THE FACTS
Forbes and National Geographic has written in-depth articles on the subject of plastic pollution from tyres
Article from Forbes: This article explores the issue of recycling car tires at the end of their lifespan. The piece examines how tire chemical components can be transformed into biofuel and used in construction projects, highlighting the increased recycling rates in Europe, Japan, and the US.
Article from National Geographic: The article discusses a study conducted in 2014 by biologist John Weinstein and his students from The Citadel military college in Charleston, South Carolina, which investigated the presence of microplastics in the environment. They discovered microplastics in their samples, over half of which were black, tubular, microscopic pieces from unknown sources, later identified as small pieces of car tires. Tires are one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution in the world’s oceans, contributing between 10 to 28% of total microplastic waste. Tires are composed of approximately 19% natural rubber and 24% synthetic rubber, a type of plastic polymer. The production of tires has significant environmental impacts, including deforestation and the use of fossil fuels. As tires wear down, small pieces of synthetic plastic are released, potentially ending up in the oceans and affecting marine life.
WHO’S BEHIND?
Genan – the largest tyre recycler in the world
Genan has created a video that shows how they recycle old tires. In 2020, 5 million tires were thrown away, and today that number has increased to 7 million. Genan presents the video this way: “Tires keep the world moving. But what happens when they’re worn out?” It’s a quick look at how recycling can help our planet.