TNU managed 98,933 tonnes of end-of-life tires in Spain in 2025, an increase of 7.4% compared with the previous year, according to its Activity Report 2025. The collective extended producer responsibility system said the year was shaped by the entry into force of Royal Decree 712/2025, which introduced a new regulatory framework for end-of-life tire management with stronger requirements on traceability, transparency, control and efficiency. During the year, TNU managed the equivalent of 9.38 million tires, served 5,510 generation points and responded to 42,910 collection requests through its network of producers, managers and collection points across Spain. The organization said its work supported preparation for reuse, recycling and recovery while helping the tire sector adapt to the new rules.

Management increased under new regulatory framework

TNU said Royal Decree 712/2025 marked one of the main milestones of the year for Spain’s end-of-life tire sector. The regulation introduced new obligations for producers and collective systems related to traceability, control, transparency and compliance with targets for preparation for reuse, recycling and recovery. TNU said it strengthened its management systems during 2025 and carried out training, information and support activities for producers, managers and other operators to help ensure consistent implementation of the new framework.

Reuse, recycling and recovery routes reported

Of the tires collected by TNU in 2025, 9.94% were directed to reuse, including 4.69% for second use and 5.25% for retreading. Material recovery accounted for 42.91%, while energy recovery represented 47.15%. TNU said these routes follow the waste hierarchy set out in European and national regulations, with preparation for reuse considered a priority because it extends tire life and reduces demand for raw materials and energy associated with the production of new tires.

Recovered materials support circular economy applications

TNU said proper management of end-of-life tires allows high-value secondary raw materials, including rubber and steel, to be recovered and returned to industrial use. Recovered rubber can be used in pavements, bituminous mixtures for roads, sports surfaces, urban furniture and safety products. Steel and textile fibers can also be reincorporated into industrial processes, helping replace virgin raw materials and reduce the environmental footprint linked to new product manufacturing.

Report includes views from sector participants

The Activity Report 2025 includes input from producers, managers and generation points on the implementation of Royal Decree 712/2025. It also contains specialized sections on green public procurement and the future of retreading in Europe. TNU said the report examines the main regulatory, industrial and environmental challenges facing the end-of-life tire sector and incorporates the perspectives of different stakeholders involved in tire management.

TNU and SIGNUS supported tire management after DANA

Among the year’s notable actions, TNU highlighted its participation with SIGNUS in the operation promoted by the Generalitat Valenciana to manage tires recovered after the DANA weather event. TNU said the response demonstrated the system’s ability to coordinate and operate in exceptional circumstances.

TNU cites traceability and digitalization as priorities

Juan Ramón Pérez, President of TNU, said Royal Decree 712/2025 represented a turning point for the sector. He said stronger traceability, digitalized information and new obligations for producers, managers, generation points and collective systems will contribute to greater transparency and efficiency. Pérez said TNU worked to support the sector through information, training and active listening during the transition and will continue working to provide a robust and reliable management system for circular economy challenges.

With the publication of its Activity Report 2025, TNU said it reaffirmed its commitment to efficient and transparent management aligned with circular economy principles. The organization said its work contributes to a more sustainable system for managing tires at the end of their useful life in Spain.

To learn more from the official source, please visit TNU.