Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) and Tyrewise New Zealand have launched the Trans-Tasman Tyre Recycling Alliance (TTRA), an independent body aimed at improving circular economy results for end-of-life tyres in Australia and New Zealand
Funded by both TSA and Tyrewise, TTRA seeks to promote regional collaboration, innovation, knowledge sharing, and higher industry standards, with future plans to involve Pacific neighbours. The initiative follows the successful Round Trip Summit in Melbourne, which drew over 200 global stakeholders.
Formalising Regional Collaboration
Together, Australia and New Zealand produce more than 600,000 tonnes of tyres that reach the end of their life each year. Both countries encounter obstacles with adopting new technologies, developing markets, and navigating regulations. However, their approaches differ due to distinct market sizes and structures. New Zealand has fewer opportunities for using recycled tyre materials, so it seeks to learn from Australia’s wider experience with downstream uses. On the other hand, Australia can benefit from New Zealand’s implementation of a mandatory regulatory scheme.
Lina Goodman, CEO of Tyre Stewardship Australia, emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership; “We must work together across borders to unlock the full potential of circular tyre recovery and build resilience against global market disruptions. Through TTRA, we can get ahead of risks, capitalise on opportunities, and accelerate the development of local markets for tyre-derived materials.”
Adele Rose, CEO of 3R Group which manages New Zealand’s Tyrewise scheme, note; “Tyrewise has demonstrated how quickly a regulated system can deliver high collection rates and meaningful recovery outcomes. Through TTRA, we can not only share our learnings but can also be the incubator for new technology that demonstrates how a regulated well-supported scheme can foster greater circular outcomes. In addition, this assists us to support our close pacific neighbours who receive new and used tyres from our respective countries, often without the resources to manage those tyres when they become end of life.”
Recent studies show Australia recycles only 30,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres locally, losing over $50 million in resource value from OTR tyres each year. Currently, 40% of Australia’s old tyres and most of New Zealand’s are used for energy recovery instead of material recovery at home.
Shared Vision for Higher-Value Recovery
The new alliance will prioritise initiatives that involve higher-order material applications, including crumb rubber in roads, advanced manufacturing, and innovative product development.
The five strategic focus areas of TTRA will include:
- Technology and Innovation: Showcasing global best practices and facilitating connections between technology providers and end users.
- Market Development: Supporting demand creation for high-value tyre-derived products in infrastructure, manufacturing, and construction.
- Policy Advocacy: Advancing circular economy frameworks, procurement standards, and regulatory reform across both countries.
- Knowledge Sharing: Creating forums for industry collaboration and evidence-based decision making.
- Regional Voice: Australia and New Zealand operate in a global market where dynamics can shift rapidly. The TTRA will provide a unified voice for Australasia in international forums, ensuring our region’s interests and perspectives are represented in global tyre stewardship discussions.
Looking Ahead
The alliance will launch in early 2026, with governance and strategy details to be set soon. Planned initiatives include industry summits, technical groups, and joint research. TSA and Tyrewise will remain independent but provide support and expertise to the new regional body. Lina Goodman noted the alliance advances product stewardship, circular economy goals, and government mandates for recycled content, especially in infrastructure. Adele Rose highlighted that TTRA aims to foster resilient economies, job growth, innovation, and environmental responsibility through collaboration in tyre recycling.
