WASHINGTON—The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association and Tire Industry Association are joining forces to ensure second lives for tires.
The two associations established the Tire Recycling Foundation, an initiative intended to boost tire recycling efforts across the country by securing funding and allocating grants for research, education, intervention and demonstration projects that focus on those knowledge and research gaps within the country's tire recycling supply chain.
"For the past 30 years, USTMA has advocated for sustainable end-of-life-tire management, but more work remains with only 71 percent currently recycled," Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO, said in a statement. "Through the Foundation and collaboration with our newly appointed board of directors, comprised of manufacturers, dealers, recyclers and transportation experts, we're confident we can advance our goal of 100 percent circularity."
The foundation isn't ruling anything out, but it is emphasizing the use of recycled tires in asphalt. As it moves forward, it does so with the aim of accelerating the adoption of rubber modified asphalt usage across the U.S.
The benefits of RMA are, after all, numerous, USTMA said.
"Rubber modified asphalt delivers a trifecta of benefits—superior performance, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability," John Sheerin, USTMA's director of end-of-life tire programs, said in a news release.
In addition to extending the life of road surface, RMA improves skid resistance and ride quality, while reducing traffic noise, according to the USTMA.
"Perhaps most critically," Sheerin said, "its use reduces greenhouse gas emissions from improved fuel economy while also curtailing tire wear particle pollution. RMA represents a truly circular, sustainable solution that the Tire Recycling Foundation, along with our new Board of Directors, is committed to advancing industrywide."
With this in mind, the foundation has established for itself a lofty goal: Recycle 100 percent of ELTs into circular, sustainable markets. Moreover, the Tire Recycling Foundation Board has set fundraising targets of $300,000 by 2025 and $2 million to $3 million, all of which will be directed toward all worthy tire recycling initiatives, not just RMA.
"With this funding, we can conduct vital research and projects to address knowledge gaps and advance tire circularity," said TIA CEO Dick Gust.
Forristall Luke added that the two associations working together will give tire recycling the boost it needs.
"By spearheading cutting-edge research and pilot projects into promising end markets such as RMA and micronized rubber powder, we are charting a course toward a more sustainable future for end-of-life tires," said. "Through cross-sector collaboration that brings together regulators, environmental stewards and stakeholders throughout the tire recycling value chain, the foundation can catalyze impactful solutions benefiting both industry and the environment."
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