Quality protocol certification scheme will give processors of tyre-derived rubber a competitive edge
Processors of tyre-derived rubber materials will have the quality of their products approved by joining a certification scheme that demonstrates their compliance with a new Quality Protocol published today by the Waste Protocols Project - a joint WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and Environment Agency initiative.
Businesses that become certified by the scheme supporting the new Quality Protocol for tyre-derived rubber materials, can now demonstrate to their customers that their recovered product meets agreed quality standards and is a viable alternative to virgin materials – giving them a potential marketing advantage.
The certification scheme will also give end users of tyre-derived rubber greater confidence in the quality of the materials they are purchasing. Every business that obtains certification will be placed on a publicly available online register. Purchasers and specifiers of Quality Protocol compliant tyre-derived crumb and shred will therefore be able to ensure they are procuring only material from producers that have been independently audited. They can have complete confidence in the materials they are purchasing and demonstrate this assurance to their clients.
This latest Quality Protocol from the Waste Protocols Project clarifies regulations by defining when tyre-derived rubber ceases to be waste and no longer needs to be subject to waste management controls. This enables companies to avoid unnecessary regulation and will make it easier for customers to specify tyre-derived rubber products with confidence, helping the market to grow.
Mervyn Jones, joint Quality Protocol Project Executive and Head of Manufacturing at WRAP, says: “The certification scheme, in conjunction with the Quality Protocol and PAS 107, is designed to give end users of tyre-derived rubber greater confidence in the standards of the materials they are purchasing.”
“With virgin rubber generally significantly more expensive than tyre-derived rubber, this increased confidence will help industry recycle more of the 500,000 tonnes of used tyres entering the waste stream in the UK every year.”
“Estimates suggest that the additional market value that could be realised through the introduction of this latest Quality Protocol could be between £7m and £23m over 10 years.”
Martin Brocklehurst, joint Quality Protocol Project Executive and the Environment Agency’s Head of Environment Protection External Programmes, said: “The Project continues to simplify processes and procedures across the recycling and reprocessing supply chain by removing regulation and unnecessary red tape. The regulation governing tyre-derived rubber is being changed based on evidence from a robust risk assessment. When the protocol for tyre-derived rubber is introduced it will prove to be good for business and for the environment.”
The certification scheme will be operated by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), an internationally recognised centre of excellence that provides research, consultancy, testing and certification for all aspects of transport. The certification scheme will be live early in 2010 – to find out more and to register to be sent further information by email, visit http://www.trl.co.uk/tdrm
The Quality Protocol for tyre-derived rubber materials can be downloaded from the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rubber
Editor's notes
- WRAP helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government funding from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Working in seven key areas (Construction, Retail, Manufacturing, Organics, Business Growth, Behavioural Change, and Local Authority Support), WRAP’s work focuses on market development and support to drive forward recycling and materials resource efficiency within these sectors, as well as wider communications and awareness activities including the multi-media national Recycle Now campaign for England.
- More information on all of WRAP's programmes can be found on www.wrap.org.uk
About the Environment Agency: The Environment Agency is the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It's our job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today's society, so that tomorrow's generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world. More information on the Environment Agency’s work can be found at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/