In recent years, tyre recycling has emerged as a critical environmental concern, particularly in the Middle East. The region faces significant challenges in handling end-of-life tyres, with millions ending up in landfills each year. However, there is a growing awareness of the need for sustainable solutions and the potential benefits of tyre recycling. This article delves into the experiences and insights gained from interviews with experts in rubber recycling, shedding light on the tyre recycling problem in the Middle East and the opportunities it presents.

Khaled Chaaraoui, Ex - General Manager, ESPCO Global for General Trading Company, said, “The Middle East, including countries such as Kuwait and the UAE, grapples with a substantial tyre waste issue. In Kuwait alone, approximately 50 million tyres were found in landfills, with an additional 3 to 3.5 million being discarded annually. The harsh road conditions and extreme heat necessitate tyre replacements every two years, contributing to the mounting volume of waste.” 

“One of the significant challenges in the region is the lack of awareness and understanding regarding tyre recycling. The general population, and even some governing bodies, remain uninformed about the benefits and possibilities associated with tyre recycling. Educating the public about the circular economy and the diverse applications of recycled rubber products is crucial to foster a more sustainable approach. Building awareness can also generate support and incentivise individuals to participate in tyre recycling initiatives,” he added. 

Potential Applications of Recycled Rubber

Recycled rubber offers a vast array of applications across various industries. Apart from producing rubber tiles for gym floors and school playgrounds, recycled rubber can be utilised in the construction, automotive, and waste management sectors. The equestrian sector can benefit from the use of recycled rubber in safety barriers, while parking areas can employ rubber safety mats. Rubber can also be mixed with asphalt for more durable and quieter road surfaces. Additionally, rubber powder derived from recycling can enhance the durability and performance of cement roads. These applications contribute to a circular economy by reducing reliance on imports and decreasing carbon emissions.

The Role of Recyclers and Challenges Faced

Recycling companies play a vital role in addressing the tyre waste problem in the Middle East. However, they face several challenges. “Apart from the need for greater awareness and support, recyclers encounter obstacles in obtaining necessary approvals and navigating export regulations. Delays in approvals and shipments can impact the cash flow and overall operations of recycling plants. Therefore, creating a favourable regulatory environment and streamlining processes are critical to enabling efficient tire recycling operations,”  Chaaraoui noted. 

Fayez Obaid Al Mazrouei - Acting Facility Management Head of Tadweer, commented, “Recycling tyres is important for limiting pollution and protecting the environment, to drive a sustainable future. It reduces carbon footprint, and prevents diseases, especially that old tyres attract disease-carrying rodents. In 2011, Tadweer launched the largest tyre recycling plant in the region, the Al Ain Plant, which operates six days a week round the clock. Through its tyre recycling plant, Tadweer generates high quality local products, and exports recycled products to other countries to drive economic growth. So far, 40 percent of the factory's recycled goods have been exported.” 

Tadweer’s recycling facility located in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi is capable of recycling 6000 kg of tyres in an hour, and up to 2,000 tonnes of tyres a month. At the 40,000-square-metre plant, the tyres go through several cutting and separation stages using a multipurpose high-tech machine.

Al Mazrouei added, “With its advanced facility, Tadweer recycles tyres to create useful products, which include rubber granules of varying sizes (0.8-4 mm), coloured rubber bands, rubber tiles for sidewalks, rubber flooring for animals, safety floors, and construction products and building materials.” Products made from recycled tyres can be used across a range of sectors, including the public sector, the sports sector, the education sector, and landscaping. 

Zaid Bdour, Plant Manager, Gulf Rubber Factory,  emphasised the need for multiple perspectives and collaborations between different companies and authorities to tackle waste management effectively. The Gulf region, with its diverse emirates and rule authorities, presents unique challenges that require a collective effort, he said. Bdour highlighted the importance of investing in recycling to generate long-term sustainable solutions. “Recycling should not be seen as a low-cost option to make quick profits but as a means to create value from waste and promote sustainability.”

He shed light on the export opportunities for recycling materials generated by Gulf Rubber Factory. “A significant portion of the recycling output is exported, contributing to the region's economy. However, unfair competition poses a challenge for the recycling industry. Competing with countries that subsidise their recycling industries creates an uneven playing field for non-subsidised players,” he pointed out.

Bdour said, “Despite the challenges, Gulf Rubber Factory is actively involved in developing value-added products from recycled materials. It has successfully created products such as tepid loading cycles, floating flooring, and acoustic insulation materials.” He acknowledged the need for industry-wide standards to ensure product quality and fair competition.

He emphasised the importance of continuous innovation and improving technological processes in the recycling industry and highlighted the need to stay competitive by investing in research and development and fostering collaborations with other organizations. 

Talking about the challenges, Al Mazrouei said, “Due to their heaviness and bulkiness, tyres take up a lot of space. This can lead to challenges across a range of areas. This includes piling up of tyres in landfills, which can lead to emitting chemicals. It also increases carbon footprint and insect infestation, as well as causes challenges in transporting tyres to recycling points.” Tadweer ensures adhering to the highest international standards in the process of recycling tyres, he noted. 

The Way Forward

 Despite the challenges, there is hope for progress in tyre recycling in the Middle East. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices. By fostering greater awareness, encouraging public participation, and providing incentives, these countries can pave the way for the establishment of more tyre recycling plants. Collaboration between government bodies, private enterprises, and the public is essential to achieve a sustainable future and mitigate the adverse environmental effects of tyre waste,  Chaaraoui said.