The Alliance for the Future of Tyres (AZuR) has outlined a series of developments shaping the European tyre recycling and circular economy sector, including the upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP), growing pressure on the retreading industry and new initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation and sustainable procurement.

German rubber industry calls for policy support

At the Day of the Rubber Industry 2026 held in Berlin on 28 April, the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) called for stronger industrial policy measures to support the sector.

The association warned that high energy prices, rising operating costs, increasing bureaucracy and international competition are placing significant pressure on manufacturers and recyclers.

As patron of AZuR, the wdk is urging policymakers to create stable framework conditions that support industrial competitiveness, innovation and the long-term development of a sustainable tyre circular economy.

Digital Product Passport seen as a major opportunity

AZuR identified the Digital Product Passport as one of the most significant upcoming developments for the tyre value chain.

Scheduled for phased introduction from 2028, the DPP is expected to improve transparency, traceability and material recovery across the European market.

The initiative could provide recyclers, manufacturers and waste management operators with improved access to product data, helping support more efficient collection, sorting and recycling processes.

AZuR will participate in a dedicated DPP event hosted by Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences in Bottrop on 16 June 2026, focusing on practical implementation and future applications.

Retreading industry faces growing challenges

Results from an international industry survey indicate that Europe's retreading sector continues to face significant challenges.

According to the survey, approximately three-quarters of respondents described the current market environment as either critical or declining.

Participants identified low-cost imported tyres as the primary source of pricing pressure affecting retread manufacturers across Europe.

Despite these concerns, respondents also highlighted considerable long-term growth potential for retreading as part of broader circular economy strategies.

AZuR plans to present the full survey results during The Tire Cologne 2026 exhibition.

Strong response to LOOP THE TYRE startup competition

AZuR reported strong participation in its LOOP THE TYRE 2026 startup competition, which closed for applications on 15 May.

Entries from Germany, Austria and the Netherlands covered a wide range of technologies and business models aimed at advancing tyre circularity.

Submitted projects include developments in devulcanization, advanced recycling technologies, functionalized recycled materials for tyre manufacturing and artificial intelligence solutions for quality control and end-of-life tyre sorting.

The winners are scheduled to be announced during The Tire Cologne on 11 June.

Digitalisation takes centre stage at Siemens roundtable

More than 20 representatives from the tyre and recycling industries participated in an AZuR partner roundtable hosted with Siemens AG Digital Industries on 12 May.

The event focused on digitalisation, automation and process optimisation opportunities within the tyre circular economy.

Participants discussed how digital technologies can improve recycling efficiency, material tracking and sustainable manufacturing processes.

Fleet sustainability to headline NRW roundtable

AZuR's next Tyre Recycling NRW online roundtable, scheduled for 8 July 2026, will focus on sustainable tyre solutions for vehicle fleets.

The event will examine methods for extending tyre life, reducing operating costs, lowering CO₂ emissions and improving resource efficiency.

Several startups are expected to present solutions related to tyre life extension, fleet management and bio-based materials for tyre applications.

Copenhagen explores circular tyre procurement

Municipal procurement emerged as another key theme highlighted by AZuR.

In April 2026, the City of Copenhagen hosted its first workshop dedicated to circular tyre procurement, bringing together municipal representatives, industry stakeholders and circular economy experts.

Discussions focused on how public procurement policies can encourage longer tyre lifecycles, greater material recovery and increased adoption of circular economy principles.

AZuR representatives and network partners participated in the workshop, which explored practical ways for public authorities to support more sustainable tyre management through purchasing decisions.

Circular economy momentum continues to build

Taken together, the developments highlighted by AZuR demonstrate how the European tyre sector is navigating a period of significant transformation.

While economic pressures and competitive challenges continue to affect manufacturers and retreaders, initiatives such as the Digital Product Passport, advanced recycling technologies, sustainable procurement policies and digitalisation are creating new opportunities to strengthen the tyre circular economy across Europe.

Article source: AZuR.