Recent updates from the AZuR network point to continued momentum in the development of Europe’s circular tyre economy, with a focus on tire recycling technologies, infrastructure applications, and international knowledge exchange.

In November, two new partners joined the AZuR network with direct relevance to end-of-life tyre (ELT) management. Italian machinery manufacturer MOLINARI brings advanced shredding, granulation, and fine-grinding technologies used across all stages of mechanical tyre recycling. German company ROTAERNUM contributes infrastructure protection systems designed to extend the service life of roads and bridges — an enabling factor for longer-lasting new, retreaded, and regrooved tyres, as well as for applications such as rubberised asphalt.

At the first in-person meeting of the AZuR NRW Tire Recycling Roundtable in Münster, more than 40 representatives from municipalities, industry, and academia discussed local circular economy solutions. Topics included certified ELT disposal, retreaded tyres for municipal fleets, rubberised asphalt for road maintenance, and the use of tyre-derived granulate in urban construction projects.

AZuR’s work is also gaining international attention. According to the network, Europe’s circular tyre economy model was presented at the SLTC Jornadas Gaucho 2025 rubber conference in South America, highlighting the role of coordinated stakeholder networks in scaling tyre recycling and circular practices — an area where AZuR’s approach has attracted interest beyond Europe.

Looking ahead, AZuR-related initiatives will also be visible at Green Week Berlin 2026, where the NEW LIFE initiative will showcase applications using tyre granulate, including flooring solutions in the event’s ZERO showcase area.

Further details on these developments are available via AZuR’s website.