The growing issue of tire waste has driven major advancements in recycling and sustainability practices. Ben Chouchouci of the Windsor Industrial Development Laboratory (WIDL) shares how innovative methods, such as computer-based simulations and optimized product designs, are leading the way in turning scrap tires into valuable materials. Thanks to new regulations and recycling efforts, about 85% of tires in the U.S. are now recycled for energy or material recovery.

However, challenges remain. Traditional recycling focuses heavily on grinding and burning tires, which is costly and environmentally taxing. New methods emphasize recovering valuable rubber compounds and improving processes like devulcanization — the selective breakdown of tire rubber to make it reusable. Technologies such as supercritical CO₂ processing offer more sustainable and efficient solutions, helping preserve rubber's mechanical properties while reducing emissions.

The market for recycled tire products is evolving rapidly. Applications now span civil engineering, agriculture, playgrounds, and automotive parts. Research also points to blending recycled ground tire rubber (GTR) into new materials to enhance strength and environmental performance. Furthermore, innovations in tire handling, like extending tire life and promoting retreading, are critical to reducing the massive volume of scrap tires.

WIDL’s EcoUS project is pioneering the development of new recycled rubber products, such as molded parking blocks, using reclaimed materials. Their approach not only reduces reliance on raw materials but also supports a more circular economy for rubber products, aligning with broader goals for sustainability and waste reduction.

Find out more about the detailed processes, technologies, and promising developments by reading the original article by Rubber World Magazine.