New WRAP Program Supports Used Tire Recycling

The Waste & Resources Action Programme has begun work on developing and extending the markets for used tires in the United Kingdom. The goal of the program, which is part of Defra’s new Business Resource Efficiency and Waste initiative, will be to increase the inherent value of recycled tires by stimulating market demand for higher value products. 

A large part of the first year’s budget is being allocated to projects focused on developing both existing processes and exploring novel applications. A tender process for Research & Development projects, Operational and Demonstration trials has just been launched to explore the opportunities for recycled rubber derived from post-consumer waste tires in applications such as civil engineering, construction and surfacing, as well as a range of other materials and products. The R&D projects will look at early research into new applications, whilst the trials are designed to test both the practical and market viability of existing and new processes on a commercial scale as well as demonstrating the key benefits in a real life situation.

WRAP will also be establishing a new industry forum to allow full consultation with stakeholders across the supply chain; from manufacturers and retailers through to recyclers and end users of rubber materials recycled from tires.

“We have to understand the needs of the supply chain, and the establishment of an effective stakeholder forum has been a priority for WRAP,” says WRAP’s Director of Materials Liz Goodwin. “Consultation will be essential to the delivery of sustainable recycling solutions for waste tires in future.”