The European Rubber Journal reports that a significant volume of end-of-life tires (ELTs) is unaccounted for in Germany, with industry officials suspecting illegal exports of these waste products to non-EU countries. The Journal alludes to the German rubber industry association (WDK). According to the source, the recycling of used tires continues to thrive, but disposal companies and recyclers have been reporting shrinking volumes, raising concerns within the industry.

Stephen Rau, WDK's technical managing director, highlighted that around 87,000 tonnes of tires are missing from official records, with the true figure potentially reaching 100,000 tonnes. Rau believes that these tires have likely been exported to non-EU countries, where they may be incinerated or recycled using environmentally harmful methods, bypassing proper regulations.

Additionally, data from 2023 indicated a notable decline in tire incineration for cement production, which now accounts for only 25% of recovered tires, compared to significantly higher levels in previous decades. This shift further complicates the tracking and proper disposal of ELTs.

Rau stressed the need for more accurate and transparent market statistics, urging legislators to monitor and regulate the flow of used tires more effectively. He emphasized that certified disposal companies should be responsible for collecting and pre-sorting ELTs to ensure the proper reuse or recycling of tire carcasses, safeguarding both environmental and economic interests.

To read the full article, please proceed to the European Rubber Journal.