New cycle for old tires

New cycle for old tires

In Germany alone, around 44.35 million old tires (approx. 525,000 tons) were generated for all types of vehicles in 2022. More than 42 percent of used tires were recycled in a climate-friendly manner in 2022. The material recycling of old tires prevents around 225,000 tons of waste every year in Germany alone, contributes to the conservation of natural resources, keeps valuable raw materials in circulation, reduces the dependence on raw material imports, supports the SME-based recycling economy and saves more than 150,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

The “New Life” initiative is committed to a sustainable tire circular economy with eight partners. The partners are Conradi+Kaiser, Estato Umweltservice, Genan, Kraiburg Relastec, Kurz Karkassenhandel, Melos, MRH Mülsen and Regupol. The materials contained in used tires are separated and processed into high-quality secondary raw materials. Textile fibers, which make up around 10 percent of the tire volume, have excellent insulating properties compared to stone or mineral wool. Steel wire from old tires (approx. 15 percent) is suitable for remelting in steelworks. The old tires are recycled by certified waste disposal companies for climate-friendly recycling. This keeps valuable secondary raw materials (textile fibers, steel wire and, above all, rubber) in circulation. The rubber obtained from used tires is ground into highly pure granules and used to produce a variety of high-quality recycled products.

Elastic floor coverings made from recycled old tire rubber granules can be used in sports halls or on outdoor sports fields. The rubber floors are robust, weather-resistant, non-slip, gentle on the joints and easy to clean. In children's playgrounds, they also protect against falls from heights of up to three meters with optional, barrier-free fall protection. Asphalt modified with recycled rubber powder improves road quality, and protective strips in garages and parking garages prevent damage to the wall and scratches in the paint. Curb ramps enable sustainable, barrier-free mobility. In addition, the used tire rubber products are also suitable for sustainable construction and renovation measures in houses, apartments and urban development - from wall systems in basements and garages to weatherproof floor coverings and effective impact sound insulation to building protection layers for green flat roofs with photovoltaic systems. More information at www.initiative-new-life.de