Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) is making available more than $1 million for tyre-derived product research and development projects.
The Tyre Stewardship Research Fund first round was officially opened for Expressions of Interest today (29 October). With this financial support, the TSA aims to encourage industry, government, research institutions and end users to collaborate to find new uses for tyre-derived products.
TSA CEO Matt Genever said launching the fund is a key milestone in the delivery of the national scheme.
“The launch of the Tyre Stewardship Research Fund represents the largest investment of its type to support markets for tyre-derived products. This funding reflects the significant financial contribution being made by TSA members toward achieving sustainable tyre recycling in Australia,” said Mr Genever.
The fund is being delivered in two streams. The Project Stream includes $1 million to support projects aimed at increasing Australian consumption of tyre-derived products that are currently on the market, such as crumb rubber, rubber granule and shredded tyre products.
The Scholarship Stream will see $150,000 allocated for future-focused PhD research into new applications and technologies that may benefit the tyre-recycling industry and/or its end products.
“The tyre recycling industry in Australia has significant capacity to manage end-of-life tyres, but it is constrained by poor local markets for end products,” added Mr Genever. “Only by opening up these markets and seeing a considerable increase in demand will the industry reach its real potential.”
Funding guidelines and expression of interest documents can be found on the TSA website.