Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) envisions a sector where resources from end-of-life tires (ELT) are used as feedstock for new value-added products, boosting new industries, creating new jobs and finding alternate uses for this valuable resource.

To support our vision of a circular economy for ELT, as well as government policy for Australia to take responsibility for its own waste, including the ReMade in Australia recycling campaign - TSA is proud to launch its Circular Economy Collaborator program.

It comes as the waste export ban on whole used tires (including baled tires) which commenced 1 December 2021 brings the need and opportunities for the increased material onshore to be utilised in the domestic market.

TSA Chief Executive Officer Lina Goodman said: “This program recognises those organizations that are playing a vital role in consuming tire derived material in Australia, and is a significant step forward to help protect our local crumb market”.

Using bespoke manufacturing technology, A1 Rubber uses stripped rubber from old tires to form new Australian made rubber flooring products. A1 Rubber is one of the first organizations to get on board to be recognised as a TSA Circular Economy Collaborator.

A1 Rubber Chief Executive Officer John Randel has experienced first-hand the impacts to his business from the vagaries of the crumb rubber sector.

"Government has responded to the pressures of using our own waste with a ban on the export of whole and baled tires. We can help turn processed used tires into value added products. But for this to work, there needs to be a ban on the importation of manufactured goods containing crumb rubber, if we can re-manufacture and remake these products locally, then this needs to be supported."

A TSA Circular Economy Collaborator’s activities align with the TSA vision of contributing to a sustainable society – which keeps tire-derived products and materials circulating in the economy and regenerating. When a product reaches the end of its life, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible.

Ms Goodman noted the benefits of recognition under this program: “Approved organizations may benefit from connection opportunities with the tire supply chain to increase and enhance sustainable outcomes for ELT, as well as promotion of their products and projects to the marketplace and wider industry and community (including government bodies)”.

Organizations can apply now to become a TSA Circular Economy Collaborator in one of three categories (Manufacturer / End User / Researcher) via an online application form available on the TSA website.

Upon obtaining recognition, organizations will support TSA with important data that will inform a road map to increase the uptake of Australian tire derived material over imported crumb over time.

For more information about the program, please visit TSA website.