The Tyre Stewardship R&D Fund has already committed more than $3 million for projects focused on new, domestic uses for recycled end-of-life tyres. Now, Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has extended the fund to include real-world projects that promise to help give old tyres a second life. 

The fund has been extended to include a demonstration and infrastructure stream, which TSA says will help prove the viability of different projects, such as the use of crumbed rubber in asphalt mixes.

The decision to expand the funding streams was motivated by a demand to capitalise on the benefits of research and by the findings of the TSA supported National Market Development Strategy for Used Tyres 2017-2022, which identified the need to work on removing barriers to the take-up of end products.

According to TSA Market Development Manager, Liam O’Keefe, “The initial fund operated within a R&D framework and focused on new, emerging and potentially expanding markets. Now, we want to support demonstration and infrastructure projects to realise the potential benefit identified through R&D. The aim is to drive more immediate and continual consumption of tyre-derived product." 

O'Keefe says a good example is a University of Melbourne trial where researchers are working to develop an optimum blend of crumb rubber permeable paving. The trial found a way to incorporate recycled tyres into urban paving that can provide water to nearby trees.

"Numerous councils have already expressed interest in pursuing the permeable paving option and we could see it used in local government bike tracks, footpaths, walking trails and car parks very soon," O'Keefe says. 

The expanded funding streams do not allow for the funding of recycling infrastructure, seed funding for new ventures, clean-up of stockpiles or for feasibility studies. However, the new project stream aims to convert sound R&D outcomes into practical demonstrations of Australian value-add uses of end-of-life tyres; offering the obvious potential for positive environmental and economic benefits.

Applications can be made via the TSA website or contact TSA Market Development Manager Liam O’Keefe via email at funding@tyrestewardship.org.au, or call 03 9977 7820.