CIRCULAR ECONOMY
WHAT IS IT?
“Circular Economy is a system to reduce – and eventually eliminate – waste and manage raw materials’ scarcity through the continual use of resources.”
ECOLOGICAL + ECONOMICAL
Till now, the concept of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) has tried to develop responsible consumption habits. Nonetheless, the rise of ecological thinking has generated the appearance of four new Rs in addition to these basic 3Rs. The 7Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, Renew, Repair and Recover) refer to the actions necessary to achieve the change towards a Circular Economy (CE) model. This model aims at extending the lifetime of the resources through their rational and efficient use to generate value repeatedly, reducing costs and waste.
IMPACT OF WASTE TIRE RECYCLING
The circular economy of waste tire recycling aims to create a closed-loop system where tires are continuously recycled and the materials are used to produce new products, thereby minimizing waste generation and resource depletion.
Here are the key elements of the Circular Economy in Waste Tire Recycling:
1. Collection and Sorting: The first step in the circular economy is the proper collection and sorting of waste tires. Collection programs, tire take-back initiatives, and partnerships with tire retailers and service centers ensure that used tires are collected and diverted from landfills or illegal dumping.
2. Recycling and Material Recovery: Once collected, the tires are processed through various recycling technologies to recover valuable materials. Mechanical shredding, crumbing, or pyrolysis methods are used to break down the tires into constituent components, such as rubber, steel, and fibers.
3. Material Reuse and Repurposing: The recovered materials are then used to create new products. For example, recycled rubber can be used to manufacture new tires, rubberized asphalt, playground surfaces, sports fields, and other rubber-based products. Steel can be recycled and used in the production of new steel products.
4. Energy Recovery: In some cases, waste tires can be used as a source of energy. Through processes like pyrolysis or combustion in controlled environments, tires can be converted into fuel sources or used as a substitute for fossil fuels in industries like cement kilns or power plants.
5. Extended Product Lifespan: Designing tires for longevity and durability is an essential aspect of the circular economy. By developing tires with longer tread life, better performance, and improved resistance to wear and tear, the need for frequent replacement is reduced, prolonging the lifespan of each tire.
6. Product Innovation and Eco-design: In the circular economy, there is a focus on designing products with recycling and end-of-life considerations in mind. This involves developing tire designs that facilitate easier disassembly and separation of components, using materials that are more easily recyclable, and exploring innovative approaches for tire manufacturing and recycling.
7. Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaboration among various stakeholders, including tire manufacturers, recyclers, policymakers, and consumers, is vital to drive the circular economy of waste tire recycling. Partnerships and cooperation enable the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources to develop efficient recycling systems, infrastructure, and markets for recycled tire products.
At SAMSARA, we aim to create a sustainable and regenerative system where tires are continually reused, recycled, and repurposed, reducing the reliance on virgin resources and minimizing environmental impact. By implementing these principles, waste tires can become valuable resources, fostering a more sustainable and efficient tire industry.
