The renowned in the tire recycling industry British magazine Tyre & Rubber Recycling, its Chief Editor Ewan Scott and a publisher David Wilson, run a podcast exposing interesting topics and announcing updates to the tire recycling and pyrolysis industries. In the Tyre Recycling Podcast, Ewan Scott and David Wilson interview key players from the tire recycling and pyrolysis industry from around the world. Make sure to subscribe for Tyre & Rubber Recycling magazine to receive updates about its interviews!

In this episode of TRR Insights, Tyre & Rubber Recycling speaks with Laura Banasiak, Senior Scientist at PHF Science, about a research initiative exploring the use of tyre-derived materials in seismic isolation systems. Presented at The Round Trip: Tyre & Conveyor Belt Recycling Summit hosted by Tyre Stewardship Australia and Tyrewise, the conversation introduces a foundation system designed for earthquake-prone regions, particularly New Zealand, where improving residential resilience is a national priority.

The project, developed in partnership with the University of Canterbury, uses granulated rubber from end-of-life tyres as part of a seismic dissipation layer placed beneath residential buildings. Combined with a rubberised concrete raft, the system is designed to reduce vibration forces that reach homes during an earthquake. Banasiak discusses the engineering principles behind the solution, the scope of upcoming field trials, and the potential pathways toward commercialisation. Early research suggests low leaching risk and adaptability for wider infrastructure applications such as embankments, drainage layers, and vibration barriers.

The discussion also highlights the broader implications for tyre circularity. By incorporating up to 40% tyre-derived material, the system could create a significant new market for recycled rubber in New Zealand, supporting both seismic resilience goals and higher-value resource recovery. With Tyrewise-funded trials now being planned, the work illustrates how scientific research and sector collaboration can unlock practical, scalable applications for end-of-life tyres while contributing to national sustainability priorities.

Tune in Episode #4 of TRR Insights on Tyre & Rubber Recycling's YouTube:

Laura Banasiak on Eco-Rubber Earthquake Foundations in TRR Video Insights, Episode #4. | Video by Tyre & Rubber Recycling magazine.

Interview chapters:

  • 00:00 – Introduction to TRR Video Insights & Laura Banasiak
  • 01:09 – A Game-Changing Eco-Rubber Isolation Foundation for Earthquakes
  • 03:11 – Upcoming Field Tests for the Foundation System
  • 05:01 – Potential Commercialization Opportunities
  • 05:44 – Conclusion

To watch other episodes of Tyre Recycling Podcast, make sure to subscribe for Tyre and Rubber Recycling magazine!