Valorpneu brought together operators, partners and other stakeholders in Portugal’s end-of-life tire management system for its 24th annual Network Meeting, held in Ílhavo on October 27 and 28, 2026. The event combined networking with a working session focused on the performance of Valorpneu’s tire collection and recovery network, regulatory developments and future challenges for tire recycling in Portugal. Representatives of Portugal’s Directorate-General for Economic Activities and the Portuguese Environment Agency participated in discussions on structural issues affecting the sector, while Valorpneu presented a review of its activities during 2026. The meeting also highlighted the NextLap Tech Hub innovation program, developed with Beta-i, and the SustentaCar initiative carried out with VALORCAR and SOGILUB. Together, the discussions reflected the growing importance of innovation, regulatory coordination and cooperation across the tire collection and recycling chain as Portugal continues developing circular economy solutions for end-of-life tires.

24th annual meeting held in Ílhavo

Valorpneu’s 24th Network Meeting took place over two days in Ílhavo, bringing together companies and organizations involved in Portugal’s used tire management system.

The first day focused on networking and exchange of experience among participants, while the second day was dedicated to a formal working session addressing key issues affecting the sector.

2026 activity reviewed with network partners

During the working session, Valorpneu presented an overview of its activity during 2026 and discussed developments within its national network for the collection, transport and recovery of used tires.

The organization operates Portugal’s integrated used tire management system and works with collection centers, transport companies and recovery operators to ensure end-of-life tires are directed into authorized treatment routes.

Government bodies join discussion on tire sector

Representatives of the Directorate-General for Economic Activities and the Portuguese Environment Agency participated in the event and addressed structural issues affecting tire management in Portugal.

The institutional discussion focused on the flow of used tires in the country and the regulatory framework governing the sector.

Used tire flows in Portugal discussed

A dedicated discussion on the flow of used tires in Portugal brought together representatives from the public authorities and the tire management sector.

The session examined how end-of-life tires move through the national system and the challenges involved in ensuring traceability, collection efficiency and appropriate recovery.

NextLap Tech Hub highlighted as innovation platform

Valorpneu also highlighted the NextLap Tech Hub, its collaborative innovation program developed with Beta-i.

The program is designed to identify and support new technologies, business models and applications capable of increasing circularity in the tire sector and creating new markets for materials recovered from end-of-life tires.

Program seeks new uses for end-of-life tire materials

NextLap Tech Hub brings together startups, companies, researchers and other partners to develop solutions that can extend the value of materials recovered from used tires.

Potential areas include new applications for recycled rubber and other tire-derived materials, improved processing technologies and business models that can support higher-value tire recycling.

SustentaCar initiative also presented

The meeting also featured the SustentaCar program, developed jointly by Valorpneu, VALORCAR and SOGILUB.

The initiative brings together organizations responsible for different automotive waste streams, including tires, end-of-life vehicles and used lubricating oils.

By coordinating awareness and sustainability activities across these waste categories, the program aims to promote more responsible automotive waste management.

Network cooperation remains central to tire recycling system

Valorpneu emphasized the importance of cooperation among operators across its network, from collection centers and transport companies to recyclers and other recovery businesses.

Such coordination is essential to ensure that end-of-life tires are collected efficiently and transferred into appropriate recycling, retreading or recovery routes.

Innovation becomes increasingly important for recycled tire materials

One of the recurring themes of the meeting was the need to create stronger markets for materials recovered from end-of-life tires.

Developing new applications for recycled rubber and other tire-derived materials can help increase material recycling rates and reduce dependence on lower-value recovery routes.

Circular economy remains key theme

The event placed tire recycling within the broader context of Portugal’s circular economy objectives.

Valorpneu’s activities focus on ensuring that tires leaving service are treated as recoverable resources rather than unmanaged waste, with material directed into recycling, retreading and other authorized recovery applications.

Annual meeting provides forum for future sector challenges

The Network Meeting serves as a recurring forum for Valorpneu and its partners to assess performance, discuss regulatory developments and identify future challenges for Portugal’s end-of-life tire management system.

The 2026 edition placed particular emphasis on innovation, cooperation between public and private stakeholders and development of new circular applications for recycled tire materials.

Valorpneu continues development of national tire recovery network

Valorpneu’s national system relies on a network of collection centers, transport operators and recovery companies responsible for moving used tires from collection points to authorized treatment facilities.

Continued coordination across this network will remain important as Portugal seeks to improve resource efficiency, strengthen tire recycling markets and support sustainable management of end-of-life tires.

Source: Valorpneu.