Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) reports about a landmark project where asphalt made using crumb rubber from used tyres was laid on a busy Melbourne road. The project was co-funded by Tyre Stewardship Australia and it has won the prestigious Sustainable Transport Infrastructure Award at the National Transport Research Awards.

The demonstration project across a 1.4km section of East Boundary Road in Bentleigh East, Victoria is supported by the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) and the Victorian Department of Transport (DoT).

Believed to be the first of its kind in Australia based on its scale and number of crumb rubber asphalt mixes, the demonstration project used the equivalent of around 1600 car tyres.

The Sustainable Transport Infrastructure award is made to any organisation or group of organisations that has implemented innovative, science-based practice to improve the sustainability of elements of Australia’s and/or New Zealand’s transportation infrastructure.

Asphalt made using crumb rubber from old tyres in Melbourne | Video by Tyre Stewardship Australia.

TSA Chief Executive Lina Goodman said she was “honoured” to receive the award: “TSA has committed over $6 million to new market initiatives that aim to increase the consumption of crumb rubber in Australia. The East Boundary Road demonstration project is no exception, it will consume 1600 used tyres, but importantly showcase the heightened performance to the sector.

“If we can use end-of-life tyres to make better performing, longer last roads, it’s a true circular economy in action. But whilst TSA helps facilitate this work, it takes collaboration and participation to turn ideas into action. Our research funded projects and collaborations with industry partners and authorities have evolved and we now see real tangible outcomes taking place. From the brands that contribute to the Scheme, right through to the road sector who deliver on projects, we are all working together to lead the way in sustainability and resource recovery. So this award is shared with them.”

Background on TSA

Tyre Stewardship Australia was formed five years ago to implement the national Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme which promotes the development of viable markets for end-of-life tyres.

TSA is made up of representative across the tyre supply chain including retailers, manufacturers, recyclers and collectors.

For a list of current and completed projects that TSA have funded please click here.

Article by Tyre Stewardship Australia.