New research to boost image of retreaded tyres

The study, carried out by AEA Technology, gathered information that can be used by the retread industry to challenge perceptions that their products are inferior to new tyres.

Although retreaded tyres are well-used on commercial vehicles and lorries, their use in passenger vehicles has been minimal. The industry is now aiming to increase the use of retreads in passenger vehicles by encouraging retailers to carry the products.

Retreaded tyres are high quality products and are subject to stringent controls, the report said, adding that they are safe, economical and capable of performance characteristics similar to new tyres.

Other conclusions of the report were that there is no technical reason why the handling of retreads should be any different from that of new tyres, because the rubber compounds are similar.

And, the AEA Technology study pointed out that insurance companies do not discriminate against the use of retreaded tyres when they calculate risk for motor vehicle insurance.

Commenting on the report, RMA director Sheila Ikin said: “We welcome the findings in the report by AEA Technology, which confirm the quality and safety of retreaded tyres. We hope that this evidence will now go some way towards negating once and for all the unjustly negative image sometimes attached to retreads and will encourage more consumers to appreciate the safety, economic and environmental benefits that they offer.”

Standards
The image of retreaded tyres has suffered from poorer product standards in the 1970s and 1980s, but retreads now have to conform to new European standards that experts say are more stringent than standards for new tyres.

The standards – ECE Regulation 108 for passenger vehicles and 109 for commercial retreads – have been in voluntary use by the industry since June 1998. The standards require endurance tests to be carried out on the retread tyres, and since January this year they have been compulsory for all retreading facilities (see letsrecycle.com story).

Upturn
The RMA has been using its recently-launched Green Tyre Dealer Scheme to promote the safety, performance and environmental benefits of retreaded tyres to tyre retailers (see letsrecycle.com story).

Speaking to letsrecycle.com, Ms Ikin said that the scheme had been having a good effect. She said: “Although the figures haven't been finalised, the feeling for 2004 is that there has been an upturn in retread use, partly because of the Green Tyre Dealer Scheme.”

Under the Landfill Directive, whole tyres cannot be sent to landfill for disposal, while even shredded tyres will be banned from landfill from 2006. But Ms Ikin said that this legislation has had little effect on the recycling of tyres, because there are disposal routes available other than landfill.

Only a change in government policy to introduce recycling targets for tyres – which would probably have to come from Europe, Ms Ikin said – is likely to make it easier for tyre recyclers.