The TTRA (Trans-Tasman Tyre Recycling Alliance) is a new regional alliance formed by Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) and Tyrewise Aotearoa New Zealand to strengthen tyre recycling collaboration across Australia and New Zealand and their close Pacific neighbours.

It provides a shared platform for current and aspiring tyre recyclers, technology providers, and related businesses to advance innovation, share best practice, and achieve higher-value outcomes for end-of-life tyres across the Australasia region.

The TTRA is an alliance, not an association. This distinction is intentional – an alliance structure allows us to be more inclusive and flexible in our membership and operations, welcoming a broader range of participants across the tyre recycling value chain.

In Australia, the TTRA is open to:

• Current tyre recyclers (whether or not accredited with TSA).
• Aspiring tyre recyclers.
• Transfer stations handling end-of-life tyres.
• Related businesses across the tyre recovery value chain.

In New Zealand, Tyrewise is the representative of the TTRA. All Tyrewise registered partners automatically become part of the TTRA through the regulated nationwide scheme.

This inclusive approach recognises that building a circular tyre economy requires participation from all players in the recovery ecosystem.

The timing is critical for several reasons:

Scale of the challenge: Australia and New Zealand collectively generate over 600,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres annually. Current recycling rates remain inadequate – in Australia, only 17% of tyres are being reused or recycled, with domestic processing capacity at just 86,250 tonnes annually.

Global market disruption: With markets such as the UK exporting 350,000 tonnes of tyre waste annually and regulated schemes emerging globally, there's a real risk that international markets could be flooded, disrupting Australian and New Zealand operations.

Growing momentum: Product stewardship, circular economy procurement and government mandates on recycled content are gaining traction, creating unprecedented opportunities for those ready to collaborate.

Industry need: The recent Round Trip Summit hosted in Melbourne by TSA and Tyrewise highlighted the benefits of a unified platform to share knowledge, address common challenges, and advocate for the infrastructure and policy support the sector needs.

Market limitations: Recent research, including the National End-of-Life Tyres Options Project led by the Western Australian Government, confirms that the market has failed to deliver at the pace required – without deeper structural changes and collective action, we won't achieve the circular outcomes our environment and economies need.

Regional representation: As Australia and New Zealand operate in a global market where dynamics can shift rapidly, there's an urgent need for a unified regional voice in international forums to protect and advance our interests.

Based on the alliance's framework, the TTRA will concentrate on:

1. Technology and Innovation: Showcasing global best practices and facilitating connections between technology providers and end users.
2. Market Development: Supporting demand creation for high-value tyre-derived products in infrastructure, manufacturing, and construction.
3. Policy Advocacy: Advancing circular economy frameworks, procurement standards, and regulatory reform across both countries.
4. Knowledge Sharing: Creating forums for industry collaboration and evidence-based decision making.
5. Regional Voice: Providing a unified voice for Australasia in international forums, ensuring our region's interests and perspectives are represented in global tyre stewardship discussions as market dynamics shift.

The TTRA will operate as an independent entity, jointly funded by TSA and Tyrewise, while both founding organisations maintain their separate national schemes. The detailed operational structure and governance model will be finalised in the coming months through consultation with founding members and key stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures the alliance structure truly serves the needs of participants.

Initial activities are likely to include:

• Establishing governance and membership frameworks.
• Creating forums for knowledge sharing and best practice exchange.
• Supporting technology adoption and market development initiatives.
• Coordinating advocacy on policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Facilitating connections between suppliers, innovators, and end-users.
• Representing the region's interests in international forums.

The specific program will be developed with input from members to ensure it addresses priority needs.

The TTRA will complement the work of Tyre Stewardship Australia and Tyrewise New Zealand, not duplicate it. While TSA and Tyrewise focus on product stewardship schemes and policy frameworks, the TTRA will concentrate on advancing research, innovation, and collaboration across the tyre recycling and resource recovery sectors to drive sustainable, high-value end-use markets on the global stage.

No. The TTRA is free to join and explicitly open to all current and aspiring tyre recyclers, regardless of whether they are accredited with the Scheme. This inclusive approach recognises that building industry capability requires bringing everyone along the journey.

The TTRA will formally commence operations in early 2026, with governance structures and strategic priorities to be finalised in the coming months. Founding members and early participants will have the opportunity to shape how the alliance functions to best serve the industry's needs.

In Australia, the TTRA is free to join and open to all current and aspiring tyre recyclers, regardless TSA accreditation. Details on membership will be announced shortly. If you're involved in tyre recycling, operate a transfer station, or are planning to enter the industry, stay tuned for the official launch announcement.

In New Zealand, Tyrewise registered partners gain membership to the TTRA automatically as part of the scheme. Registration confirms their role in the recovery value chain and automatically connects them to TTRA activities that are relevant to industry operators.