TyreConnect is the 10th tire importer to join Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA). The importer and wholesaler, which along with tiresales is owned by leading Australia automotive, motorcycle and marine classifieds business, carsales, will partner with TSA in a commitment to the responsible disposal of end-of-life tires.

TyreConnect CEO, David Campsell said the decision to sign on to the stewardship program was recognition of the importance of TSA and its achievements.

“By cultivating win-win relationships like this one with Tyre Stewardship Australia, the carsales tire group (which includes the TyreConnect and tiresales businesses) shows it is serious about preserving and protecting the environment for the next generation. Tyre stewardship is a responsibility we take seriously,” Campsell explained

TSA CEO Lina Goodman congratulated TyreConnect: “In joining TSA as a financial contributor, TyreConnect joins our other importers in showing leadership towards sustainable practices for used tires. We congratulate TyreConnect for taking this important initiative to drive positive environmental outcomes.”

TyreConnect joins Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear Dunlop, Hankook, Kumho, Michelin, Pirelli, Toyo, Yokohama as tire importers contributing to finding alternate solutions for Australia’s end-of-life tires (ELT). Car manufacturers Volkswagen, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are also contributing to TSA.

Australia generates the equivalent of 56 million end-of-life passenger tires annually. Whilst 72% is re-used, reprocessed or upcycled, 28% of the volume is still disposed to landfill, buried or stockpiled.

“TSA’s mission is to deliver against circular economy principles, ensuring the lifecycle of tires is maximised, the residual waste product is valuable, and the entire supply chain works cohesively to contribute to better sustainable outcomes,” Ms Goodman continued.

“Since the voluntary Scheme’s inception in 2013, we now have more than 1700 participants from across the tire supply chain including retailers, online stores, manufacturers, auto-brands, recyclers and collectors.

“The recent Recycling and Waste Reduction legislation means while the Federal Government is making it easier for industry to participate in product stewardship schemes, they also have new tools to intervene and regulate when companies aren’t doing the right thing – including ‘naming and shaming’ those not participating in the Scheme.

“If you are an importer who is not contributing to the Scheme but remains happy to reap the profits offered by the tire industry, I want to remind you that time for making a voluntary and positive impact is rapidly running out,” Goodman stated.

Press release by Tyre Stewardship Australia.