Calls for stronger regulation of second-hand tyres

The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC), representing the four multinational tyre manufacturers with plants in South Africa, has welcomed its appointment to the Waste Tyre Management Industry Advisory Committee announced by Dr. Dion George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, in July. This committee will drive the implementation of the plan approved by Cabinet in March 2024.

SATMC Managing Executive, Nduduzo Chala, has been appointed as vice chairperson, with Charl de Villers, chairperson of the Tyre Importers Association of South Africa (TIASA), to serve as chairperson.

Said Chala, “As the SATMC, we look forward to working closely with all committee representatives and the broader industry to drive forward the objectives of the Waste Tyre Management Plan, which include expanding waste tyre processing capacity, developing monitoring systems, and supporting municipal waste management initiatives. This crucial environmental initiative deserves the full support of the entire tyre industry value chain to reduce the negative environmental impacts of waste tyres.”

Other committee representation includes the Retail Motor Industry (RMI); the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA); Tyre Recycling Industry Association of South Africa; the Recycling Association of South Africa and the Waste Tyre Management Forum, as well as the Black Business Council (BBC), Business Unity South Africa (BUSA); Minerals Council South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation; and Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

Tyre waste processing

Globally, an estimated one billion tyres reach the end of their useful life every year. Waste tyre management has been a significant bottleneck for the South African tyre industry until now. Challenges included the annual inflow of waste tyres exceeding the current processing capacity, resulting in over-full depots and backlogs at tyre dealers. These not only cause logistical issues but also pose a high fire risk. Additionally, institutional limitations hinder investment in waste tyre processing infrastructure, further complicating efforts to manage waste tyres efficiently.

Chala expressed enthusiasm for the establishment of three dedicated waste tyre management regions nationwide. Each region will involve multiple organisations working together to address this pressing environmental challenge. Region 1 covers the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and southern Free State. Region 2 covers KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Finally, region 3 covers Gauteng, North-West Province and northern Free State.

Repurposing waste tyres

The SATMC is actively involved in identifying and leveraging opportunities for repurposing waste tyres, and is committed to ensuring that what is produced by tyre manufacturers is reused effectively.

“We are currently on a research and fact-finding mission to explore potential uses for waste tyre products. This is part of a broader strategy to integrate waste tyres into the economy sustainably. What we would like to see is for these waste products to be converted into usable material, for example, tyre crumb used in road infrastructure or waste tyres used in the construction of schools and other social projects,” said Chala. SATMC members are already considering such initiatives, highlighting their commitment to sustainable practices.

Another crucial initiative is the tyre mutilation initiative, which ensures that dealers mutilate tyres correctly to prevent them from re-entering the market. The SATMC developed a standard for this process years ago, which included guidelines and posters for dealers to ensure compliance and awareness.

"Prior to the finalisation of the Plan, the SATMC had long been advocating for a process that would cater to the processing of end-of-life tyres. We continue working closely with TIASA, TEPA, the Waste Management Bureau, and the government to ensure that steps are taken to drive improvements and sustainability in both collection and processing of tyre waste,” he said.

The SATMC's support for the Waste Tyre Management Plan focuses on several key areas, including the proper disposal and reuse of end-of-life tyres (ELT) within a circular economy. Its Environmental Committee meets monthly and has identified four primary focus areas that aim to turn waste tyres into valuable resources while supporting enterprise development and job creation.

These include:

• Waste Tyre Road Infrastructure: Exploring the use of recycled tyres in road construction.
• Municipal Infrastructure Engagement: Collaborating with municipalities to improve waste tyre management practices.
• Renewable Energy Solutions: Investigating the potential of waste tyres as a renewable energy source.
• Community Projects: Supporting community-based initiatives that utilise waste tyres for social and economic development.

The anticipated issuance of the SANS 1633 Standard by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) will further address tyre mutilation and dealer responsibilities, reinforcing the framework set by the Waste Tyre Management Plan. Although expected by June 2024, the standard is yet to be issued.

Calls for regulation of second-hand tyres

Chala again highlighted the need for better regulation of part-worn or second-hand tyres, which continue to pose significant safety risks for road commuters and add to the burden of incorrect disposal of waste tyres.

“We urge the government to prioritise the regulation of second-hand tyres as part of its overall road safety strategy,” he said. “This will help to prevent the sale of unsafe tyres and protect the lives of South African motorists.”

He said the SATMC’s Technical Committee intends to conduct a fresh study to investigate the prevalence of illegal second-hand tyres in the market. Its earlier research in 2020 suggested that 63% of tyres sampled were deemed illegal, and it estimates that there are now between 1 million to 1.5 million illegal tyres circulating in South Africa.