WASHINGTON—The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, in partnership with the Scrap Tire Research and Education Foundation will hold a tire recycling conference May 14-17 in Atlanta focused on efforts to accelerate growth in sustainable, circular tire recycling markets in the U.S.
The conference will spotlight ways to improve an already high recycling rate and examine emerging trends in the circular economy. Discussions also focus on opportunities to grow both existing and emerging tire recycling markets such as rubber-modified asphalt, micronized rubber powder, tire-derived aggregate and fuel, civil engineering markets and emerging markets like pyrolysis and devulcanization.
"End-of-life tire trends have been rapidly evolving, driven by a recognition of the environmental impact and economic potential of this material," John Sheerin, director of End-of-Life Tire Programs for the USTMA, said in a statement.
"We're excited to be convening thought leaders to analyze recycling and repurposing initiatives that have gained significant momentum, with several innovative methods emerging to advance more effective management and market development for end-of-life tires."
The Scrap Tire Work Group, a state-run working group comprising tire recyclers and representatives from government, trade and academia, will contribute its expertise and policy analysis to the conference, discussing progress of end-of-life tire markets and programs in the U.S.
"Governments and organizations are recognizing the importance of growing end-of-life tire markets through comprehensive tire recycling programs," USTMA President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke said in a statement. "The 2024 conference will be a catalyst for diverse stakeholders to work together to advance avenues for infrastructure development, economic growth and job creation in this sector."
The conference will be at the Marriott Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel and Convention Center in Atlanta. It's the ninth such conference organized by STREF but the first since 2019. The bulk of the conference will be held May 16-17, concluding with a panel discussion "Collaborating to Grow Sustainable & Circular Markets."
Information about the conference is available at stref.org. Attendees are asked to register for the conference and book hotel accommodation as soon as possible as space is limited.
