The aim of the programme, which started earlier this year (see letsrecycle.com story), is to increase the value of recycled tyres by stimulating market demand for higher value products.
” Consultation will be essential to the delivery of sustainable recycling solutions for waste tyres in future “
– Liz Goodwin, WRAP
Currently over 80% of waste tyres are reused in a variety of ways including surfacing, engineering, re-treading and as for fuel in cement kilns.
This year, the Tyre Recovery Association – which represents the majority used tyre companies – is expecting up to 90% of the 435,000 tonnes or so of used tyres available this year to be re-used.
About a third of reused tyres are currently taken by cement kilns, but WRAP said a large part of tyre funding this year is being allocated to exploring novel applications. Re-uses such as civil engineering, construction and surfacing are cited as areas of exploration within WRAP's new tyres project.
Re-treading of used tyres for reuse has fallen dramatically in recent years and speculations suggests this may be another area WRAP looks into.
A tender process for Research & Development projects, operational and demonstration trials has just been launched to explore the opportunities for recycled rubber.
The R&D; projects will look at early research into new applications, while the trials will test the practical and market viability of existing and new processes on a commercial scale.
Funding
WRAP's work with tyres is supported by Defra's Business Resource Efficiency and Waste Initiative (BREW) and is reported to involve quite a “substantial” amount of money.
The organisation will also be establishing a new industry forum to allow full consultation with stakeholders across the tyre supply chain; from manufacturers and retailers through to recyclers and end users of rubber materials recycled from tyres.
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WRAP's director of materials Liz Goodwin said: “We have to understand the needs of the supply chain, and the establishment of an effective stakeholder forum has been a priority for WRAP.
“Consultation will be essential to the delivery of sustainable recycling solutions for waste tyres in future,” she added.
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