According to the latest press release by EuRIC, harmonised EU-wide End-of-Waste (EoW) criteria for rubber derived from End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs) are essential to strengthen Europe’s tyre recycling market.

Together with the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), EuRIC emphasizes that the absence of harmonised EoW criteria poses significant challenges for the industry, hindering the trade and uptake of recycled tyre materials across borders.

The tyre value chain is aligned in its call for action, highlighting that common EoW criteria would create a level playing field, reduce administrative burdens, ensure safety and quality, and enable manufacturers to incorporate recycled content into new products more effectively. These steps are seen as crucial for building a circular economy in Europe.

Despite national-level efforts to establish EoW rules in some Member States, the lack of EU-wide recognition causes trade complications. In EuRIC’s view, recycled rubber from ELTs is well-suited for EoW classification under the Waste Framework Directive, and immediate regulatory action is required.

In 2024, around 3.9 million tonnes of ELTs were collected in Europe. However, only about half of that is recycled, with a substantial portion still incinerated or treated outside the EU. To support a sustainable and competitive market, EuRIC and ETRMA urge the European Commission to initiate the development of harmonised criteria without further delay.

As per EuRIC, this is not only a regulatory necessity but also a strategic move to support the objectives of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and future Circular Economy Act.

Learn more in the full press release by EuRIC.