Sustainable tyre circular economy: climate-friendly recycling of used tyres into high-quality recycling products The NEW LIFE initiative is committed to a sustainable tyre circular value chain for the benefit of the climate, environment, economy and people. Used tyres should be 100 percent reused or recycled in order to keep valuable raw materials (especially steel and rubber) in the material cycle, avoid waste, reduce CO2 emissions, conserve natural resources and protect the environment.
Used tyres are collected in the NEW LIFE cycle by certified specialist companies, inspected and sent for optimal, environmentally friendly recycling. In addition to steel wire and textile fibres, the tyres are primarily used to produce high-quality rubber granulate. NEW LIFE partners use this valuable secondary raw material to manufacture high-quality recycled products for a wide range of applications. The spectrum ranges from weather-resistant, elastic fall protection surfaces for playgrounds and running tracks for sports fields to building protection mats for green roofs and photovoltaic systems and rubber-modified noise protection asphalt.
Made from recycled tyre rubber granules, the products are durable, weather-resistant, non-slip, easy to lay and can be customized in terms of shape and colour. Each ton of used tyres that is recycled (and not incinerated) in a climate-friendly way saves around 700 kg of CO2 emissions. In 2022, around 225,000 tons of used tyres were recycled by NEW LIFE partners in Germany alone, saving over 157,000 tons of CO2 emissions. This is roughly equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions of the heating systems of a small town with 15,000 inhabitants. The rubber/rubber recovered from tyre recycling (around 150,000 tons per year) reduces the area of rubber tree plantations required by around 100,000 hectares.
The recycling of used tyres in Germany – from tyre collection and recycling to product manufacturing – is carried out by SMEs under fair, humane working conditions, with short transport routes and supply chains. This reduces dependence on raw material imports and has a positive socio-economic impact on the regions. Around 525.000 tons of used tyres are produced in Germany every year. The more of these tyres can be recycled, the better it is for people, climate and environment. To teach future generations about the importance of climate protection, environmental protection and the circular economy, the NEW LIFE initiative has set up a free learning portal for schools, vocational colleges and training companies.
Category:RecyclingYear:2024Designer:NEW LIFE, Willich, DeutschlandManufacturer:NEW LIFE, Willich, Germany