Recytyre’s 2025 annual report presents used tire management in Belgium as a circular economy system focused on collection, pretreatment, recycling and material recovery. The report says Recytyre faces a major challenge in keeping the system efficient while supporting cleaner environments, better reuse of raw materials and long-term investment in sustainable solutions. According to the report, used tires should increasingly be treated not only as waste but as valuable resources that can be reused in new applications, including construction, infrastructure and, potentially, new tire production. In 2025, Recytyre reported 39,741 collections through 40 partners, 5,043 collection points and 93,685 tonnes of used tires collected. The organization also reported that 90,188 tonnes of used tires were valorized through 60 pretreatment and treatment companies, with 100% material recovery and no energy recovery.

Recytyre outlines future role in Belgium’s circular economy

In a statement included in the annual report, Timmy Smets, President of Recytyre’s Board of Directors, said the organization has a central role in ensuring that the collection, treatment and recycling of used tires takes place as efficiently as possible. He said Recytyre should continue evolving into a driver of a circular economy, where used tires are no longer seen only as waste but as raw materials that can be reused in higher-value applications. The report points to innovation, technological progress, digitalization, smarter logistics and collaboration with collectors and recycling companies as important factors for reducing costs and environmental impact.

Belgian market placed 108,697 tonnes of new tires in 2025

Recytyre reported that 743 members placed a combined 108,697 tonnes of new tires on the Belgian market in 2025. The replacement tire market reached 6,147,721 units, down 2.9% from 2024, while replacement tire tonnage rose 4% to 97,434 tonnes. Passenger and tourism-related tires accounted for 5,525,590 units, or 89.88% of the replacement market by units, while heavy-duty tires represented 358,095 units, or 5.82%.

In first-fit tire markets, Recytyre reported 366,586 units in 2025, up 4.4% from 2024. By weight, first-fit tires reached 11,263 tonnes, up 8.6%. Heavy-duty tires represented the largest first-fit category by tonnage, with 5,662 tonnes, or 50.27% of the total. Agricultural tires accounted for 2,161 tonnes, while tourism-related tires represented 1,367 tonnes.

Collection reached 93,685 tonnes

Recytyre reported 93,685 tonnes of used tires collected in 2025. Tourism-related tires accounted for 60.2% of collected volumes, while heavy-duty tires represented 30.7%. Agricultural tires accounted for 5.4%, civil engineering tires under 2 meters represented 2.1%, civil engineering tires over 2 meters represented 0.1%, and industrial tires, including air and solid tires, represented 1.5%.

By region, Flanders accounted for the largest share of collected used tires, with 58,061 tonnes, or 61.97% of the total. Wallonia accounted for 32,584 tonnes, or 34.78%, while the Brussels Capital Region accounted for 3,040 tonnes, or 3.24%. The report also shows that overall collection reached 86.19% of the Belgian market in 2025, exceeding the stated minimum objective of 85%.

Material recovery reached 100%

Recytyre’s report shows that all valorized used tires in 2025 were directed to material recovery, while energy recovery accounted for 0%. Total valorization reached 91,287 tonnes. Granulate represented the largest recovery route, with 80,853 tonnes, or 88.57% of total valorization. Reuse accounted for 4,897 tonnes, or 5.36%, while retreading accounted for 3,306 tonnes, or 3.62%.

Other material recovery streams included 2,013 tonnes of steel wire and 218 tonnes listed under craft applications. The report’s long-term data show that material recovery has increased significantly since 2015, when it accounted for 63.40% of valorization, while energy recovery declined from 19.88% in 2015 to 0% in 2025. This reflects a shift toward material-based recycling and reuse routes for end-of-life tires.

Retreading and reuse remain part of the recovery system

The report lists both retreading and reuse as part of Recytyre’s valorization routes. In 2025, reuse reached 4,897 tonnes, while retreading reached 3,306 tonnes. These routes can help extend the value of used tires before final material processing, depending on tire condition, market demand and technical suitability.

Recytyre’s annual data show that reuse and retreading volumes have fluctuated over the past decade. In 2025, reuse accounted for 5.36% of valorization, compared with 4.86% in 2024, while retreading accounted for 3.62%, compared with 3.11% in 2024.

Environmental contribution funds used tire management

The report explains that an environmental contribution is paid for each new tire placed on the Belgian market. Recytyre describes this contribution as the only funding source for the obligation to take back used tires and for the system operated with its partners. The report states that the contribution is not a tax but the financing basis for services provided to Recytyre members, reflecting the real cost of sustainable collection and pretreatment of used tires.

The contribution varies by tire type and covers categories including motorcycles, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, agricultural equipment, civil engineering and earthmoving machinery, industrial pneumatic tires, and industrial solid tires and bands.

Legal clarity identified as a priority

The report notes that one of the major challenges for the coming period concerns the implementation of an interregional cooperation agreement between Belgium’s regions. Recytyre said the agreement still needs to be applied specifically to its waste stream, and that this process may take time because of Belgium’s complex state structure. The organization said a clear legal framework with uniform rules and well-defined responsibilities would support stable, long-term policy and continued investment in sustainable solutions.

Awareness and transparency remain important

Recytyre also emphasized the importance of public and business awareness. The report says citizens and companies should better understand why proper treatment of used tires is necessary and how recycling can have positive effects on the environment and the economy. Recytyre said it can play a convening role by communicating transparently and highlighting sustainable initiatives.

The 2025 annual report presents Recytyre as an organization focused not only on collection, sorting, pretreatment and treatment, but also on supporting a broader circular economy for Belgium. Its reported results show continued reliance on material recovery, established collection partnerships and a growing emphasis on efficiency, traceability and regional cooperation in tire recycling.

Article source: Recytyre’s 2025 annual report.