engineers for existing and future customers. Regular sessions will be conducted for the Fornnax sales and after-sales team, as well as sales partners across regions, to ensure everyone is up to date with the latest advancements and operational procedures.
This comprehensive training approach not only enhances the customer experience but also ensures that the equipment performs at optimal efficiency throughout its lifecycle.
Pioneering Future Recycling Solutions
Beyond just validating known materials, the centre will support in-depth research for emerging recycling applications such as E-waste, Cables, Fridges, Aluminium, or Auto Shredder Residue (ASR), Lithium-Ion Batteries and other miscellaneous applications.
In cases some where customers bring new or unfamiliar materials, Fornnax’s highly qualified engineering and R&D teams will conduct feasibility studies, performance tests, and design tailored solutions accordingly.
This agility in responding to client needs will further reinforce Fornnax’s position as a solutions-driven technology provider, capable of tackling even the most complex recycling challenges.
Shedding more light on this, Kundaria says; “Our goal is to empower customers with clarity and confidence before they invest. This facility allows them to test their own materials under real-world conditions, compare machines, and see results firsthand. It’s not just about selling equipment; it’s about building trust through transparency and delivering solutions that truly work for their unique needs.”
With over a decade of expertise and dominance in India’s tyre recycling market, coupled with a significant global footprint spanning Australia, Europe, the GCC, Asia, and beyond, Fornnax’s international-grade equipment has redefined the industry legacy.
By becoming a champion in manufacturing high-capacity recycling equipment, such as Primary and Secondary Shredders, Granulators, and Separation Systems, Fornnax has established itself as a leader in the field.
Building on this success, Fornnax is poised for further growth, with a strong focus on Tyre, Municipal Solid Waste, E-waste, Cable, and Aluminium recycling. The company plans to scale its offerings, capture a larger share of the global market, and enhance its revenue streams through these high-demand verticals.
The advanced NPD centre and demo plant will not only increase Fornnax’s revenue from its recycling operations but also is a testament to Fornnax’s commitment to progress, sustainability, and customer-centric innovation.
By integrating R&D, training, testing, and customer engagement under one roof, Fornnax is laying the groundwork for the next generation of recycling technologies.
Fornnax extends an invitation to industry partners, customers, and stakeholders to visit the demo plant and experience firsthand the scale and potential of a facility that will undoubtedly set a global benchmark in recycling innovation.
Episode 8 of TRR Video Insights is available and we speak with Linda Mitchell, Science and Innovation Manager for Tyre Stewardship Australia and winner of the 2025 Young Professional of the Year award.
TSA’s Science and Innovation Manager Explores the Research Paving the Way for Progress
Linda discusses her excitement about tech-based processing and the potential for using Australia’s vast mining tyre resources in innovative ways. She emphasises the need for consistency, standardisation, and understanding the value of different tyre materials to overcome technical barriers and grow the market.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to TRR Video Insights & Linda Mitchell
1:10 Tech-Based Processing & Mining Tyre Potential
1:47 Developing Consistent Materials & Understanding Value
Portugal’s Valorpneu has recently completed several new projects focusing on ELT management, sustainability, and raising awareness
One of the projects includes Greenfest Braga and Valorpneu joining forces from 26 to 28 September in Praça da República, offering a broad program that focuses on sustainability for families and the general public. Activities included talks, workshops, showcookings, music and an eco-market. During the event, Valorpneu promoted environmental awareness, supporting the programme’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Valorpneu was also a part of ACAP’s “Agricultural Mechanisation – Strategies for a Sector in Transformation” forum, held on 9 September at CNEMA Santarém. The event examined key challenges in the sector, including technological innovation, automation, the ageing machinery fleet and business structure, and the need for targeted regulation and competitiveness measures.
On 21 September in Pegões, the 20th edition of the Yamaha Trophy took place, attracting 336 participants. During the event, Valorpneu had a chance to promote its “Na Pista pelo Ambiente” initiative, raising public awareness about proper tyre care. Valorpneo also promoted its initiatives at Autódromo do Algarve during the European Le Mans Series on 17–18 October and the final round of the 20th Yamaha Trophy on 18 October in Torres Verdas.
Another one of its projects was the 23rd Valorpneu Network Meeting, which took place from 10 to 11 November in Madeira. The event gathered network operators, partners, collaborators and stakeholders in Portugal to discuss sector-relevant issues and exchange experiences, challenges and opportunities.
Together with Jardim d’Areias, Valorpneu also organised children’s activities in Lisbon as part of the Triennale’s youth programme, introducing young participants to the world of recycling and demonstrating how used tyres can be creatively incorporated into play.
In November, Valorpneu also released a study highlighting the growing importance of RFID tags in tyre management, noting their adoption by major manufacturers in recent years. According to the Valorpneu study, RFID improves inventory control, real-time access to technical specifications and overall decision-making across the supply chain, offering a versatile solution that enhances tracking and management of both new and used tyres.
Watersmart project-managed the site with the first Grey Porous Lane coating on a residential parking bay in New Zealand
According to Watersmart, the client was redeveloping their property and wanted to create additional parking without compromising stormwater management or increasing impermeable surface area. Considering its the area with the steep slope and is close to landscaped areas, the client wanted a surface that was durable, permeable and low-maintenance, with the ability to handle vehicle load while preventing flooding and water pooling issues.
Watersmart, a distributor of Porous Lane in New Zealand, project-managed the site and provided technical consultation throughout the process. The team used Porous Lane Traffic Mix in Grey (55m²) to achieve performance and an aesthetic match with the existing concrete driveway. Watersmart also guided the main civil contractor on base preparation, including one compacted layer of GAP65, and two layers (100mm each) of GAP20 to ensure stability and trafficability.
Watersmart is the only provider on the market offering a permeable surfacing system with permeability exceeding international standards up to 8-10 times, contributing to long-term performance and sustainability outcomes. The use of Porous Lane helped with effective stormwater management, reducing runoff and filtering pollutants before they reach the road network. It also provided surface strength — reducing the risk of ravelling and extending the lifespan of the installation.
Porous Lane permeable driveways are designed to help with stormwater management by allowing water to infiltrate through the surface, which reduces runoff and supports on-site detention. Stormwater filtering removes pollutants, and captured water can be redirected to tanks, garden areas or the stormwater network. Each square metre incorporates the equivalent of three Australian waste tyres, with a design life of 25 years.
In our seventh episode of TRR Video Insights, we speak with Bradley Camgoz Posselt, Market Development Director for Porous Lane. Bradley discusses the significant role permeable pavements play in urban infrastructure, turning rainwater from a waste product into a resource that supports urban greenery, reduces heat island effects, and enhances sustainability.
Porous Lane Transforming Tyre Waste into Circular Economy Solution
Bradley explains how Porous Lane‘s technology transforms post-consumer tyres into a high-performance solution for flooding and runoff, contributing to the circular economy.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to TRR Video Insights & Bradley Camgoz Posselt
1:03 The Importance of Permeable Pavements for Cities
1:41 Turning End-of-Life Tyres into Sustainability Solutions
Recently, Tyre and Rubber Recycling was advised of a possible loophole regarding waste tyres, after a short investigation we have a clarification from the Environment Agency
It had been reported to us by a permitted recycler than anEnvironment Agency inspector was unclear on when a tyre was a waste, and who could declare it a waste.
The EA inspector argued that since the tyres might be resold as part worn, or as casings for retreading, they were not waste. His argument ran that the retailer was not in a position to classify the tyres, therefore they may not be waste when they left his premises, so they could be moved by anyone with a van to a third party where they may or may not be classified as waste.
This idea ran contrary to the understanding of the law by the Tyre Recovery Association, the NTDA, and most players in the market. It seemed incredulous that an EA inspector might have this idea, so Tyre and Rubber Recycling asked the Environment Agency for a clarification.
The initial response was probably an AI generated answer, as it covered all the bases. It did, however state; “Waste is defined as any substance or object which the holder discards, intends to discard or is required to discard.” Which is pretty clear, if you are not going to use a tyre, it is waste (that gives rise to other questions – such as if a retailer gives tyres to a third party to build an rammed earth retaining wall, are those tyres waste?)
However, the same response has a link to a document – Check if your material is waste.
The guidance on waste has a list of factors impacting on waste criteria, which we will not list here, but it does say this; “All the factors must be considered. It’s not possible to decide if something has been discarded based on a single factor, unless the law specifically says that it must be disposed of.”
This is possibly where the idea that a tyre might not be waste at the point of removal came from.
Tyre and Rubber Recycling went back to the EAseeking a further clarification and gave the reason why we were asking the question. The reply came back with the clear wording; “A tyre removed by a garage and left with the garage is a waste. Once retreaded and marked accordingly or inspected as a part worn and marked accordingly, it ceases to become a waste.”
There is no ambiguity in the EA interpretation, a tyre removed from a vehicle is deemed waste until it is considered to meet the end-of-waste criteria.
As a result of the matter being raised, the EA is advising operational staff accordingly.
All players in the UK tyre sector can be clear, the tyres removed from vehicles are waste. There is no abdicating responsibility by saying they MAY be retreaded or resold as part-worn. They must be treated as waste and handled accordingly.
Can Rubberised Asphalt Transform New Zealand’s Roads? Grant Bosma Thinks So
Grant discusses his hopes for upscaling the use of rubber in roads in New Zealand and the challenges the product faces in achieving this goal. He highlights the major benefits of rubberised asphalt, such as improved longevity, waterproofing, and cracking resistance, describing the simultaneous reduction of waste tyre stockpiles as a “win-win”.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to TRR Video Insights & Grant Bosma
