The Australian House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science has launched an inquiry into the current state of the country's tire industry, focusing on challenges and opportunities within a circular economy framework. The investigation was initiated by Minister Rob Mitchell and follows the recent Round Trip Summit held in Melbourne.

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has identified approximately AUD 70 million in potential domestic market opportunities through an enhanced circular economy for end-of-life tires. The organization noted that the inquiry's timing is significant, coming after the Round Trip Summit attracted over 200 industry participants from international markets to discuss technologies and infrastructure solutions for tire recycling and recovery.

According to TSA, the inquiry provides an opportunity to address current challenges in the Australian tire sector, including heavy reliance on offshore markets for end-of-life tire processing. The organization has advocated for redirecting end-of-life tires back into the domestic economy to create local value and strengthen circular outcomes. TSA emphasized the importance of examining the complete tire lifecycle, from design and manufacturing through collection, processing, recycling, and end-market development.

The inquiry framework aligns with international best practices for managing chemicals of concern in tire materials, promoting tire reuse and retreading operations, and developing higher-order circular economy applications. TSA indicated that industry participants have expressed support for infrastructure investment and market development initiatives that would enable greater domestic processing capacity and reduce export dependency.

The parliamentary committee's investigation is expected to examine regulatory frameworks, technology adoption, market barriers, and infrastructure requirements necessary to advance circular economy outcomes for the Australian tire industry.

For additional information on the inquiry and Tyre Stewardship Australia's position, visit the TSA website.