Rubber recycling: AZuR network advocates a second life for scrap tires

The German AZuR Network was launched in June 2020. The "Alliance Future Tire" lives up to its name and has been pursuing the goal of finding and implementing new and innovative solutions for an ecologically and economically sensible tire cycle for two years now.

In an interview with K-MAG, Christina Guth talks about where there is still an urgent need for action in terms of scrap tire recycling – and where positive changes can already be observed.

Ms. Guth, how did the AZuR network come about? Or, to put it another way, what in your opinion made the foundation necessary?

Christina Guth: For about ten years, cement plants have been reducing the share of tires in thermal recycling. However, scrap tire disposers need ways to recycle. But climate change and the Circular Economy efforts also motivate us to keep tires in the utilization cycle longer.

Who is all part of the AZuR network? To what extent does the network benefit from these participants?

Guth: All companies and market players involved in tire recycling. This includes material manufacturers as well as retreaders, recyclers, machine builders and disposal companies. Universities, colleges and associations are particularly helpful. When all these partners exchange ideas, new ideas and new connections are created. And with one voice, we achieve more attention in politics and in public.

What are the current main concerns of the industry?

Guth: First of all, it would be desirable to have even more clarity about exactly where the tires end up after their first use. There is currently not enough transparency here. The first ideas are that only certified disposal companies should be approved that can provide proof of the tires' whereabouts. Once we have achieved this, we will know the disposal routes and can then, in a second step, ensure that all tires in use in Germany (or Europe) are fed into the best possible recycling process in the respective regions.

Where do you see a concrete need for action – be it on the part of politicians, industry or consumers?

Guth: Our priority issue is tire retreading. If we succeeded in getting more tires to be retreaded, we could quickly reduce waste volumes and CO2 levels while saving resources and energy. To do this, we need to dispel prejudices, convince politicians that municipalities are setting a good example. The retreading business model must become profitable again for all product categories so that all stakeholders invest more in the development of new and innovative technologies. So everyone is involved in this change and all stakeholders must adapt their behavior to the new requirements - otherwise it will be difficult to achieve the climate targets.

Equally important is the area of material recycling. There are excellent products made from ELT. The companies in the recycling sector continue to develop innovatively; however, the legislator must give the companies the security for investments for these innovations and remove restrictions. Here, the processes, some of which have to take the long route via the EU, simply take too long.

What trends are you currently observing in the rubber sector in general?

Guth: Everyone is talking about sustainability. It's important to us that sustainability is not just lip service, but that real changes are taking place. With our network, we want to show all the possibilities – from retreading, to material recycling, pyrolysis or devulcanization, to rubber asphalt in road construction and much more.

What contribution are you making to a more sustainable plastics and rubber industry?

Guth: If you follow the news coverage over the last two years, never before has the topic of tire recycling been talked about so much and so comprehensively. This wide-ranging coverage alone ensures that market participants are thinking about how they can participate in this process. The network also ensures that scientists and companies join forces to find new ways forward. AZuR has been active as a network for just two years. Today, we have just under 50 players on board who are exchanging ideas, getting involved and working together to find sustainable solutions. Taking retreading as an example, we are seeing the market change after such a short time. I am sure that we are on the right track.