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TRA’s 2024 Manifesto: Reforming Waste Tyre Management for a Sustainable Future

In the face of growing environmental challenges and the pressing need for sustainable practices, the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) recently released its manifesto for 2024 ahead of the general election, advocating for comprehensive reform in the management of waste tyres in the UK. This manifesto outlines the crucial steps needed to enhance tyre recycling, reduce environmental impact, and foster a circular economy.

 

TRA’s 2024 Manifesto: Reforming Waste Tyre Management for a Sustainable Future p
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Tyre recycling is vital to the UK’s journey towards a circular economy and sustainable growth. Responsible tyre recyclers recover valuable materials such as metals, carbon black, and silica, otherwise sourced from virgin materials. Tyre retreading extends tyre lifespan, reducing waste and environmental footprint. As society transitions to electric vehicles (EVs), which are heavier and require larger tyres, the need for effective tyre recycling becomes even more critical. Recycled tyre materials (RTMs) can be repurposed in various industries, from construction to civil engineering, offering significant environmental benefits, including resource efficiency and reduced emissions.

Call for Action

Despite the clear advantages, tyre recycling requires stronger policy support. The TRA calls on the government to:

  • Increase the Use of Recycled Tyre Materials: Implement Green Public Procurement incentives to promote RTMs in key industries, including transport and construction.
  • Introduce a New Regulatory Framework: Remove incentives for irresponsible tyre exporters and reward responsible businesses.
  • Reduce Export of End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs): Actively manage and process export documentation to curb environmental colonialism.
  • Boost Recycling Rates: Improve data accuracy on tyre arisings and include uncounted tyres, such as agricultural and off-the-road tyres.
  • Improve Coordination with Foreign Authorities: Work with importing nations to address abuses in UK exports.

Boosting Tyre Recycling (Supply Side)

Post-consumer tyres are fully recyclable. However, the UK exports about 50% of its ELTs, often to regions where they are disposed of illegally. The controversial T8 exemption regime enables irresponsible exports, undermining domestic recycling capacity. The UK has 150,000 tonnes of idle recycling capacity that can be utilised if proper policies are enacted.

Sound and Predictable Regulatory Frameworks

The UK’s tyre recycling market is driven by SMEs, which require fair competition and supportive regulations. The TRA advocates for:

  • Fair Competition: Enforce regulations to avoid monopolies and ensure non-discriminatory access to ELTs.
  • Clear Definitions: Maintain clear definitions of tyre recycling and end-of-waste criteria to support marketable product transformation.
  • Incentives for RTMs: Promote long-term investment in tyre recycling through incentives that pull demand and end-use applications.

Rubberised Asphalt

Increasing the use of rubberised asphalt in road construction can significantly reduce ELT exports and improve road durability. This technology embodies circular economy principles, turning waste into valuable resources and enhancing infrastructure while creating green jobs.

Update and Enforce Regulations

The government must follow through on its commitment to end the T8 exemptions and update the Waste Shipment Regulation to align with new EU rules. This alignment will prevent the UK from becoming a dumping ground and encourage responsible practices.

The UK has the opportunity to lead in developing a circular economy and setting an example for the world. The TRA calls for a responsive regulatory framework that supports investment in new technology and fair competition. By doing so, the UK can avoid becoming the “environmental sick man of Europe” and instead champion sustainable practices in tyre recycling. The TRA is committed to working with government agencies to achieve these goals and reduce the export of CO2 emissions, contributing to a greener future.

TRA’s 2024 Manifesto: Reforming Waste Tyre Management for a Sustainable Future p two

See the manifesto here

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Owain Griffiths

Owain Griffiths

Head of Circular Economy at Volvo Cars

Owain joined Volvo Cars in June 2021 to lead Circular Economy in the Global Sustainability Team. The company has committed to being a circular business by 2040 and has financial, recycled content and CO2 based targets for 2025, all of which Owain is working across the company to make happen. Owain previously worked for circular economy consultancy Oakdene Hollins where he advised businesses on evidence led circular economy implementation. 

Turning into a circular business and the importance of vehicle reuse and recycling.

The presentation will cover the work Volvo Cars is doing to achieve 2025 but mainly focus on the transformational work towards 2040 and the business and value chain changes being considered. Attention will be paid to the way vehicles are being dealt with at the end of life and the complexities of closing material and component loops. Opportunities and challenges which Volvo Cars is facing will be presented including engagement with 3rd parties and increasing pressure from stakeholders.

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e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management [e2e] is the UK’s only salvage and automotive recycling network with nationwide, environmentally compliant sites delivering performance resilience and service reliability to the insurance and fleet markets.  The network’s online salvage auction www.salvagemarket.co.uk drives strong salvage resale values and faster sales.  e2e’s salvage clients have access to the network’s stocks of over 5 million quality graded, warranty assured reclaimed parts. 

The power of the network model means e2e has the ability to influence industry standards and is committed to continually raising the bar whilst redefining the role and perceived value of the salvage operator.  Network members adhere to robust service level agreements, against which they are audited, in order to ensure performance consistency and a market leading customer experience.  

The salvage and recycling operating environment is evolving rapidly, and e2e is anticipating, listening and responding to changing market needs.  Regulatory compliance, ESG, reclaimed parts, customer experience, EVs, new vehicle technologies, data and reputation risk are just some of many considerations linked to the procurement of salvage services.  e2e will drive further added value to clients and members through the adoption and application of emerging technologies, continuing to differentiate its proposition and position salvage services as a professional partnership. 

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