In a significant environmental milestone, Belgium has set a new national record for tire recycling, collecting a staggering 87,441 tonnes of used tires in 2023, according to the latest report by Recytyre, a leading tire recycling company.
This achievement underscores Belgium’s commitment to sustainability and marks a notable 20% increase in the collection of tires from private cars over the past decade.
Recytyre’s annual report reveals that an impressive 99.97% of the tires collected were effectively diverted from landfills.
The majority underwent transformation into rubber granules, which are integral to producing playground mats and athletics tracks, contributing to a circular economy approach.
In 2023, 93.14% of collected tires were repurposed through this recycling process, highlighting its vital role in sustainable materials reuse.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain in meeting government targets for tire reuse and retreading.
Recytyre aims to tackle these challenges head-on with a forthcoming campaign designed to encourage greater adoption of retreaded tyres among transport companies.
Retreading, which accounted for 3.59% of tyres collected in 2023, presents a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to new tyre production, reducing environmental impact significantly.
Looking ahead, Belgium faces new regulatory shifts set by the European Commission, which will ban the sale of rubber and polymer granules for synthetic sports fields starting in 2031.
This mandate necessitates innovative approaches within the tire recycling industry. Recytyre anticipates a potential breakthrough with pyrolysis, a cutting-edge process that involves heating tyres to extract valuable resources like carbon black and oil.
Several pyrolysis projects are already in the pipeline across Belgium, promising to revolutionize the recycling landscape further.
Reflecting on past practices, Recytyre notes a dramatic decline in the use of tyres for energy production in industries like cement, dropping from 19.48% in 2014 to a mere 0.03% in 2023.
This shift underscores Belgium’s evolving focus towards sustainable recycling methods rather than energy-intensive disposal options.
As Belgium charts a course towards a greener future, initiatives like those spearheaded by Recytyre serve as critical benchmarks in global efforts to achieve environmental sustainability.
With ongoing advancements in tire recycling technologies and strategic collaborations across sectors, Belgium stands poised to lead by example in the circular economy revolution.
In conclusion, Belgium’s record-breaking tire recycling achievements not only highlight its proactive stance on environmental stewardship but also pave the way for innovative solutions in the global fight against waste.
As the nation prepares for upcoming regulatory changes and embraces new recycling technologies, the path forward promises to be both challenging and transformative, setting a precedent for sustainable practices worldwide.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
