On an extraordinary basis, Ecopneus, an Italian company set up by the main tyre manufacturers that deals with the tracing, collection, treatment and recovery of End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs), will collect around 11,000 tonnes of ELTs beyond its legal target. All this will take place in the last quarter of 2018 and after more than 3,000 extra tons have already been collected between August and September.
The reasons for the decision
There are several reasons that led Ecopneus to proceed with the extraordinary collection:
- The good performance of tyre sales recorded by Ecopneus members;
- Positive sales outlook for the last three months of 2018;
- Management efficiencies that have made it possible to reduce costs;
- High number of End-of-Life Tyres in stock at tyre shops, service stations and garages.
Slow down material recycling
In this period, the recycling of materials has slowed down abruptly in all sectors. Obviously, the End-of-Life Tyres is no exception. The consequence? A heavy blockage during the recovery phase following treatment.
The main factor of uncertainty derives from the ruling of the Council of State which has generated numerous doubts in industrial companies regarding recycled rubber granules and powders that could no longer be recognized as MPS (Secondary Raw Materials), but would return to be classified as waste, creating serious difficulties for their defined placement on the market. This stalemate is further emphasized by the delays and uncertainties of the release of the End of Waste decree which would recognize, at national level and definitively, the status of granules and powders material obtained from recycling. This block causes a consequent interruption of many application sectors.
The recovery of materials at the basis of Ecopneus’ work
Ecopneus’ strategies aim at the recovery of material, due to the difficulties highlighted above, the extraordinary collection of ELTs will be destined, in large part, to energy recovery to be implemented in foreign countries, the only destiny capable of managing enormous additional quantities of material.
Valli Gestioni Ambientali alongside Ecopneus
Since 2013, Valli Gestioni Ambientali has been involved in the collection of End-of-Life Tyres, which is carried out by the company itself or by authorised subcontractors. ELTs are collected at the generation points, transported to storage facilities where size separation takes place for subsequent destination to authorized treatment plants.
