US tire associations set up recycling foundation

Washington – The US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), in partnership with the Tire Industry Association (TIA), has set up a foundation to support tire recycling supply chain.

The Tire Recycling Foundation will secure funding and allocate grants for research, education, intervention and demonstration projects, “targeting critical knowledge and research gaps within the US tire recycling supply chain.”

The foundation’s primary goal is to recycle 100% of end-of-life tires (ELTs) into circular, sustainable markets, USTMA announced 16 May.

According to USTMA president and CEO Anne-Forristall Luke, only 71% of ELTs are recycled in the US presently.

The foundation, she said, will collaborate with USTMA newly appointed board of directors, comprised of manufacturers, dealers and recyclers, to advance the goal of 100% circularity.

The foundation’s board has set ambitious research initiatives to be supported with fundraising targets of $300,000 (€277,000) in 2025 and $2-3 million in 2026.

"With this funding, we can conduct vital research and projects to address knowledge gaps and advance tire circularity," said Dick Gust, CEO of TIA.

A key focus area for the Foundation is accelerating the adoption of rubber-modified asphalt (RMA), said USTMA, noting that the product offers “superior performance, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability."