Western Europe is exporting at least half of its end-of-life tire volume outside the European Union, creating growing competition for tire recycling feedstock as new pyrolysis capacity is planned across the region, according to new analysis from Astutus Research. Europe generated an estimated 4.4 million tonnes of used tires in 2025, broadly unchanged from 2024, with 3.6 million tonnes arising in Western Europe and 0.8 million tonnes in Central Europe. Reported exports of used and waste tires from Western Europe, including the UK, Norway and Switzerland, reached 1.7 million tonnes in 2025, with India, Türkiye and Morocco identified as the leading destinations. Astutus estimates that at least 1.6 million tonnes of waste tires, equivalent to around 51% of Western Europe’s end-of-life tire volume, are reported as leaving the EU, while the actual figure could be higher because of possible misdeclaration. The company warns that tighter export rules, stronger traceability requirements and the development of new production-scale tire pyrolysis plants could substantially increase competition for available end-of-life tires in Europe.

Europe generated 4.4 million tonnes of used tires in 2025

Astutus Research estimates that Europe generated approximately 4.4 million tonnes of used tires during 2025, with overall volumes remaining broadly stable compared with the previous year.

Tire replacement accounted for 4.1 million tonnes, or approximately 92% of the total, while another 0.3 million tonnes originated from vehicles reaching the end of their useful life.

Passenger and light truck tires account for majority of volume

Passenger car and light truck tires represented the largest category, accounting for approximately 2.8 million tonnes of Europe’s used tire generation in 2025.

Truck and bus radial tires contributed another 1.2 million tonnes, while specialty tires represented approximately 0.4 million tonnes.

Western Europe generates 3.6 million tonnes

Western European markets generated approximately 3.6 million tonnes of used tires in 2025, compared with around 0.8 million tonnes in Central Europe.

Astutus Research said Central Europe is now responsible for the majority of net growth in European used tire generation.

Five countries account for 60% of European volumes

Germany remained Europe’s largest generator of used tires in 2025 at approximately 640,000 tonnes.

The UK followed with 580,000 tonnes, while France generated 555,000 tonnes, Italy 525,000 tonnes and Spain 380,000 tonnes.

Together, these five countries accounted for around 60% of Europe’s total used tire generation.

Greece, Bulgaria and Spain record strongest growth

Astutus Research identified Greece, Bulgaria and Spain as the fastest-growing markets compared with 2024.

Used tire volumes declined in the Netherlands, France and the UK during the same period.

Electric vehicles could increase used tire tonnage

Astutus noted that replacement demand has historically weakened during periods of economic stress and has often been followed by a subsequent recovery phase.

The research also identifies electric vehicles as a factor that could increase used tire tonnage per mile as their share of total vehicle mileage grows.

Greater vehicle weight, higher torque and larger tires can contribute to faster wear and generate more material at each replacement.

One in nine used passenger tires returns to service

Western Europe generated approximately 84% of Europe’s used passenger car and light truck tires in 2025, with Central Europe accounting for the remaining 16%.

Astutus estimates that around 11% of this tire volume returned to service through reuse as part-worn or retreaded tires.

The UK is identified as Europe’s largest reuse market, with an estimated five million part-worn tires fitted annually, including imported tires.

Exports reach 1.7 million tonnes

Reported exports of used and waste tires from Western Europe reached approximately 1.7 million tonnes in 2025.

The figure covers Western EU markets together with the UK, Norway and Switzerland and excludes trade taking place within Europe.

Astutus said exports have increased substantially since 2019, when reported volumes were below one million tonnes.

UK and France lead Western European tire exports

The UK and France were the largest exporters of used and waste tires in 2025, followed by Italy.

Astutus Research also identified rapid export growth from France, Italy and Germany since 2019.

India, Türkiye and Morocco are leading destinations

India, Türkiye and Morocco were the principal destinations for Western European used and waste tire exports in 2025.

The scale of these flows means that overseas markets remain a significant outlet for tires generated in Europe and an important factor in determining how much feedstock remains available to domestic tire recycling businesses.

At least 51% of Western Europe’s ELTs reported as exported

Astutus estimates that at least 1.6 million tonnes of waste tires, equivalent to around 51% of Western Europe’s end-of-life tire volume, are reported as exported outside the EU.

The research company said the actual volume could be higher because some export shipments may be misdeclared.

Western Europe produced 3.15 million tonnes of ELTs in 2024

After accounting for tires returned to service through retreading and part-worn reuse, Astutus estimates that Western Europe generated approximately 3.15 million tonnes of end-of-life tires in 2024.

This comparison forms the basis for the company’s estimate that reported exports represent at least half of the region’s available end-of-life tire volume.

Producer responsibility covers around half of ELT volumes

Astutus Research estimates that approximately half of Western Europe’s end-of-life tire volume was covered by producer responsibility schemes in 2023.

Based on a 2025 estimate, almost 40% of end-of-life tires arise in countries without producer responsibility systems, including Germany and the UK.

Ireland expands producer responsibility coverage

Ireland extended its producer responsibility system in January 2025 to include truck, agricultural and off-the-road tires.

The change illustrates how national tire management frameworks continue to evolve as governments seek greater traceability and control over end-of-life tire flows.

Export dependence creates uncertainty for tire recyclers

Large-scale exports remove significant quantities of end-of-life tires from European domestic recovery markets.

For operators planning tire recycling, recovered carbon black or pyrolysis projects, feedstock availability can therefore depend not only on tire generation but also on competition from exporters and existing recovery businesses.

New pyrolysis plants could intensify feedstock competition

Astutus Research expects planned production-scale tire pyrolysis capacity to increase competition for end-of-life tires in Europe.

New plants require reliable long-term supplies of suitable tire feedstock, placing greater emphasis on collection agreements, regional tire flows and the economics of competing export routes.

Regulatory changes could redirect European tire flows

Astutus also identifies potential changes to waste shipment rules and stronger traceability requirements as factors that could alter the current market structure.

If exports become more restricted, expensive or difficult to document, larger quantities of end-of-life tires could remain within European recycling markets.

Conversely, continued strong export demand could maintain pressure on domestic recyclers seeking secure feedstock.

Feedstock availability becomes critical for new recycling investment

The analysis highlights the difference between total tire generation and the quantities realistically available to individual recycling facilities.

Reuse, exports, existing recycling capacity and national collection systems all compete for the same material, making detailed analysis of local tire flows increasingly important for developers of new tire recycling and pyrolysis projects.

Source: Astutus Research.