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TRA Advises Shippers on Annex VII

Ewan Scott
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TRA Advises Shippers on Annex VII

The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) highlights the importance a new technology process to manage tyre waste exports to shipping companies

The new means of compliance came into effect on the 28 October. Non-compliant shippers will face penalties. The new rules, announced this summer, state that from 28 October every container of baled ELTs (end-of-life-tyres) bound for India [or anywhere] should be accompanied by a digital geo-tagged Annex VII.

The introduction of technology is to enable better policing of the rules and follow the Environment Agency’s previous reminder that, when it comes to the shipment of used tyre exports, any waste export must be accompanied by a fully completed Annex VII. Not only is the digital geo-tagged Annex VII easier to police it also makes it easier for operators to comply with this important environmental rule. 

If the waste shipment does not end up being recovered at the stated consignee address the parties in the chain of custody face prosecution. The penalty can be the cost of repatriation of that illegal waste shipment, unlimited fines and up to 2 years in prison. The parties in the chain of custody include the waste generator, the broker, the consignee in the receiving country and the shipping line. 

The TRA advises that any business involved in exporting ELTs to India, have up to date declarations of compliance from all the parties in their chain of custody. The digital Annex VII make this easier. Amending internal compliance procedures for the digital geo-tagged Annex VII protocol will reduce a shipper’s risk of prosecution.

Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General of the TRA, said; “The TRA wants to ensure all shipping operators are aware of that a digital geo-tagged Annex VII is now required when transporting waste tyres to India. This is a significant development in waste export enforcement. UK environmental rules for the exporting of ELTs now require all businesses involved to have up-to-date declarations of compliance from every party in their chain of custody. This is of particular importance when shipping to countries like India. Shipping companies should already be aware that their revenues will be undermined by measures that force them to cover the cost of repatriation for an illegal shipment.

“The introduction of the digital geo-tagged Annex VII is a welcome step forward as both an efficient and effective means of clamping down on the export of UK environmental waste destined for pyrolysis in India, which is illegal.  India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have previously clarified that importing waste tyres for pyrolysis is explicitly banned. 

“We are keen to support the Shippers who are involved in the ELT chain of export by bringing their attention to this new rule, we don’t want to see anyone caught out because they are unaware of their obligations.”

Exports Slipping Through the Net

Ewan Scott
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Exports Slipping Through the Net

Since the 1st October, the Environment Agency has enforced rules on the export of waste tyres, no containers should be leaving without the appropriate paperwork. However, anecdotal evidence suggests there is still leakage in the system

Tyre and Rubber Recycling approached four of the key shipping lines to ask for their position on the shipping of waste tyres. All four had been suggested by a recycler who had knowledge of tyres being shipped via these lines.

One shipping line responded. Hapag Lloyd came back with a statement saying; “We do not accept used tyres, The control process is that we notify our colleagues in India who in turn obtain the consignees pre-approval. However, we are not currently exporting granulated rubber as our India colleagues are quite rightly restrictive by insisting on deposits and certain terms i.e. prepaid only, tariff free time.

“Regarding the Annex VII, in short, yes. rubber is viewed as highest risk and therefore the EA pay extra attention to those containers so if there’s no Annex document, the cargo is not shipped.”

However, not every container leaving a UK port has the veracity of its consignment checked. Some years ago, HMRC recorded UK Retread exports at a figure higher than the UK manufactured of imported put together. The implication being that ELT were being shipped out of the UK as retreads, allowing them to bypass waste tyre restrictions, and potentially access export markets where waste tyre imported were banned.

On the 29th October, The Telegraph carried a story that claimed cars were being stolen in the UK and exported abroad and there was nothing the Police could do about it.

Eleanor Dallaway, from cyber insurance firm Assured, was told that on the day the car was stolen, it was probably on a ferry and on its way abroad.

Tom Chisholm, deputy head of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) is quoted in The Telegraph as saying; ““You can book one [container] today and say it’s full of teddy bears, and then fill it up with stolen cars and nobody would know.”

As with all rules and regulations, they are only as good as the enforcement, and with thousands of containers being shipped out of the UK every day, it is currently impossible to check the contents of every container against its consignment paperwork.

For so long as this is the case, the unscrupulous players will slip through the system.

The light at the end of the tunnel could well be digital waste tracking, which cannot come soon enough.

Ultimately, when every tyre has its own tag, tyres can then be traced back to their manufacturer, and since end of life is the responsibility of the producer, in the case of tyres that is the manufacturer, perhaps the manufacturers will pay more attention to where their end-of-life tyres end up – maybe.

Ash Samsbrooks from NSW Government Excited by Innovation and Entrepreneurship on Show at the Round Trip

Richard Wilson
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Ash Samsbrooks from NSW Government Excited by Innovation and Entrepreneurship on Show at the Round Trip

The second episode of TRR Video Insights, recorded at The Round Trip: Tyre & Conveyor Belt Recycling Summit in Melbourne, presented by Tyre Stewardship Australia and Tyrewise is now online. In this video, we speak with Ash Sambrooks, Senior Investment Manager for Clean Economy for the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Opportunities for NSW to Increase Resource and Material Recovery

Ash introduces his role focusing on investment attraction for regional New South Wales whilst also sharing his government perspective on the summit, noting the sector is at a “crossroads” with huge challenges, opportunities, and investment potential to close the resource recovery gap.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to TRR Video Insights & Ash Sambrooks

0:51 Ash Introduces His Role and Department

1:12 A Government Perspective on the Summit & Sector Crossroads

2:26 Excitement About Innovation & Technology in Tyre Recycling

3:24 Next Steps: Attracting Investment to New South Wales

4:30 Conclusion

Time for Action: Tyre Circularity in Colombia

Naida Jahić
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Time for Action: Tyre Circularity in Colombia

The agenda and participants have been confirmed for the Retreading Forum, which will form part of the Jornadas de Reciclaje (Tyre Recycling Conference) in Bogotá

The forum, titled “Hablemos sobre la circularidad de las llantas en Colombia” (Time for Action: Tyre Circularity in Colombia), aims to explore how Colombia’s tyre economy operates, from importation through to final disposal, and to examine how private companies and public institutions contribute to this circular system. According to the organising committee, the session will be dynamic and discussion-led.

“The structure of the forum will begin with Fernando Flórez, President of ANRE (Asociación Nacional de Rencauchadores de Colombia), who will deliver a 20–25 minute introductory address. Following that, the invited participants will not each present individual lectures. Instead, Fernando will introduce key topics for discussion, and participants will debate them collaboratively. Hernando Díez Vargas, Vice President of ANRE, will act as co-moderator alongside Fernando, guiding the conversation and ensuring that all main themes are explored with the invited experts.”

This interactive approach is intended to encourage an open exchange of ideas and practical insights on how Colombia can strengthen its circular economy for tyres.

Among the confirmed panel are:

Fernando Flórez, President of ANRE, is an Industrial Engineer with extensive experience in management and international market development across the Andean region and Central America.

Francisco Eraso, Environmental Engineer and Coordinator of the Sustainable Consumption Group at District Department of the Environment through the Sub-directorate of Eco-urbanism and Corporate Environmental Management, oversees circular economy policy and waste management initiatives and regulations.

Katherin Uribe Cifuentes, Project Director at Sistema Verde, leads national programmes on used tyre collection and traceability, promoting circular economy practices across multiple sectors. Her career includes supporting companies in achieving their sustainability and extended producer responsibility goals.

Raumir Castro, an International Business professional with more than 15 years of experience in strategic management, finance and international business development. Currently, his work covers global negotiations with suppliers in Asia and the Americas, development and positioning of private brands, and market expansion across Latin America.

Juan Carlos Bobadilla Díaz, Vice President of the Cundinamarca Chapter and National Secretary of the Colombian Truckers Association (ACC), is a transport sector leader with three decades of experience. He has co-authored key national transport modernisation laws and represented Colombian truckers in international forums.

This panel represents only part of the broader line-up of experts who will contribute to the discussion on Colombia’s tyre circularity challenges and opportunities.

As media partners for the event, Retreading Business and Tyre & Rubber Recycling will provide coverage of the Retreading Forum and the wider Jornadas de Reciclaje conference, highlighting key takeaways and future actions identified by industry leaders.

Agenda Published for Jornadas Reciclaje Bogotá 2025

Naida Jahić
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Agenda Published for Jornadas Reciclaje Bogotá 2025

Jornadas Reciclaje Bogotá 2025 is returning for its 4th edition and has announced the final agenda of the event, focusing on tyre recycling in Latin America

From 12 to 14 November, at Ágora Bogotá Convention Centre, the 4th edition of the Jornadas Reciclaje Bogotá 2025 will be a meeting place for industry, academia and governments, fostering dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of tyre recycling in the region. Such conferences aim to generate and propose innovative and sustainable solutions that drive the transition toward a more environmentally responsible future.

On Wednesday, 12 November, the main topic of discussion will be Opening, Innovation and Sustainable Roads with Tyre Rubber Powder (ELT). Some of the key topics will include artificial intelligence and predictive maintenance in manufacturing, robotics in tyre retreading, the AZuR project focusing on European-Latin American circular economy initiatives, national experiences in asphalt modification using recycled tyres, environmental, technical, and life-cycle aspects of rubberised asphalt, and more. The first day will conclude with a wine competition, an evening social event.

The speakers of the first day include:

  • Laura Cabrera, Siemens, Argentina
  • Lizardo Benites, Renova, Peru
  • Christina Guth, CGW GmbH & AZuR, Germany
  • Cindy Ortega, Colombia
  • Sully Rojas, Colombia
  • Iván Paba, Colombia
  • José Manuel Cuadrado Valbuena, Panama
  • Manuel Ocampo, Colombia
  • Gilberto Martínez, Colombia
  • Mónica Eloisa Rueda Peña, Colombia
  • Gerardo Botasso, Argentina,

The main topic of the event on Thursday, 13 November, will be Circular Economy, Regional Legislation & Tyre Circularity in Colombia. The speakers will discuss ELT reuse and material circularity in asphalt mixtures, recycling management systems in Europe and Latin America, the circular economy and best practices in polymer recovery, and more. The special event of the day includes “Let’s Talk About Tyre Circularity in Colombia” forum, followed by a fellowship dinner in the evening.

The speakers list for the second day is as follows:

  • Witold Kopytynski, Argentina
  • Aitor del Cerro Serena, Spain
  • Rafael Muñoz Giraldo, Colombia
  • Christophe García, France
  • Grace Collantes, Ecuador
  • Fernando Flórez, Colombia (Moderator)

Panel participants include:

  • Katherin Uribe Cifuentes, Colombia
  • Francisco Javier Eraso, Colombia
  • Raumir Castro, Colombia
  • Juan Carlos Bobadilla, Colombia

Friday, 13 November and the final day of the event will cover Pyrolysis, Circular Economy and Innovation. This topic will cover pyrolysis as a circular economy strategy, recovered carbon black (rCB) quality and applications, use of pyrolytic oil as fuel, experiences in pyrolysis and product commercialisation, innovation, collaboration and open-innovation models and more. The event will conclude with a closing ceremony.

The list of speakers for the final day of the event includes:

  • William Urrego, Colombia
  • Felipe Calderón, Colombia
  • Germán Aguilar, Colombia
  • Elmer Cardozo, Colombia
  • Enrico Koggel, Netherlands
  • José Zapata, Spain
  • Camilo Vélez, Colombia
  • Andrés Salazar, Colombia

Click here if you wish to be a part of the 4th edition of the Jornadas Reciclaje Bogotá 2025.

NSW: First Waste Infrastructure Plan Launched

Ewan Scott
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NSW: First Waste Infrastructure Plan Launched

The NSW Government has unveiled the first part of its infrastructure plan to prevent a waste crisis in NSW.

The NSW Government has released its first waste and circular infrastructure plan to address future needs for a growing population. Without intervention, landfills in Greater Sydney could reach capacity by 2030, with regional sites also under pressure. Despite investments and new recycling laws, waste generation is projected to surpass available capacity within five years.

Following public consultation, the first chapter of the NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan has been released – charting a path forward to meet our growing residual waste needs.

The Plan introduces:

  • streamlined planning processes, while keeping environmental safeguards, to help approvals for new facilities (including recycling facilities)
  • a waste infrastructure concierge to provide advice and planning support
  • a new independent Advisory Committee for strategic waste infrastructure
  • updates to the energy from waste framework and refining where world’s best practice energy from waste facilities can be developed.

The outcomes of the Energy from Waste review are included as part of this strategy, as energy from waste is an important part of waste infrastructure planning. Modern, latest technology thermal treatment is a better alternative to building new landfills. There are more than 2,000 operating in cities around the world.

This move to allow waste from energy development has been welcomed by recyclers as it is seen to open doors to alternative routes to recycling such as TDF and pyrolysis.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe stated; ““We are in a race against the clock to redesign how we deal with waste. If we haven’t got somewhere to put our rubbish in five years, those red bins can’t be collected…

“…We have to break down the barriers around waste infrastructure investment and planning, while continuing to protect our environment from harm.

“We have to do all the things at once – drive up recycling, drive down waste, better regulate dangerous products, increase reuse and repair, and ban those products that shouldn’t be used in the first place.”

The Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan does mention pyrolysis of organic wastes but does not specifically mention tyres.  Tyre and Rubber Recycling has been told repeatedly that Australia does not allow tyre pyrolysis – though we are aware of a couple of projects in Queensland.


Tyre Stewardship Australia was approached for a clarification from a tyre sector perspective.

TSA’s Lina Goodman responded; “The NSW W2E policy has been around for a while – it was a policy that indicated that only five areas in NSW would be permitted for W2E solutions, largely putrescible waste used as fuel for energy recovery. 

Tyre Stewardship Australia 
TSA’s Lina Goodman

“TDF does not fall within this policy, TDF and the ability to use TDF is localised to the facilities that can take them (cement kilns or where coal is used as a reductant); these facilities would need to seek a permit to use TDF at their facilities.  For now there is one cement kiln in Berrima NSW that uses TDF to supplement coal to its furnace (approx. 20,000 – 30,000T capacity, but we are nowhere near that now) and Railton in Tasmania that will be doing a $50M upgrade to its cement kiln (Cement Australia) and it will then be able to consume all of Tasmania’s tyre waste as fuel (approx. 5,000 – 7,000T p/a).”

The EPA Eligible Fuels Guide defines tyres as a W2E fuel. “Used, rejected or unwanted tyres, including shredded tyres, tyre pieces, or tyre crumb containing at least 98% tyre material. “

Additionally, tyres are only considered an eligible waste fuel used as fuel in an approved cement kiln. An approved cement kiln has development consent for use of a non-standard fuel, and an environment protection licence (EPL) with conditions allowing the use of tyres as a fuel source within the kiln.

So, the question then arises, why the praise for this latest development from TSA and others?

Goodman explains; “Why the NSW W2E policy is a good one, is that previously it was written in such a way that if an organisation was hoping to invest in pyrolysis or devulcanisation, they would need to do so at one of these five regional areas, which was not really practical. The change in policy indicates that whilst these regions remain the best option, if there is a facility where the recycling process takes the output back to a form that can be used for recycling into a new product again then the policy may not apply to them.”

Regarding pyrolysis, Goodman clarified that anyone could build a pyrolysis plant in Australia if they follow the right procedures and certifications to be received by the authorities. The gaining of such licences is cumbersome, but achievable.

Two Awards for SDAB Design

Ewan Scott
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Two Awards for SDAB Design

Swedish Tyre Recycling (SDAB) has won two prestigious design awards at Svenska Designpriset 2025 – one for the anniversary book Repurposed Performance and one for the inspirational film When Glass Meets Steel

On 23 October in Stockholm, Sweden’s design community celebrated top achievements at Nalen

SDAB won awards in both categories they were nominated for. Repurposed Performance, an in-house coffee table book on recycled tyre materials, received a Silver Medal in the Editorial – Book category. This recognition was notable since most other entries were produced with established design agencies. “The book was born out of a need to showcase recycled tyre rubber in a new and unexpected way.

Many people are unaware of the possibilities this material offers. Through an accessible and inspiring format, we hope more people will discover the material’s second life,” says Frida Grunewald, SDAB Communications Manager and designer of the anniversary book.

SDAB received recognition for its film When glass meets steel, featuring artist Lisa Hartwig Ericson’s use of recycled tyre steel in glass art. The film won the People’s Choice award in the Film/Animation – Information, Culture, Leisure 2025 category as part of the Art of Recycling initiative with True North/True Production.

“These two awards show that our approach to design and communication is making a difference. More people are discovering the value of repurposed tyre materials and the attractive properties they offer. It’s an important shift,” says Fredrik Ardefors, CEO of SDAB.

“Both the book and the film aim to broaden the perception of what recycled tyre materials can contribute to. The recognition we’ve received from both the jury, and the public means a great deal for us and the industry,” he added.

Aaron Stevens of Te Rapa Tyre Centre on NZ’s Regulated Tyre Scheme

Richard Wilson
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Aaron Stevens of Te Rapa Tyre Centre on NZ’s Regulated Tyre Scheme

Welcome to the first episode of TRR Video Insights, recorded following The Round Trip: Tyre & Conveyor Belt Recycling Summit in Melbourne, presented by Tyre Stewardship Australia and Tyrewise. In this video, we speak with Aaron Stevens, owner of the Te Rapa Tyre Centre in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Aaron Stevens Discusses the Shift to a Regulated Tyre Stewardship Scheme in New Zealand

Aaron discusses the significant shift from a non-regulated system to New Zealand’s regulated tyre stewardship scheme (Tyrewise), explaining the challenges of the old system like inconsistent collection fees and hidden costs, especially for larger tyres.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to TRR Video Insights & Aaron Stevens

1:14 Shift to Regulated Scheme & Old Cost Issues

2:24 Easing Transparency & Collection Fee Issues

3:48 Communicating Recycling to Customers

4:31 Tyrewise First Year Summary & Future Hopes

5:10 Conclusion

Tyromer Discuss The Growing Uptake of Devulcanised Rubber in Episode #79

Richard Wilson
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Tyromer Discuss The Growing Uptake of Devulcanised Rubber in Episode #79

Jon Visaisouk, CEO of Tyromer, joins The Tyre Recycling Podcast live from the Round Trip Tyre and Conveyor Belt Recycling Summit in Melbourne for Episode 79.

Tyromer Talk on Potential for Recycling Mining Tyres and Conveyor Belts in Australia

In this episode, Jon discusses his objectives for the summit, emphasising the need for actionable outcomes beyond discussion. He shares insights into the company’s transition following the passing of Sam Visaisouk, the progress of their European facility in Arnhem (Netherlands), and the growing uptake of their devulcanised rubber, particularly from Tyromer India which produces significant volumes.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction to Episode #79: Jon Visaisouk from Tyromer

1:08 Objectives for the Round Trip Summit: Moving Beyond Discussion

2:47 Tyromer’s Transition and Vision Post-Sam Visaisouk

4:47 Update on Tyromer’s European Business in Arnhem

6:04 Uptake of Devulcanized Rubber: Europe & India Volumes

7:23 Global Partnership Strategy & Licensing Technology

8:01 Focus on Mining Tyres and Conveyor Belts in Australia

9:42 Progress with Continental & Apollo Tyres Partnerships

11:51 Discussions with Other Manufacturers & Global Footprint

12:37 Tyromer India Update & Competing with Reclaim Rubber

14:18 New Product Announcement: TDP-A from Mining Tyres

15:32 Advancements in Conveyor Belt Recycling Solutions (Fenner Dunlop Project)

17:57 Conclusion to Episode #79

CM Shredders Announced the Commissioning of a High-Capacity Tyre-Derived Aggregate System in Tahiti

Naida Jahić
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CM Shredders Announced the Commissioning of a High-Capacity Tyre-Derived Aggregate System in Tahiti

CM Shredders announced the successful commissioning of a high-capacity Tyre-Derived Aggregate (TDA) shredding system for EVIROPOL in Tahiti, marking a significant environmental achievement for the island nation

For a long time, just like many remote islands, Tahiti has faced increasing pressure from the amount of used and discarded tyres. Thousands of tyres had been left in open storage or informal dumps due to the limited landfill space and high transportation costs, creating environmental hazards.

EVIROPOL, a Tahiti-based environmental services company, partnered with CM Shredders to bring tyre recycling solutions to the island. The newly installed CM High-Capacity TDA system converts tyres into tyre-derived aggregate, which is used as a lightweight, free-draining substitute for natural stone in civil engineering projects.

The new system represents the first large-scale tyre recycling installation in French Polynesia and it can process up to 10 tonnes of tyres per hour. Built around CM’s H-250 shredder technology, the system is designed to operate efficiently even in remote island conditions with limited logistics and energy reliability.

“The commissioning of this system is a remarkable achievement for both EVIROPOL and the Tahitian community,” said Mario Vazquez, Sales & Marketing Director of CM Shredders. “For islands like Tahiti, where every resource must be managed carefully and where nature is both an asset and a responsibility, this project demonstrates how circular economy principles can thrive even in the most geographically challenging locations. We’re proud to see EVIROPOL leading the way with a vision that balances sustainability, innovation, and local economic value.”

TDA is also being integrated into several island infrastructure projects, such as road base layers, stormwater drainage systems and slope stabilisation works.

According to Thomas Mireau, Responsable Technique et Développement at EVIROPOL, the project is a breakthrough in local sustainability: “For many years, Tahiti struggled with what to do with its growing stockpile of used tyres. Exporting them was expensive and unsustainable. With CM’s system, we can now process and reuse these materials locally. The TDA we produce not only reduces waste but also directly contributes to the island’s development and environmental protection. It’s a perfect example of innovation serving the community.”

The initiative is expected to create local employment opportunities and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors on future recycling initiatives.

“This project illustrates the power of localised recycling,” added Vazquez. “What EVIROPOL is doing here in Tahiti can serve as a model for other island nations across the Pacific, the Caribbean, and beyond—turning what was once a costly environmental burden into a valuable asset for infrastructure and community development.”

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