Untapped Potential
Each year, approximately 3 million tons of tyres reach the end of their life cycle in Europe, with the Netherlands contributing a substantial 85 thousand tons, equivalent to around 9.5 million tyres. Despite the EU banning tyre dumping since 2003, the tyre sector remains a growing challenge on the path to achieving a climate-neutral future by 2050.
To provide perspective, in Europe, one recycled tyre is currently accompanied by the incineration of another for energy recovery. This results in the utilization of a rubber mountain totaling 1.5 million tons as fuel, leading to the loss of valuable resources (rubber, steel, and textile). The untapped potential is enormous.
KEY ROLE OF EUROPEAN LEGISLATION
Meanwhile, the number of end-of-life tyres continues to rise, partly due to the surging popularity of electric vehicles, whose tyres wear twice as fast due to their increased weight. This emphasizes the urgency of sustainable product legislation within the EU. Legislation plays a pivotal role in the product life cycle, from design to end-waste processing.
Here at the Granuband site in the Port of Amsterdam, we encounter challenges as regulations are not yet aligned with a circular economy.
Maarten van Randeraat, founder and owner of Granuband, states, “It’s time for a constructive dialogue between the government and the business sector to determine when a product achieves end-waste status. It is crucial to concretely fulfill the goal of realizing a circular economy in the Netherlands by 2050.”
EU RULES FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS
In early December 2023, negotiators from the European Parliament and the European Council reached an agreement to amend the 2022 ‘ecodesign’ rules. According to these rules, products must become “more sustainable and reliable, easier to reuse, upgrade, repair, and recycle, while using fewer resources, energy, and water.”
A novel aspect is the extension of these rules to specific product groups, with certain products, including tyres, being prioritized. This means that tyre manufacturers must consider reuse in the design phase—a significant step in the circular chain of rubber products.
Member of the European Parliament Alessandra Moretti asserts, “It is time to end the model of “take, make, dispose” that is so harmful to our planet, our health and our economy. New products will be designed in a way that benefits all, respects our planet and protects the environment.”
Remaining determined
Marco Alderlieste, General Manager of Granuband, emphasizes, “New rules from Europe are crucial. Clarity is needed for our sustainably recycled rubber granules and the rubber products we produce. Looking ahead, we remain determined to process the ever-growing rubber waste mountain as high-value as possible. This involves investing in new technologies, innovative products, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across the supply chain. Achieving a waste-free 2050 requires collaboration, not only with policymakers but also with all stakeholders in the industry.”
