Bonn, November 11.11.2020th, XNUMX Tires are the black gold of the automotive industry. They ensure the right grip, short braking distances, high driving comfort and, last but not least, low fuel consumption. Ever new developments also take sustainability into account. But what happens after a long life with the worn tire? A sensible and sustainable solution is to use the basic materials in completely different products. While metals and fabric fibers have clear areas of application, the processing of rubber marks the beginning of a great career.
Sustainable, environmentally friendly and economical
Almost 600.000 tons of used tires accumulate in Germany every year. Rubber alone accounts for 65 percent of this. After recycling, it is available as granules or flour and can be processed directly into innovative products. Products are created that are then often in use much longer than a standard tire during the second life of the base material. Sustainable use conserves resources, reduces CO2 emissions and ultimately saves a lot of money.
So even if environmental considerations are secondary for some, both companies and private individuals should prick up their ears at the latest when it comes to their own spending. And the new products from the tires have an impact on all areas of everyday life. Nowadays, rubber can be found in many different applications and can easily be replaced with the material from tires. It can be found in sports field construction, as soundproofing or in floor coverings.
Confirmed at European level: no health hazard
Initially, there was concern that PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) bound in the material would pose health risks. On the one hand, numerous studies have confirmed that the concern is unfounded and that there is no danger from the bound PAHs. On the other hand, in 2019 the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed a limit value of 20 mg/kg for the use of granules on playgrounds and sports fields. In the course of the discussion, the ECHA confirmed that 99 percent of the granulate produced from used tires in the EU can comply with this limit value.
And here is also one of the well-known uses. Artificial turf pitches are filled with a mixture of granules and sand. This filling provides the right cushioning between the artificial grasses and the optimal feeling compared to natural grass.
Countless uses for recycled rubber
But much more can be made from the old tires. According to the motto "back to the truck", the rubber is processed into anti-slip mats. These serve to secure loads in freight transport. With the help of these mats, goods can no longer slip on smooth loading areas. In addition, the necessary tension of the lashing straps can be reduced, as can the number of straps themselves. At the same time, this reduces the idle time of the truck, since less time is required to secure the load.
Another use of the recyclate can be found directly on the street. Rubber ramps and curb ramps are used in a wide variety of places; be it to bridge large differences in height, to calm traffic or to remove steps for wheelchairs or walkers.
In sports, the rubber from tires is also used directly as a floor covering in addition to the granulate in artificial turf. Because the robust material is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Its springy properties protect the joints and thus the health of the athletes. On playgrounds, these coverings are also installed as fall protection or directly in the playground equipment.
Ultimately, the areas of application are unlimited. The material can be used to make lamps for outdoor use, as well as soundproofing mats, bed edging, path slabs and much more. The rubber impresses with its longevity, it is insensitive to UV radiation and protects against damage in many places.
Numerous companies have already specialized in the recycling material and are enjoying increasing demand. They all give old tires a new life, which fully supports the initiative of the certified old tire disposal company (ZARE). Numerous details on the recycling of the tires and their new use can also be found very clearly on the website www.initiative-new-life.de. The aim of ZARE is to completely integrate used tires into a perfect circular economy and thus protect the environment in the long term.
About the ZARE initiative
The ZARE initiative is an association of 19 certified old tire disposal companies organized in the Bundesverband Reifenhandel und Vulkaniseur-Handwerk eV (BRV), which has set itself the task of raising awareness of professional tire recycling in Germany. All ZARE partners are members of the BRV. ZARE informs drivers about environmentally friendly disposal of old tires. At 26 locations, the ZARE partners cover almost all of Germany and the Netherlands.
The other partners of the initiative are:
Allgemeine Gummiwertstoff und Reifenhandels GmbH, Bender Reifen Recycling GmbH, CVS Reifen GmbH, Danninger OHG Spezialtransporte, Hartung Speditions-, Handels- und Transport GmbH, HRV GmbH, KARGRO BV, KRAIBURG Austria GmbH & Co. KG, KURZ Karkassenhandel GmbH, Mondo Reifenmarkt GmbH , MRH Mülsener Rohstoff- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH, PVP Triptis GmbH, Reifen DRAWS GmbH, Reifen Külshammer, Reifengruppe Ruhr, REIFEN OKA - tire trade, tire recycling company Brenz GmbH, RuLa-BRW GmbH, TireTech GmbH
Material:
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Figure 1: pvp-triptis_kunstrasen.jpg
Caption: A second life for used tires – disposal companies rely on perfect circulation, for example in the form of artificial turf pitches.
Source: PVP Triptis GmbH
Figure 2: pvp-triptis_ladessicherung.jpg
Caption: Confirmed at European level: The PAH bound in the material does not pose any health risks.
Source: PVP Triptis GmbH
