According to a new report, Australia risks lagging behind international standards unless proactive steps are taken to address issues such as tyre wear emissions and chemicals of concern.
It was one of a several key findings of two reports released by Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA), exploring the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the tyre industry in Australia and globally.
The reports offer actionable insights into global regulatory trends, innovative and changing tyre designs, and the growing impacts to local tyre recovery from the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
Exploring Global Influences on the Tyre Industry: Chemicals of Concern, Microplastics and Design was published in conjunction with the CSIRO with the aim to improve understanding of evolving global regulations and innovations relating to the design of new tyres as well as their chemical composition, action towards the mitigation of tyre wear, and the relevance of these topics for Australia.
The second report Implications of the Transition to EVs for End-of-life Tyre Recovery was published to give readers an understanding of the potential impact of the growing number of electric vehicle (EV) tyres on end-of-life tyre (EOLT) management, recycling processes, and the broader tyre industry.
The findings aim to inform discussions and contribute to Australia’s progress in adopting circular economy practices for all tyres.
Key findings include:
- EV-specific challenges: The additional weight and torque of EVs may lead to faster tyre wear. This decrease in the lifespan of tyres will likely increase the pace and therefore volume of tyres reaching their end-of-life.
- Recycling innovation and adaptation: The increased presence of advanced materials in new tyres, accelerated by the adoption of EVs, requires adapted recycling infrastructure to ensure efficient and sustainable resource recovery.
- Collaboration opportunities: Aligning with global sustainability frameworks presents significant opportunities for Australian stakeholders to drive progress in tyre resource recovery.
TSA said the reports will provide insights for tyre manufacturers, recyclers, automotive stakeholders and policymakers, offering an opportunity to discuss and explore new innovative solutions.
For more information, www.tyrestewardship.org.au/
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