According to Tyre Stewardship Australia's latest press release, the company's CEO Lina Goodman announced the appointment of Dr Linda Mitchell as the first science and innovation advisor for the organisation.

For TSA this appointment is another step toward improving Australia's competitiveness in managing its own tire waste stream and unlocking opportunities for the national economy, such as the 9.2 jobs created for every 10,000 tons of waste recycled versus 2.8 jobs for every 10,000 tons of waste landfilled (according to Employment in waste management and recycling).

Lina Goodman commented: “This new role is about building our capability to collaborate with, and support, science and innovation sectors critical to research and development of new products from used tires.”

“It’s also about connecting research and industry to increase commercial returns, such as the creation of new markets, technology, skills and jobs.”

Dr Mitchell recently completed a PhD in chemistry at the University of Sydney, and already has impressive hands-on experience through work with Nanjing University of Science and Technology (China), Durham University (UK), and the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.

“She came to TSA through a professional internship program in 2021, during which she demonstrated the value of applying scientific rigour to the collection, analysis and reporting of our data to create valuable insights,” says Goodman.

“As well as being an excellent communicator, Dr Mitchell brings a fresh approach, new ideas and a strong understanding of the risks and opportunities around tire use and recycling, including the impact of tire chemicals on the environment.”

“This appointment is also a great example of connecting science graduates with industry to establish new career pathways. I am delighted that TSA has been able to create this opportunity for emerging talent like Dr Mitchell, and am excited to see what we can achieve together.”

As part of TSA’s strategy team, Dr Mitchell will:

  • build TSA’s open-access research library for use by government and industry to inform decision making
  • be a key point of contact for national and international science and innovation communities
  • link research to commercial opportunities and outcomes
  • work with industry to address risks and pursue opportunities in finding solutions for end-oflife tires, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr Mitchell’s first report on the impact of microplastics and tire and road wear plastics (TWRP) on community health and the environment, will be released in early 2022.

About Tyre Stewardship Australia

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) was established in 2014 to implement the national Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (TPSS) which aims to promote the development of viable markets for end-of-life (EOL) tires.

Its vision is of a circular economy for EOL tires which contributes to a sustainable society.

It works to drive sustainable outcomes for EOL tires in Australia, by:

  • accrediting participants, including tire retailers, manufacturers, recyclers and collectors, who are committed to supporting the objectives of the Scheme
  • investing in market development initiatives including research and development, and commercialisation, of new productive uses for EOL tires
  • driving the transformation of a waste product into a useful commodity, creating new industries and employment opportunities while also reducing the environmental harm caused by the illegal dumping of old tires

To read more about the topic, please proceed to Tyre Stewardship Australia.