Applications of Recycled Rubber: Sustainable Innovation for B2b

End-of-Life Tires: a Global Environmental Challenge

Every year, millions of tires reach the end of their life and are discarded, generating a considerable environmental impact. These waste products, if not managed correctly, accumulate in landfills or are abandoned in the environment, where they take over a century to degrade (source: Plastic Free Onlus). In some extreme conditions, it’s estimated to take up to 2,000 years for a tire to decompose completely (source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources).

Meanwhile, however, they progressively release toxic substances — heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and other chemical compounds — that pollute the soil, groundwater, and even the atmosphere. This phenomenon is still too underestimated, but it represents one of the most persistent global environmental emergencies.

ELT Recycling: Recovered Materials and Sustainability

The recycling of ELTs (End-of-Life Tires) today represents a concrete and sustainable alternative to abandonment or incineration. In Italy, the Ecopneus consortium has developed a virtuous model that allows the transformation of used tires into useful resources for new production chains.

During the treatment process, three main materials are recovered:

• Rubber (up to 80%), in the form of granules, powders, or shredded rubber

• Steel, which is reused in the metallurgical industry

• Textile fibers, used as insulating material or alternative fuel

Technical Advantages of Recycled Rubber for Industry

Recycled rubber is much more than a simple by-product. Thanks to its technical characteristics, it lends itself to a wide range of industrial and urban applications. Its properties include:

• Elasticity: effectively absorbs shocks, making it perfect for impact-absorbing flooring, such as those used in parks or gyms

• Weather resistance: maintains unaltered performance over time, even under rain, frost, or intense sun

• Sound insulation: reduces noise transmission, improving comfort in urban or productive contexts

• Drainage capacity: facilitates water runoff, avoiding stagnation on surfaces such as bike paths or public areas

• Durability and minimal maintenance: an investment that pays off over time, both in terms of sustainability and operational costs

This mix of technical characteristics and economic benefits makes recycled rubber an increasingly chosen solution by designers, businesses, and public administrations.

Applications of Recycled Rubber in B2b Sectors

The applications of recycled rubber are increasingly widespread and versatile, especially in the B2B world. Its adaptability makes it ideal for high-wear environments or those requiring advanced technical specifications. Here are some concrete examples:

• Public playgrounds: flooring compliant with EN 1177 that guarantees safety in case of falls

• Sports facilities and fitness centers: impact-absorbing floors that combine resistance, grip, and impact absorption

• Urban spaces: urban furniture, road bollards, benches, and planters.

• Logistics sector: anti-slip systems for goods transport, anti-vibration mats, fixing blocks

• Custom technical products: tailor-made elements for industry.

In all these cases, recycled rubber represents a smart choice both in environmental and functional terms.