Serbia took a significant step toward sustainable tire recycling and circular economy practices with the establishment of its first bilateral ecosystem dedicated to implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model in the tire sector.

The initiative was formalized at the Future-Proof Industry: Innovation, Partnerships and Sustainable Growth conference, held at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS). During the event, representatives of Confindustria Serbia, Italian sustainability company Innovando, and PKS signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the official launch of the Serbian–Italian EPR ecosystem for tires.

EPR as a Foundation for Sustainable Tire Management

Extended Producer Responsibility is a European waste-management framework that places responsibility on manufacturers for the entire lifecycle of their products, including collection, recycling, and end-of-life treatment. In the tire sector, EPR is designed to reduce environmental impact, improve recycling rates, and encourage more sustainable tire design.

Conference speakers emphasized that the future competitiveness of Serbian industry increasingly depended on rapid alignment with European ESG requirements and green regulations. The creation of a bilateral EPR ecosystem was presented as a critical milestone in modernizing Serbia’s industrial and recycling infrastructure while strengthening its integration with European markets.

Aligning Serbian Industry With EU Environmental Standards

Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the urgency of harmonizing domestic industry with European environmental standards. He noted that emissions in certain industrial sectors remained above the EU average and referenced the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as an additional incentive for faster compliance.

The new EPR framework in the tire sector was positioned as a practical response to these challenges, helping Serbian manufacturers prepare for stricter regulations while improving environmental performance.

Digital Tracking and Advanced Tire Recycling Technologies

Innovando outlined its role in supporting tire manufacturers through improved waste collection systems and the development of digital and AI-based tools for tracking materials and measuring CO₂ emissions across the entire tire lifecycle.

As a concrete example, Innovando described its collaboration with Michelin on a pilot project for tracking end-of-life tires. The system combined digital documentation with physical tracking using RFID tags and QR codes, enabling full traceability from collection through recycling. The project was presented earlier in Bologna and was designed to explore scalable future solutions for tire recycling.

Proper identification and separation of tire materials were highlighted as key enablers for efficient recycling, reducing contamination and improving recovery rates for rubber, steel, and other components.

Closing the Loop With Devulcanized Rubber

Innovando also highlighted its long-term investment in Rubber Conversion, a patented devulcanization technology developed to support full tire circularity. The process enabled recovered rubber to be reused directly in new tire production without incineration, effectively closing the material loop.

The technology was positioned as a complementary solution within the EPR framework, supporting higher-value recycling and reducing dependence on virgin raw materials.

Driving Cultural Change Through ESG Initiatives

Romano Rosi, President of Confindustria Serbia, noted that the organization had spent the past three years implementing an extensive program of ESG-focused workshops and conferences. He acknowledged that shifting corporate culture toward sustainability and responsibility was challenging but emphasized that long-term competitiveness increasingly depended on innovation, ESG compliance, and social responsibility.

A Platform for Sustainable Industrial Growth

The conference marked the third annual ESG initiative jointly organized by Confindustria Serbia and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. Its broader objective was to analyze trends shaping modern industrial development, including innovation, digitalization, tire recycling, and ESG-driven supply chain transformation.

With the launch of Serbia’s first bilateral EPR ecosystem for the tire sector, the country positioned itself to advance tire recycling infrastructure, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and support a more resilient and circular industrial economy.

Article source: Energetski Portal.