Ecodesign Revolutionizes the Tire Industry and its Recycling

The recent entry into force of the Regulation on Ecological Design for Sustainable Products (ESPR) in the European Union is marking a before and after in the tire industry. This regulation, which came into force in July 2024, has the main objective of moving towards a circular economy, reducing the environmental impact of products from key sectors, such as tires. Its implementation will not only facilitate the recycling of these products, but will improve their durability and promote the reuse of materials, promoting a more sustainable future for this industry.

The Role of Ecodesign in Tires

Ecodesign, a concept that is based on integrating environmental criteria into the design phase of a product, has been identified as key to reducing waste generation and improving sustainability in various sectors. In the case of tires, the ESPR establishes new requirements that will increase their useful life, facilitate their repair and, most importantly, their recycling. This will not only help decrease the amount of waste generated, but will also drive circularity within the tire value chain.

One of the most innovative aspects of the regulation is the introduction of the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This passport, accessible via a QR code, will provide information on the traceability of the tires, their recycled content and the carbon footprint generated during its life cycle. This tool will not only make it possible to more efficiently identify which tires are recyclable, but will also improve the quality of the recovered materials, which can be reused in the production of new tires.

The Impact on Spain and the Tire Recycling Sector

In Spain, the management of out-of-use tires (NFU) is already regulated by the Royal Decree 1619/2005which establishes the bases for its collection and recycling. However, with the implementation of the ESPR and the approval of the Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy, a regulatory update is expected to boost the sustainability of the sector. This update will require tire manufacturers to align with new European requirements, introducing tires specifically designed to be more sustainable from production to the end of their life cycle.

The adoption of these new regulations will have a direct impact on the tire recycling industry in Spain. Ecodesign will facilitate more efficient recovery of tire components, which will not only improve NFU management but also reduce the need for virgin raw materials. By increasing circularity, dependence on natural resources will be minimized and the environmental impact associated with the production of new tires will be mitigated.

In addition, the ESPR will promote the development of advanced recycling technologies, such as pyrolysis and the rubber devulcanizationtechniques that allow essential materials to be recovered from the tire for reuse. In this way, the linear “use and dispose” model is abandoned and a circular life cycle for tires is promoted, in line with the sustainability objectives of the European Union.

Benefits of Ecodesign for the Circular Economy

The implementation of ecodesign in the tire sector will not only bring environmental benefits, but also economic ones. By designing products that are easier to repair and recycle, the cost of producing new tires will be reduced and dependence on expensive and limited raw materials will be reduced. This will result in a more competitive sector prepared for the challenges of the future.

In addition, recycling of tires designed under the new guidelines will improve the quality of the recovered materials, allowing them to be reused in the manufacture of new products, from tires to other industrial components. This approach will contribute to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions by making the most of existing resources instead of extracting and processing new raw materials.

TNU’s Role in Used Tire Management

In Spain, the Treatment of Used Tires (TNU) plays a crucial role in the management of NFU. As a Collective System of Extended Producer Responsibility (SCRAP), TNU brings together the main companies in the tire recycling sector, from new tire producers to NFU management companies, importers and distributors. Its mission is to guarantee that the tons of unused tires generated annually in Spain are correctly collected and recycled, directly contributing to the circular economy.

With the implementation of the ESPR, the role of TNU and other similar entities will be even more relevant. Compliance with the new ecodesign regulations will require effective coordination between manufacturers, waste managers and recyclers to ensure that tires at the end of their useful life are treated sustainably.

Conclusion

The entry into force of the Regulation on Ecological Design for Sustainable Products marks a turning point for the tire industry and its recycling in Europe. With new regulations that prioritize durability, recyclability and sustainability, the sector is prepared to take a firm step towards the circular economy. In Spain, the updating of national regulations, together with the leadership of entities such as TNU, will promote more efficient management of end-of-use tires, contributing to the reduction of waste and the optimal use of resources. This new approach will not only bring environmental benefits, but will also strengthen the competitiveness of the sector at European level.

Ambientum Editorial