Spanish TNU is calling for greater use of recycled tire rubber in urban infrastructure, arguing that material recovered from end-of-life tires can contribute to quieter streets, safer playgrounds, more comfortable public spaces, permeable surfaces and improved building performance. In an article published on October 26, 2026, TNU operating director Javier de Jesús Landesa said Spain’s two collective systems for managing end-of-life tires treated more than 324,000 tonnes in 2025, including almost 99,000 tonnes managed through TNU. These tires generate recoverable steel, textile fibers and rubber, which can be processed into granulate and powder for a range of urban applications. TNU argues that cities could become an important growth market for recycled tire rubber, particularly as the European Union prepares to prohibit the sale of loose rubber granulate as infill for artificial turf from October 17, 2031. In 2025, this application accounted for 5,303 tonnes, or 12.43%, of the material that TNU directed to material recovery, increasing the need to develop alternative markets for recycled rubber.

Spain treated more than 324,000 tonnes of end-of-life tires in 2025

According to TNU, Spain’s two collective end-of-life tire management systems treated more than 324,000 tonnes of tires during 2025.

TNU itself managed almost 99,000 tonnes. Processing these tires allows steel, textile fibers and rubber to be recovered, with the rubber fraction converted into granulate and powder of different particle sizes for use in secondary applications.

Urban infrastructure offers new markets for recycled rubber

TNU argues that cities represent a particularly promising outlet for recycled tire materials because streets, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, sports facilities and public spaces are continuously being renovated.

Using recycled rubber in these applications can replace part of the demand for virgin raw materials while, according to TNU, also improving specific performance characteristics of conventional products.

Rubberized asphalt can reduce road noise

One of the applications highlighted by TNU is rubberized asphalt. Incorporating recycled tire rubber into asphalt mixtures can help reduce tire-road noise and improve pavement characteristics.

TNU cites the PERSEUS research and development project carried out with Tecnalia, which in 2025 tested recycled-rubber pavements on a section of the AP-8 motorway in Bizkaia.

According to the project results cited by TNU, the pavement reduced rolling noise by between 2 and 5 decibels.

Noise reduction could benefit urban populations

TNU links the potential of quieter road surfaces with the wider public health issue of transport noise in Europe.

Citing European Environment Agency figures, the organization notes that approximately 92 million Europeans are exposed to harmful levels of road traffic noise and that transport noise is associated with around 66,000 premature deaths annually.

Recycled rubber can improve playground safety

TNU also points to impact-absorbing rubber surfaces used in children’s playgrounds. These materials are designed to reduce the severity of injuries caused by falls.

The organization cites research published in The Lancet examining 330 childhood playground injuries, which found lower injury rates on rubber surfaces than on concrete or bark surfaces.

Rubber surfacing can also be designed to comply with UNE-EN 1177 impact attenuation requirements and can provide accessible surfaces for children with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.

Public spaces can benefit from greater elasticity

Recycled rubber is also used in pedestrian routes, exercise areas, municipal sports facilities and other public spaces where more elastic surfaces can improve walking comfort.

TNU argues that these characteristics may become increasingly relevant as European populations age and cities adapt public infrastructure for older residents.

Permeable rubber surfaces can support urban trees

Another application highlighted by TNU is permeable rubber surfacing around trees and landscaped areas.

Drainage systems incorporating recycled rubber can allow rainwater to infiltrate the soil more easily, while helping protect roots and maintaining more usable surfaces around urban vegetation.

TNU presents this application as one way recycled tire materials can support urban greening and adaptation to higher temperatures.

Rubber can provide acoustic and thermal insulation

Recycled tire rubber is also used in construction products where its physical properties can provide acoustic and thermal insulation.

TNU notes that recycled rubber is already incorporated into building materials, street furniture and other urban products where durability and relatively low maintenance requirements can be advantageous.

Commercial applications already exist

TNU emphasizes that many of these applications are not experimental concepts. Commercial products, real-world installations and research projects already demonstrate possible uses for recycled tire rubber.

The organization argues that the next challenge is to move these materials from niche applications into more routine use in public infrastructure and municipal procurement.

Artificial turf restriction will reshape recycled rubber markets

A major change facing the European tire recycling industry is the forthcoming restriction on intentionally added microplastics under Regulation (EU) 2023/2055.

From October 17, 2031, loose rubber granulate will no longer be allowed to be placed on the EU market as infill for synthetic sports surfaces. The measure is intended to reduce releases of microplastics into the environment.

Artificial turf consumed more than 5,300 tonnes of TNU material in 2025

TNU says artificial turf infill accounted for 5,303 tonnes of material in 2025, representing 12.43% of the material the organization directed toward material recovery.

The phase-out of this outlet means that tire recyclers will need to develop alternative markets capable of absorbing significant quantities of recycled rubber.

Cities could absorb part of displaced crumb rubber volumes

TNU sees urban applications as one potential destination for material that will no longer be sold into artificial turf markets after 2031.

Roads, playground surfaces, construction products, permeable pavements, sports areas and street furniture could collectively provide additional demand for recycled tire rubber if procurement and technical specifications increasingly allow these materials.

Public procurement could accelerate recycled rubber use

The organization is calling for closer cooperation between tire recyclers, manufacturers, construction professionals, researchers, health experts and public authorities.

TNU argues that recycled tire rubber should be incorporated more systematically into green public procurement and urban development tenders, with the material evaluated on performance and environmental value rather than treated only as an outlet for waste.

End-of-life tire recycling increasingly depends on stable end markets

The transition away from artificial turf infill underlines the importance of diversified end markets for tire recycling. Collecting and processing end-of-life tires alone does not complete the circular economy if recovered rubber cannot be sold into durable applications.

Developing reliable demand in roads, construction and public infrastructure could therefore become increasingly important for maintaining material recycling rates and supporting investment in rubber recycling capacity.

TNU positions recycled tire rubber as urban circular economy resource

TNU’s central argument is that end-of-life tires should be viewed as a source of useful urban materials rather than simply a waste stream requiring treatment.

By expanding applications for recycled rubber in infrastructure, construction and public spaces, cities could help create long-term demand for secondary materials while supporting tire recycling and broader circular economy objectives.

Original article by TNU.

Weibold is an international consulting company specializing exclusively in end-of-life tire recycling and pyrolysis. Since 1999, we have helped companies grow and build profitable businesses.