Taking proactive steps to COMBAT WASTE TYRES

The South African tyre market was valued at US$2 093.2 million (R40.1 billion) in the year 2021 and is expected to reach $3 041.9 million (R58.3 billion) by 2028, according to a market report by BlueWeave Consulting. However, with the continued growth that we see in the sector, the tyre industry also anticipates seeing more waste tyres make their way into our waste streams.

An industry organisation, the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC), says its top priorities are to take proactive steps in collaboration with its members, supply chain and government partners to ensure a stable and sustainable tyre manufacturing industry in South Africa.

Nduduzo Chala, managing executive, SATMC, says the tyre manufacturing industry is excited about its prospects in 2023.

“Considering the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent looting in KZN, which caused a lot of economic stress, the industry has stabilised. And we are starting to see growth within the domestic car manufacturing market – which generally guides the way we as tyre manufacturers and retailers conduct our business. Prospects are looking good because we have seen a lot of investment and commitment from the industry,” says Chala.

An optimistic industry

He goes on to say that the industry’s optimism mainly stems from the commitments made by its local manufacturers.

“Post-Covid-19, there was a 36-month outlook for recovery and what we have seen has been far better than what was anticipated. Local tyre manufacturers are very committed to improving poor waste tyre collection and their dedication to increase recycling rates countrywide has been encouraging. We just need to ensure that we create an environment where we can invest and collaborate more.”

The SATMC is the official industry body and trade association of the local tyre manufacturers, namely Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Sumitomo Rubber. They are the voice of the local tyre manufacturers and represent tyre manufacturers on trade, economic and environmental policies, as well as tyre sector regulations.

“We maintain stakeholder relationships in order to drive the objectives of our members. We actively engage consumers and other stakeholders to bring awareness and empower them on road safety,” says Chala.

Challenges in the sector

The SATMC views waste management as a critical focus area and recognises that it is a major challenge facing the tyre industry because waste tyres have a negative environmental impact. Chala notes there are four main challenges that relate to waste tyres:

1. Growth of second-hand tyre market – which is directly linked to a cycle of waste tyre management that is not working and consumers preferring to utilise second-hand tyres

2. Illicit trading

3. Tyre dumping

4. Ineffective waste tyre management – this is linked to a growth in local tyre production in comparison to limited waste tyre processing in the country.

The SATMC is also working closely with its tyre dealers to encourage the proper storage of waste tyres.

“We have seen instances where tyre dealers end up closing down due to carrying too much waste tyre stock, and this is all because we have a tyre recycling system that does not allow for timely processing of that surplus.

Chala says dealers need to be aware of the regulations governing the storage of these scraps. It is required that a dedicated waste tyre storage area, not exceeding 500 m2, be set up by the dealer. In addition, no single pile of waste tyres may exceed a height of 3 m, a length of 20 m and a width of 10 m, and the waste storage plan must be approved by the municipal fire department.

“We are thus promoting responsible practices among dealers.”

Certification

It is estimated that roughly 12 million waste tyres are lying in South African dumps, as stockpiles or just simply scattered across residential, industrial and rural areas. Chala points out that one of the biggest issues in South Africa is that the second-hand tyre market is unregulated.

A new tyre is required to go through extensive quality checks, a process overseen by the National Regulatory for Compulsory Specifications; however, tyres within the second-hand market are not properly vetted to ensure that they can re-enter the space as sustainable products.

“We need to check things like how many times a tyre has been repaired, and whether there has been damage due to potholes. All this must be done before it can be used as a second-hand tyre. We are thus working with the SABS to develop standards to approve tyres before they are deemed worthy to re-enter the market.”

Finalising industry plan

Additionally, the SATMC’s members are committed to finalising the Industry Waste Management Plan for Tyres by June 2023 –which will help in developing and implementing a clear roadmap to reduce carbon emissions in the sector.

“We as the SATMC are working closing with government, offering our expertise to find working solutions to this growing waste tyre problem. Our work doesn’t just end at paying the tyre levy, but its more about finding economical solutions to a shared problem.”

Chala says their aim is to advocate for a Waste Tyre Management Plan that will serve the entire tyre industry value chain. However, they must first find the correct solutions to the disposal of these waste tyres, seeing as this is the only way for the matter to gain traction.

Tackling illicit trading

Illegal tyre imports are rising in South Africa, posing a risk to road users and jobs in the local industry. The SATMC has been at the forefront against this issue, often pointing out the far-reaching impacts of illicit trade on the industry, as well as the safety of drivers and passengers on the road.

The SATMC is working with law enforcement agencies to identify and investigate cases of illicit tyre trade and are calling for stronger measures to prevent this trade from happening in the first place. There are rising incidents of misdeclaration of tyre consignments and rerouting of imports through neighbouring countries to avoid tyre duties, environment levies and permits.

However, with the help of ITAC, SARS and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, the SATMC is working on measures to detect non-compliant behaviour and ensure consequences for those found to have resorted to this illegal and criminal behaviour.

A carbon-neutral future

“We recognise the importance of reducing our carbon footprint and the role that the tyre industry can play in addressing climate change for the sake of future generations. We are therefore working closely with our members to identify and implement best practices that will help us achieve our carbon reduction targets,” concludes Chala.