EuRIC has taken the call for better ELT processes to the European Union in its manifesto
The recycling of tyres in Europe, despite numerous EPR and Tax schemes, plus a few free market systems, has failed to maximise the value in waste tyres.
There is no single voice lobbying for tyre recycling, but EuRIC has taken a more proactive stance of late.
The EuRIC manifesto makes five calls for improvement to the way Europe handles its waste tyre arisings.
- Boosting demand for recycled materials from ELTs: Binding targets for recycled rubber in new tyres and automotive parts are essential to drive demand, reduce reliance on virgin materials, and develop circular end[1]markets for ELT-derived materials.
- Banning exports of unprocessed waste tyres outside the EU and establishing EU-wide EoW criteria for recycled tyre rubber: Preventing the export of unprocessed and shredded ELTs is key to avoiding environmental harm and retaining valuable materials in Europe whilst enforcing the Waste Shipment Regulation and setting harmonised EU-wide end-of-waste criteria for ELT-derived rubber will boost high-value recycling, remove trade barriers, and strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy.
- Ensuring design for recycling with strong eco-design requirements: Ensure tyres are recyclable, retreadable, and free from harmful substances. Tyre design must support circularity, with producers held accountable for non-recyclable models.
- Leveraging the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for tyres: Ensure tyres are designed for repair, reuse, and recyclability under the ESPR, with clear DPP data (e.g., chemical content, recyclability) to support safer and more efficient recycling processes.
- Aligning chemicals policy with circularity goals: Ensure stable, science[1]based chemicals legislation that supports circularity, avoids unnecessary bans, and promotes transparency and standardised testing for recycled rubber materials
The EuRIC manifesto covers the steps needed in more detail and is available HERE.
Also, on June 19th at 9:00am BST, there will be a EuRIC webinar on tyre recycling with guest speakers such as Poul Steen Rasmussen from Genan.
