In a world striving for sustainable balances, tire recycling represents a vital bridge between resource conservation and technological innovation.” Reusing used tires not only mitigates the environmental impact of waste, but opens the door to a number of surprising applications. This article explores the different materials obtained from tire recycling and their many applications, providing a detailed and technical overview.
What is recycled rubber from ELTs?
Recycled rubber comes from the treatment of end-of-life tires (ELTs), a process that turns waste into resources. Recycling begins with tire crushing, followed by separation of the different components such as steel, textile fibers and the rubber itself. Recycled rubber can be used in many forms, including granular rubber, and differs from virgin rubber in its reduced environmental impact. As pointed out by the Ecopneus Consortium, Italy’s leading tire recycling consortium, “the recovery process also creates new raw materials for industry.” For more information about their work and recycling initiatives, visit the Ecopneus website(https://www.ecopneus.it/).
Types of Derived Materials
SBR rubber (Styrene Butadiene Rubber):
SBR rubber, or Styrene Butadiene Rubber, is a very versatile synthetic elastomer. This unique combination gives SBR rubber a number of desirable properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. SBR rubber is particularly valued for its excellent durability and flexibility, which translate into superior abrasion resistance while maintaining excellent resilience.
SBR rubber stands out in the landscape of synthetic materials for its outstanding combination of strength, flexibility and versatility, finding application in a multitude of fields that benefit from its remarkable physical and mechanical properties.
Canvas and steel
In addition to rubber, the recycling process also allows the recovery of other materials such as canvas and steel. Canvas, once separated from rubber and steel, can find new life in diverse applications, from reinforcement in composite materials to uses in the textile industry or in carpet and roofing production. The steel, extracted from the tires by powerful magnets, is then melted down and reused in the foundry, helping to reduce the need for new metal extraction and improving resource efficiency with a view to environmental sustainability.
Applications of Recycled Rubber
Recycled rubber finds use in various industries. Used in everything from non-trauma flooring for children’s play areas, gymnasium flooring, to automotive components, it demonstrates the material’s wide range of use and flexibility. Each application takes advantage of the unique properties of rubber, such as its ability to absorb shock and durability, to improve the quality and safety of finished products.
These characteristics make SBR rubber a popular choice for tire production, where its ability to withstand physical and environmental stresses is particularly valuable. In addition to the automotive industry, SBR rubber finds use in a wide range of other industries. In construction, for example, it is used to make gaskets, expansion joints and other components that require strength and durability. In the sports and leisure industry, SBR rubber is often chosen for flooring for gyms, playgrounds and other sports surfaces because of its ability to absorb shock and improve safety.
In road safety, SBR rubber is used in the production of various safety components, such as traffic cones and speed bumps, where its wear resistance and visibility make it an effective and durable solution. We also see this material widely used for the production of industrial wheels, livestock flooring and ballistic walls, through street furniture. All applications that benefit from its water and corrosion resistance benefit from the use of SBR rubber recycled from ELTs.
Environmental Benefits and Sustainability
Recycling tires contributes significantly to the reduction of landfill waste. The use of recycled rubber not only reduces dependence on nonrenewable natural resources, but also supports the circular economy through the creation of useful products from materials that would otherwise be considered waste.
Challenges and Innovations in Rubber Recycling.
Despite the benefits, the rubber recycling process has technical challenges, including managing the variety and quality of used tires. Innovations continue to emerge, improving the efficiency of the recycling process and the quality of recycled materials, paving the way for new applications and greater market acceptance.
Conclusion
The importance of tire rubber recycling is indisputable. It serves as an example of how technology and innovation can transform end-of-life materials into valuable resources. CASEI ECO-SYSTEM is strongly committed to promoting sustainable and innovative practices. The company is dedicated to finding solutions that not only meet market needs but are also environmentally friendly. By supporting the adoption of advanced technologies and developing new uses for recycled rubber, we actively contribute to reducing environmental impact and promoting the circular economy. With continued support and adoption of these practices, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
"Noi non ereditiamo la terra dai nostri antenati; la prendiamo in prestito dai nostri figli." — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This quote reflects the importance of environmental responsibility and emphasizes our duty to leave a healthier planet for future generations, a key concept when discussing recycling and reuse of materials such as SBR rubber.
