ETRMA pushes for EU-wide ‘end of waste' status for tire-rubber

Brussels – Two European industry organisations are lobbying for ‘end-of-waste’ (EoW) criteria to be developed for rubber-recyclate from tires, a move that could ensure wider use of the material.

The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) and the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) presented evidence on 29 Oct making the case that end-of-life tire-rubber meets EoW criteria.

Under the European criteria. certain materials from end-of-life products cease to be considered as waste and instead become a product, or a secondary raw material.

In a joint statement, ETRMA and EuRIC explained that it would be “advantageous” to have such an EU-wide EoW criteria accepted for ELT rubber.

“The rubber supply-chain is ready for the next step in the advancement and uptake of the recycling of ELT-derived rubber,” said the two organisations, providing a recent assessment of the sector across EU member states.

EoW status, they argued, will secure that trade across the EU happens “normally in equal conditions and with equivalent opportunities across borders.” It would, they added, reduce administrative burdens associated with trading ELT rubber materials.

Listing will also secure the material’s accountability for safety and quality since many regulations – including the declarations of performance for construction products or REACH – only apply once the material has ceased to be waste.

“All this is of key importance to increase the uptake of ELT-derived rubber in the manufacture of new rubber products for high-value end-use markets,” the organisations added.

Furthermore, the two bodies said that securing the categorisation for ELT rubber was ‘essential’ for the European circular economy.

“This can only be achieved with a European end-of-waste criteria, that is translated [into] a legal text, applicable in all member states.” 

The move, they added, will add trust to the market, increase investors’ security and boost the R&D in the sector. 

The EU 'waste framework directive' empowers the European Commission to clarify when a waste that has undergone a recovery operation, including recycling, can obtain the EoW status. 

The EC is intending to develop EoW criteria that certain waste types would have to fulfil to cease to be waste. 

To cease to be waste, the substance or object should be commonly used for specific purposes; and a market or demand should exist for such a substance or object.

In addition, the substance or object should fulfil the technical requirements for the specific purposes and meets the existing legislation and standards applicable to products.