Germany records new high in tire recycling rates 

Frankfurt, Germany - The recycling rates for used tires in Germany reached a new record high last year, according to the German rubber manufacturers association (WDK). 

Figures published by WDK show that some 251 kilotonnes of end of life tires were processed into granulates and rubber crumbs in 2019, up 6% compared to the year before.

The secondary raw materials are used to manufacture technically high-quality products, a proof that “the recycling of used tires works,” said WDK technical director Stephan Rau in a 26 Aug statement.

The total amount of used tires in 2019 fell 2% year-on-year to 571 kilotonnes, which according to Rau, shows that a trend towards durable tires is continuing in the country.

"Although the registration figures for 2019 have risen noticeably - for example, there was an increase of 5% for passenger cars and as much as 6.2% for commercial vehicles - the number of used tires in Germany has fallen overall,” he added.

According to WDK, more than two-thirds of used tires (68%) are recycled in Germany and approxiamtely 175,000 tonnes are used in the cement industry. However, the ‘ecologically and economically’ sound process has seen a sharp 10% decline over the last year, WDK added.