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In Episode 50, the Tyre Recycling Podcast brings an enlightening interview with Federico Dossena, the Managing Director of Ecopneus. The focus in this episode revolves around the potential ban on microplastics and its implications for the Italian market. Join the speakers as they delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the far-reaching consequences of such a ban, exploring the challenges and opportunities it presents to tyre recycling and sustainable practices.

Amid the latest news about the intention of the EU Commission to ban sales of rubber granulate as infill for artificial turf pitches as of 2031, Genan – one of the largest end-of-life tire recycling companies in the world – releases the Letter of Information and detailed Q&A where the company explains what is happening with rubber infill.

On April 26th, the European REACH Committee voted in favor of proposals to restrict the intentional introduction of microplastics in many products. This decision was made after the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) found that uncontrolled microplastics released into the environment pose a risk to health. It is estimated that over 20 years, the proposed restriction would prevent the release in the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics, at an estimated total cost up to €19 billion. The proposal will now be subject to a 3-month scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council before it can be adopted by the Commission.

Titan International, Inc. and United Steelworkers (USW) called for restrictions on downstream products made from Russian petroleum inputs, citing in particular concerns over imports of off-the-road (OTR) tires from India. Paul Reitz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Titan International, stated, "Imports of Indian OTR tires increased by close to 38% in 2022 compared to 2021. India was not among the nations to ban imports of Russian oil products, including the production of the by-product, carbon black, which is a key ingredient the production of OTR tries. It is vital to our industry that we intensify our efforts to bring light to and close loopholes in the issued sanctions to Russia."

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environment Protection Agency (KP EPA) in Pakistan's North West province has banned harmful gas-emitting tire pyrolysis units for a whole year throughout the region. According to a notification released by KP EPA, the order was made in the exercise of the authority granted by clause (XII) of Section 7 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Act 2014 and is now in effect.

Recycling companies warn that proposed EU regulations could result in the export of millions of tires for disposal or incineration. The European Recycling Industries' Confederation (EuRIC) charged that the European Commission's draft legislation, which would essentially ban the addition of rubber granules made from recycled tyres to AstroTurf sport fields, was in direct opposition to the Commission's own circular economy agenda.

Genan – one of the largest end-of-life tire recycling companies in the world – reports that the political discussion about the use of rubber granulate in artificial turf pitches has now been launched by the EU Commission. In its recent article, Genan informs that different committees under the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have been asked to provide their assessments during the process leading up to the Commission recommendation. These committees include the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), which recommends a total ban on the use of rubber granulate with a 6-year phase-in period, and the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC), which in addition to the ban proposes the alternative of installing Risk Management Measures (RMM) on pitches to prevent spreading.

According to the latest EuRIC’s press release, European recyclers are urging EU decisionmakers to introduce mandatory targets for recycled materials in new products as proposed EU waste shipment rules seek to excessively limit exports of almost 27 million tons of recycled materials outside Europe.

Episode 40 of the Tyre Recycling Podcast run by Ewan Scott – chief editor of Tyre and Rubber Recycling magazine – is continuing the topic of the EU's proposed ban on crumb rubber in synthetic turf fields. The guest of the Podcast is ETRA's, Dr. Ettore Musacchi. In this podcast, Dr. Ettore Musacchi tells about the proposed ban and what it means for the tyre recycling sector and the environment.