CTS Tyre Recycling is charting a definitive course for leadership in the circular economy, proving that end-of-life tyres can be transformed into valuable new products with purpose. According to Waste Management Review, this Western Australian company, alongside its remanufacturing arm, Throughcycle Rubber, is fundamentally reshaping domestic material flows by taking control of its own waste streams and boldly advancing into sustainable manufacturing. As part of the family-owned Cometti Group, CTS leverages decades of industry expertise to tackle some of the most challenging materials, a mission significantly supported by its long-term partnership with global recycling technology leader, Eldan Recycling.

Under Managing Director Leigh Cometti, CTS identified a significant opportunity in recycling large Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres from the agricultural and mining sectors. Backed by substantial government support, the company invested over USD 40 million in a state-of-the-art facility in Neerabup, designed to process materials others find too difficult, including massive OTR tyres, mining conveyor belts and marine fenders. This strategic move was just the beginning. CTS is now executing a crucial transition from mere recycler to sophisticated remanufacturer, a shift designed to build domestic markets, lessen export dependency and enhance both environmental and economic resilience.

This evolution is powered by a comprehensive Eldan recycling line, a relationship that has been central to the company's performance for the past five years. The Eldan equipment provides the foundational capability to downsize any tyre, from a small lawnmower wheel to a 63-inch mining giant, and to process tough conveyor belts with ease. This robust and scalable infrastructure allows CTS to focus on adaptability and high-value production. The shift to remanufacturing means that instead of just selling separated materials, the company now produces a range of finished goods in-house under the Throughcycle Rubber brand. These products – including acoustic underlay, soft-fall flooring, matting and load restraint materials – displace virgin rubber imports from Europe and Asia, creating a genuinely local and circular alternative.

This strategic pivot yields profound benefits. By substituting imports and reducing the use of newly extracted rubber, CTS cuts emissions, creates local jobs and retains more material within the Australian economy. Perhaps most critically, this model insulates the business from the volatility of the export market for tyre-derived fuel, a revenue stream upon which many other recyclers have become dependent. By creating its own downstream markets, CTS ensures the industry's sustainability is not just environmental but also economic, demonstrating a clear and powerful correlation between ecological responsibility and long-term commercial viability.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kuraray America, Inc. marked National STEM Day on 8 November by spotlighting a community educational event that brought together 15 of its volunteers and students from the Houston Japanese Supplementary School at San Jacinto College for a day of hands-on exploration and discovery.

Participants engaged in activities illustrating how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) converge in chemical manufacturing. Experiments with superabsorbent polymer beads explored chemistry and material properties, while a tour of the college’s facilities introduced industrial equipment. Students also learned about water filtration and distillation processes and how mathematical concepts underpin scientific and engineering applications.

One student showed particular interest in the distillation tower, linking the experience to the Kuraray Group’s contributions to everyday life and its mission of achieving for people and the planet what no one else can. The event also benefited KAI volunteers, who shared technical knowledge, exchanged perspectives and learned alongside potential future scientists and engineers.

Kuraray America thanked Reiko Fuwa and Tomohiro Tani for coordinating the visit, Hans Vandommele for sharing his expertise and all 15 KAI volunteers. The company also expressed appreciation to San Jacinto College for facility access and to the Houston Japanese Supplementary School students for their curiosity, enthusiasm and thoughtful questions.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Liberty Tire Recycling attended the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held from 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The automotive aftermarket event, one of the industry's largest, drew over 160,000 attendees from the automotive, tyre and transportation sectors to review new products, technologies and business opportunities.

The Lakin Tire brand, a consistent SEMA exhibitor, once again used the show to reinforce industry relationships and present Liberty's tyre collection, recycling and sustainable resource management capabilities. Personnel from Grade/Used Tires, Commercial Truck Tires, Metals, Recycling and Collection, together with corporate and regional leadership, met customers, suppliers and industry professionals from around the world.

The booth received existing and prospective customers from numerous tyre and automotive segments during the week. Costco Wholesale Corporate Office, United Tires and UTU Wholesale were among the organisations that stopped by to examine Liberty Tire's products, services and nationwide reach. The company viewed the event as an effective forum for monitoring emerging market trends and demonstrating its position in recycling and sustainability, alongside its focus on innovation, workforce development and circular economy principles.

A memorable moment came when a high school shop teacher and students, attending through a special educator programme, toured the booth to learn about tyre recycling and industry operations. Liberty team members provided industry insights, outlined career pathways and acknowledged educators' contribution to developing future skilled trades professionals, supplying tyre inflation gauges for classroom use.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Laufenn, Hankook's associate brand, earned a ‘Good’ ratingwith an overall score of 2.2 for its G Fit 4S in the Auto Bild Allrad all-season SUV tyre test published on 8 October 2026 (issue 41). The tyre competed credibly against 11 rivals from established premium marques, finishing competitively in a 12-strong field.

Wet handling proved a particular strength, with the G Fit 4S collecting the second-highest rating shared with other models. Aquaplaning resistance also impressed, as the tyre held its line until stability began to fade at roughly 100 kmph (62 mph). In snow, it recorded the third-shortest braking distance, matching two other contenders.

Testing spanned snow, wet and dry disciplines, each weighted equally in the final ranking, with a third-generation MINI Countryman serving as the test vehicle. Snow assessments were carried out in New Zealand, while European venues hosted the wet and dry evaluations. The jury's conclusion underscored Laufenn's value-focused positioning, finding the G Fit 4S a solid option for cost-conscious buyers.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tyres Europe has underscored that tyres qualify as fully recyclable under ISO 22628:2002 and UN Regulation No. 133, describing the established methodology as a robust foundation for assessing tyre recyclability. The organisation recently set out its position on the matter.

The distinction between recyclability and actual recycling rates is central to the group's argument. Recyclability refers to the technical potential of a product and its materials to be recycled, while the real rate hinges on treatment capacity and demand for secondary raw materials. Regulatory frameworks should therefore separate the two concepts clearly and align with an internationally recognised standard.

Tyres consist of rubber compounds, chemical additives and reinforcing textile and steel cords, and at end of life they are separated into rubber, textile and steel fractions, all of which existing mechanical or chemical routes can recycle. Mechanical processing yields rubber granules and powders usable as secondary raw materials across many applications, recovered textiles can be further processed and valorised, and cleaned recovered steel can re-enter metal recycling and steelmaking.

Tyres Europe pledged continued cooperation with policymakers and value-chain partners to strengthen circularity and maximise recovery of valuable tyre materials in Europe, with the full paper available on its website.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!