News: Tire Recycling & Pyrolysis

The 31st Annual Conference of the European Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA) will take place from 24 to 26 March 2026 at Le Louise Hotel in Brussels. The event will bring together stakeholders from across the tyre recycling and rubber value chain to discuss whether the sector’s future will be shaped by circular economy principles. The conference comes at a time of evolving policy priorities within the European Union. Following the appointment of a new European Commission in 2025, elements of the Green Deal have been reassessed, with some environmental objectives receiving less emphasis. At the same time, many of the underlying principles of sustainability and resource efficiency have become embedded in business strategies and public expectations, even as timelines and targets are adjusted.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries, under its Dunlop brand, has begun using circular carbon black produced through chemical recycling in selected mass-produced passenger car tires. Production started in November 2025 at the company’s Miyazaki plant, marking the first time this type of recycled carbon black has been adopted in Dunlop’s commercial passenger tire lineup.

The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) has renewed its call for the UK government to introduce a ban on the export of whole and baled end-of-life tyres (ELTs), urging policymakers to adopt a regulatory approach similar to that implemented in Australia.

Ecolomondo Corporation (TSXV: ECM) (OTCQB: ECLMF), a Canadian innovator in sustainable scrap tire recycling technology, has issued stock options to employees, Board members and consultants, to purchase 1,930,000 common shares of the Company in recognition of their contribution to the Company’s and the Hawkesbury plant’s success.

Ecopneus has received the Technological Innovation award at the 20th edition of the Premio ASI Sport & Cultura, held on 20 December 2025 at the Salone d’Onore of CONI in Rome. The award recognises Ecopneus’ long-term work in developing and promoting recycled rubber applications across sports, urban infrastructure and other public uses.

As 2026 approaches, we would like to thank you for being part of our journey and wish you a year marked by progress, stability, and good health. The tire recycling and pyrolysis landscape continues to evolve — shaped by new regulations, advancing technologies, and growing expectations around circularity and sustainability.

Birla Carbon, a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality carbon materials, has been awarded a Platinum level rating by EcoVadis. The recognition places Birla Carbon among the top 1% of companies globally evaluated by EcoVadis and reflects the company’s continued leadership in embedding sustainability across its operations, innovation, and value chain.

Continental has been re-elected as Co-Chair of the Tire Industry Project (TIP) until 2029. Continental will continue to contribute resources and its long-standing expertise, especially in the areas of tire and road wear particles, end-of-life tires, sustainability assessment methods, and supply chain transparency. TIP is the global tire industry's central forum for sustainability issues. As one of the founding members of TIP, Continental has been working with other leading global tire manufacturers since 2005 to address overarching environmental and sustainability issues affecting the tire industry.

Tegeta Motors and Bandag, a subsidiary of Bridgestone, have signed an agreement to establish the first Bandag tyre retreading facility in the Caucasus region. The new plant, to be located in Rustavi, Georgia, will introduce Bandag’s retreading technology for truck and bus tyres, marking a significant expansion of circular tyre solutions in the region.