94pc of all ELTs were collected and treated in 2019
The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), has consolidated data on the management of End of Life Tyres (ELTs) for 2019 covering 32 countries, including Ireland.
It says 94 per cent of ELTs in the 32 countries were collected and treated for material recycling and energy recovery. 100 per cent of End of Life Tyres were collected and treated here in Ireland, according to its data.
ETRMA says this situation is quite comparable to the previous years with ELT treatment rates fluctuating between 92 and 95 per cent.
ELTs are collected and their treatment is organised across European countries, the vast majority operating under EPR. Secondary raw materials from ELTs are important resources for industries such as construction, automotive and cement.
The detailed analysis of the data shows that, compared to the previous year, the arising of ELTs in Europe (3.45Mt) in 2019 decreased by about three per cent to the previous year.
About 1.88 million tonnes of ELTs were treated through material recovery. This figure includes 1.34 million tonnes, sent to granulation process; 458,000 tonnes of ELTs were incorporated in cement, resulting from the co-processing; 82,300 tonnes were used in civil engineering applications.
Some other minor applications in processes such as pyrolysis, steel mills and foundries, and other uses complete this figure. T
he management of ELTs in 2019 is completed with a 1.37 million tonnes of tyres that went through energy recovery. The quantity of ELTs, stocked or unknown, and waiting for treatment, is half compared to the previous year’s figures, amounting to 170,000 tonnes.
