Driving UK Tyre Recycling Forward
18 January 2006
A series of projects and trials investigating the properties and potential applications of new products made from used tyre waste are now underway with support from WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme).
The successful proposals were selected for funding through an Open Tender competition and two of the projects are specifically focused on investigating new ways of retreading truck tyres using recycled tyre crumb.
Rubber Recovery Ltd, based in Barnsley, is investigating the production of a retread compound with significant recycled content. Using technology proven overseas, they will be developing a process that adds specially formulated polymers to the recycled rubber crumb, enabling it to become chemically reactive again with virgin compounds. The retread compound will be used on truck and earthmover tyres.
Rubber Recovery Ltd director Paul Mathers explains: "This technology could significantly enhance the value and the performance of recycled rubber in retread compounds and allow higher volumes to be used in the future"
In the second project, operational trials of a retread tyre produced using an alternative technology are being undertaken by Crumb Rubber Ltd of Devon. The company’s ambient mechanical abrasive process is producing an ultra fine powder which is expected to show improved interactivity with virgin rubber blends. The improved performance characteristics of the powder are expected to lead to higher potential inclusion rates in virgin rubber blends.
David Young, Managing Director of Crumb Rubber, said: "This project will now test under commercial conditions, the performance of different levels of recycled powder in retread compounds. Once we’ve established the most promising blends, we will be testing them on a local fleet of delivery trucks "
These projects are part of a wider Tyres Programme being carried out by WRAP. Research and operational trials are also underway to test further applications for the construction industry, including roof tiles, concrete blocks, floor underlay and wall panels and for road surfacing.
Steve Waite, Materials Project Manager (Tyres) at WRAP, said: "With shredded tyres banned from landfill sites from July this year, WRAP is working to develop new technologies and uses for recycled tyre rubber. These exciting projects have been funded because they offer the potential to significantly increase the use of recycled tyre rubber in the retreading of truck and earthmover tyres.
Rubber Recovery Ltd, based in Barnsley, is investigating the production of a retread compound with significant recycled content. Using technology proven overseas, they will be developing a process that adds specially formulated polymers to the recycled rubber crumb, enabling it to become chemically reactive again with virgin compounds. The retread compound will be used on truck and earthmover tyres.
Rubber Recovery Ltd director Paul Mathers explains: "This technology could significantly enhance the value and the performance of recycled rubber in retread compounds and allow higher volumes to be used in the future"
In the second project, operational trials of a retread tyre produced using an alternative technology are being undertaken by Crumb Rubber Ltd of Devon. The company’s ambient mechanical abrasive process is producing an ultra fine powder which is expected to show improved interactivity with virgin rubber blends. The improved performance characteristics of the powder are expected to lead to higher potential inclusion rates in virgin rubber blends.
David Young, Managing Director of Crumb Rubber, said: "This project will now test under commercial conditions, the performance of different levels of recycled powder in retread compounds. Once we’ve established the most promising blends, we will be testing them on a local fleet of delivery trucks "
These projects are part of a wider Tyres Programme being carried out by WRAP. Research and operational trials are also underway to test further applications for the construction industry, including roof tiles, concrete blocks, floor underlay and wall panels and for road surfacing.
Steve Waite, Materials Project Manager (Tyres) at WRAP, said: "With shredded tyres banned from landfill sites from July this year, WRAP is working to develop new technologies and uses for recycled tyre rubber. These exciting projects have been funded because they offer the potential to significantly increase the use of recycled tyre rubber in the retreading of truck and earthmover tyres.
Editor's notes:
- WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) is a major UK programme established to promote resource efficiency. Its particular focus is on creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products and removing the barriers to waste minimisation, re-use and recycling.
- A not-for-profit company, WRAP is backed by substantial Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Under its current Business Plan 2004-06, WRAP is running fifteen programmes. Twelve of them relate to market development, comprising nine material streams (Paper, Plastics, Glass, Wood, Organics, Aggregates, Tyres, Batteries and Plasterboard) and three generic areas (Business & Finance, Procurement, and Regional Market Development). Three further programmes relate to the wider resource efficiency remit - Collections, Communications and Awareness, and Waste Minimisation.More information on all of WRAP’s programmes can be found at www.wrap.org.uk
Press Office
Media Relations Manager
WRAP,
The Old Academy,
21 Horse Fair,
Banbury
OX16 0AH
Tel: 01295 819928
press.office@wrap.org.uk
Steve Waite
Materials Project Manager (Tyres)
WRAP,
The Old Academy,
21 Horse Fair,
Banbury
OX16 0AH
Tel: 01295 819923
steve.waite@wrap.org.uk
