EuRIC, the industry organization representing a significant majority of end-of-life tyre (ELT) recyclers across Europe, seeks to highlight the urgent and appalling situation that currently plagues this sector within the European Union (EU).
The EU has decided, currently awaiting final endorsement by the European Parliament, to restrict intentionally added microplastics. However, instead of implementing immediate risk-management measures to prevent microplastic releases from artificial pitches, the EU has opted to ban the use of polymeric infill materials in these pitches after a period of 8 years. This choice lacks clarity and delays effective action to address the issue at hand.
In addition, EuRIC has consistently emphasized that implementing a ban without simultaneously putting in place measures to create alternative markets would have catastrophic consequences for tyre recycling. This is because over 80% of the infill market relies on recycled rubber derived from end-of-life tyres (ELTs).
End-of-life tyres (ELTs) in Europe face a distressing reality. Despite ELTs collection efforts across Member States, a disheartening trend persists: rather than being recycled into valuable resources like rubber, steel, and textile fibres, ELTs are being sold or exported for co-incineration. This alarming shift is driven by the uncertainty surrounding the microplastic ban and the economic advantage co-incineration holds during this energy crisis. Consequently, tyre recycling companies struggle to secure ELTs, jeopardizing the entire recycling process. Immediate action is crucial to address this dire situation.
Source: full EuRIC position paper available here
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