The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) reports that building on the work done in the past two years , the European Tyre and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) Platform met this February in Brussels to discuss its 2020 objectives.

Exchange of knowledge, a “Blueprint for Action on TRWP Hotspots” and a project proposal for the EU LIFE Programme will be at the centre of the European TRWP Platform’s activities for 2020.

Launched by the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA) and facilitated by CSR Europe, the Platform addresses the environmental impact of TRWP. It is a dedicated multi-stakeholder roundtable facilitated by CSR Europe, to gather scientific knowledge and co-design mitigation options to address the environmental impact of tyre and road wear particles (TRWP). With members from government, academia, NGOs and industry, the Platform aims at having an open and inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders to explore a balanced and holistic approach to the challenge of tyre and road wear particles.

Further steps will be organized in the course of the spring of 2020 on the different topics dealt with by the Platform.

Besides, the association reports that together with its end-of-life tyre (ELT) Forum ETRMA organised a Workshop to exchange ideas on the end of life tyres derived materials and the regulatory framework that could improve quality, market uptake as well as establish an internal market for such materials.

To this end, ETRMA’s Advisor for End of Life Tyres Management Support, Mr Jose Maria Bermejo presented the proposal of the industry to overcome the current obstacles and promote the use of secondary raw materials from tyres, the association reports.

Mr Enrique García-John, from DG Environment of the European Commission, presented the current regulatory framework and the opportunities deriving from Green Deal and the Circular Economy Strategy. Mrs Inês Mateus, Head of Division Waste Department, brought the experience and priorities of the Portuguese Environment Agency, underlining the need for End of Waste Criteria for tyres – which are already implemented in her country.

ETRMA reports that an interesting discussion ensued with interventions from several ETRMA Members and ELT Management Companies.

According to the association, work needs to continue:

  • For development of a functioning internal market;
  • For development of safe and high quality secondary raw materials;
  • To ensure market uptake for these materials.

Article by ETRMA.