A group of the world’s leading tyre companies has released an updated, in-depth roadmap for understanding, developing, and strengthening end-of-life tyre (ELT) management schemes and systems.
The Tire Industry Project (TIP) Toolkit 2.0 features a case study on Tyrewise, along with several other high-performing ELT schemes. It builds on the first toolkit, which was used as a guide when the design of Tyrewise began back in 2012.
The toolkit is a thorough guide through the sustainable management of ELTs by drawing on the experience of current systems, research into best practice extended producer responsibility (EPR), free market, and tax-based models, alongside ESM (environmentally sound management) principles and ELT technologies.
Why it matters
While the way we power vehicles is changing, the need for them to have tyres isn’t. Urbanisation and the growing middle class in large countries like India and China means the global tyre market is only set to get bigger. With that comes an increased need to deal with tyres at the end of their lives.
According to the TIP each year more than a billion tyres reach their end of life globally. As the TIP points out, this is both an environmental challenge and a big opportunity for circular economy ELT solutions which benefit the planet, business, and society.
What it offers
It provides templates and step-by-step guidance for assessing the current situation in a given country or region, supporting decision making going forward, and implementing and improving an ELT scheme.
It outlines the key stakeholder profiles, such as policy makers, manufacturers, and associations, and looks at ELT management in terms of best practices for collecting, transporting and processing to achieve circular economy outcomes.
It points out it’s vital to have:
- Public awareness and engagement
- ELT specific legislation
- Robust management systems
- Industry best practice standards for collecting, transporting and processing ELTs
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Regulatory support
A successful scheme:
- Has a coherent system
- Prioritises the waste hierarchy
- Prioritises health and safety
- Promotes end markets
- Ensures transparency
What it means for Aotearoa New Zealand
The toolkit is a great validation and benchmarking tool for what we are currently doing in New Zealand through the Tyrewise regulated product stewardship scheme.
“The toolkit is a very well researched and put together resource. It’s especially pleasing for us to see how the Tyrewise scheme stacks up against not only other schemes but what the toolkit says creates a successful and sustainable scheme for ELTs,” says Adele Rose, Chief Executive of Tyrewise scheme managers 3R Group.
The toolkit notes, “Countries with a clear ELT management scheme and consistent enforcement achieve the highest collection and recycling rates,” and, “Effective ELT management schemes are built on transparency, robust data management, and a culture of continuous improvement.”
It’s also a good tool for advancing other areas of circular ELT management which are made challenging by the size and nature of the New Zealand market, such as moving ELT use higher up the waste hierarchy.
Currently Tyrewise is working to develop the market for crumb rubber in roading. It’s a proven, viable use for ELTs which transforms resources from tyre waste into long-lived infrastructure with a host of benefits, including reducing carbon emissions.
The scheme is also using other mechanisms, such as grant funding, to foster the local market for recycled rubber materials.
You can read more about the toolkit and download it here.
