Update: European scrap-tire processing rate remains steady at 95%

Brussels – Some 94% of Europe's end-of-life tires (ELTs) were collected and treated for material recycling and energy recovery during 2019, according to the latest report by the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA).

The recovery rate remains on a par with previous years’ figures, which fluctuated between 92% and 95%, said ETRMA in an 11 May statement.

Data from 32 European countries (EU27, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey and UK) shows that the arising of ELTs in the region fell 1% year-on-year to 3.55 million tonnes in 2019.

About 1.95 million tonnes of ELTs were treated through material recovery, while 1.43 million tonnes were used for energy recovery.

In the material recovery segment, some 1.36 million tonnes were granulated; 476,000 tonnes were incorporated in cement through co-processing and 112,954 tonnes were used in civil engineering applications. 

In addition, the industry saw some other minor applications in processes such as pyrolysis, steel mills and foundries.

Some 1650,000 tonnes of ELT were unaccounted for, half the amount registered in 2018, ETRMA noted.