The European tyre recycling sector is set to convene at the 31st ETRA Conference, taking place from March 24–26, 2026, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to address the future of circularity in tyre management.

Organised by the European Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA), the event will focus on market development, regulatory trends, and emerging applications for tyre-derived materials.

Focus on Rubberised Asphalt and Networking

The conference opens with a Rubberised Asphalt workshop, highlighting progress from the SMILE CITY campaign, which promotes the use of recycled tyre materials in urban infrastructure projects across Europe.

The first day also includes:

  • ETRA Members’ General Assembly (closed session)
  • Networking cocktail event
  • Gala dinner for delegates and speakers

Keynote and Strategic Industry Outlook

The main conference sessions on Wednesday and Thursday will explore the state of the tyre recycling sector in Europe, with a keynote address from: Román Arjona, Chief Economist at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

His address is expected to frame broader economic and policy dynamics shaping the sector.

Panel Highlights: Markets, Policy, and Behaviour

Panel 1: Where Tyre Recycling Is Going

This session will examine:

  • Tyre arisings across Europe
  • Supply-demand imbalances
  • Opportunities and constraints for recyclers

It will also include insights into India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, reflecting its growing influence on global recycling markets.

Panel 2: Making the Sector Economy Work Better

Focused on improving market performance and acceptance, this panel includes: Henry Peyret presenting on “The Human Element of Tyre Recycling: How Behavioural Shifts Drive Adoption of Recycled Materials”

This reflects increasing recognition that market uptake depends not only on technology but also on behavioural and procurement dynamics.

Key Application Markets: Asphalt and Concrete

Dedicated sessions will revisit two high-potential but underutilised markets:

  • Rubberised asphalt
  • Rubber in concrete

Both segments offer significant volume potential for tyre-derived materials but continue to face technical, regulatory, and perception barriers.

Technology, Research, and Funding

The final day features three core sessions:

  • A technical panel led by Jean-Paul Bouysset, with contributions from researchers and project developers
  • A panel on materials and technologies driving circular economy growth
  • The traditional overview of EU funding mechanisms, critical for scaling innovation and infrastructure

Strategic Importance

The 31st ETRA Conference underscores several key industry priorities:

  • Expanding end-markets for tyre-derived materials
  • Aligning with evolving EPR frameworks globally
  • Overcoming adoption barriers in construction sectors
  • Leveraging EU funding to accelerate innovation

The event reflects a sector transitioning from waste management to material valorisation, where policy, technology, and market acceptance must converge to unlock full circular potential.

To register, please visit https://etra-eu.org/.