Bridgestone has welcomed the formation of the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance, a joint initiative between Australia’s voluntary Tyre Stewardship Australia scheme and New Zealand’s mandatory Tyrewise model.
The alliance will see the two national schemes remain independent but co-fund regional development of end-of-life tyre solutions, focusing on market development for high-value tyre-derived products, policy advocacy, technology and innovation, and capability development.
Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand managing director Heath Barclay says the alliance is a logical step forward for addressing a common issue in both markets.
“We’re thrilled to see the Trans-Tasman Tyre Recycling Alliance established. While both markets are different in many ways, end-of-life tyres are an issue in both countries and there are some key learnings that can be taken from both parties. I’m excited to see what can be achieved through this formalised collaborative approach as we continue to advocate for further action in Australia,” Barclay says.
“The Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance is an opportunity to advance tyre stewardship outcomes in Australia, including the consideration of a regulated approach, informed by the learnings of the Tyrewise scheme in New Zealand.”
Bridgestone has been involved in tyre stewardship for more than a decade, playing an active role in both the Tyre Stewardship Australia model and collaborating with 3R Group on New Zealand’s Tyrewise scheme development.
The alliance announcement follows last week’s news that the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science will conduct a new inquiry into the Australian tyre industry, studying the full lifecycle of a tyre.
“This is another positive step forward towards driving a circular economy for end-of-life tyres in Australia. With this new inquiry by the Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science, as well as the opportunities of the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance, I’m optimistic we’ll see further progress,” Barclay says.
Mandatory scheme benefits
Bridgestone has praised New Zealand’s Tyrewise scheme, which became mandatory in 2022 after the company supported its development from 2012.
“Tyrewise is a highly successful scheme that has levelled the playing field for all tyre importers in New Zealand and is a key driver in the development of a circular economy, creating jobs, and reducing the environmental impact of end-of-life tyres,” Barclay says.
Since its introduction, Tyrewise has demonstrated increased investment in recycling, higher collection rates and greater transparency compared to voluntary approaches.
While Bridgestone has participated in Australia’s voluntary Tyre Stewardship Australia scheme since 2015, Barclay says challenges remain that would benefit from a mandatory approach.
“Tyre Stewardship Australia has made significant progress in raising awareness, improving outcomes and enhancing governance around the issue of end-of-life tyre management and uses for tyre-derived products in Australia,” Barclay says.
“However, despite a decade of advocacy and investment by Tyre Stewardship Australia and its members, the lack of a mandatory scheme is preventing further development in key areas like regional and remote locations, increasing visibility of poor practices and providing motivation for tyre retailers to choose more sustainable outcomes.”
A recent report by the Government of Western Australia Department of Water and Environmental Regulation highlighted that the current voluntary approach has insufficient market participation, does not address rogue operators, and provides inadequate support for regional and remote areas.
“There is increasing recognition within the industry that a more consistent and regulated approach would further progress outcomes, especially for regional areas. While major and reputable tyre brands, including Bridgestone, voluntarily invest in improving end-of-life solutions, an industry-wide, nationally consistent framework will help address ongoing challenges, including remote area access, visibility of practices, and long-term market development,” Barclay says.
“This is an industry wide issue that needs a level playing field, and in a short time, New Zealand’s Tyrewise scheme has shown how impactful a regulated, mandatory approach can be. We hope that the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance is a next step towards a similar scheme in Australia.”
The company’s support for the alliance aligns with Bridgestone’s global E8 Commitment, which focuses on providing social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company through energy, ecology, efficiency, extension, economy, emotion, ease and empowerment values.
“The entire industry has a role to play in around sustainable end-of-life tyre solutions, and the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance will further strengthen the involvement of key stakeholders throughout Australia and New Zealand towards a more robust circular economy,” Barclay says.
