Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) – a regulatory body responsible for end-of-life tire management – announced this April that Mercedes-Benz Australia has become newest contributor to TSA in a commitment to the responsible disposal of end-of-life tyres.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced it will contribute a levy to Tyre Stewardship Australia based on all new vehicles sold in Australia. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Retailers across the country will be able to become accredited participants with the TSA, agreeing to work with accredited recyclers and collectors of end-of-life tyres.

Claire Painter, Corporate Communications Manager, said Mercedes-Benz Australia was proud to demonstrate its commitment towards the sustainable management of end-of-life tyres in an initiative that took effect from January 1, 2021.

“Tyres are a necessary by-product of the car industry. Their sustainable management, including collection, recycling or re-purposing of used tyres, is another important step we are taking in Australia as we build our ongoing sustainable business strategy,” Ms Painter said.

“Many of Australia’s tyre brands are financially contributing to TSA, which is continually working towards diminishing the environmental impact of used tyres in Australia. Mercedes-Benz Australia is proud to become a TSA contributor.”

Mercedes-Benz Australia joins Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Kumho, Michelin, Pirelli, Toyo, Yokohama, Volkswagen and Porsche in contributing to finding alternate solutions for Australia’s end-of-life tyres.

TSA says Australians discard the equivalent of 56 million used passenger tyres each year.

“Although 72% are being recovered for productive outcomes, we still need to find viable markets for all end-of-life tyres to be consumed here in Australia,” TSA Chief Executive Lina Goodman said.

TSA has to date committed over $6 million to projects that use end-of-life tyres in new value-added products such as crumb for roads, permeable paving in our cities, and soft tracks for equine and athletics stadiums.

“One of our key objectives is developing new markets for tyre-derived products,” Ms Goodman said. “We have been instrumental in providing necessary funds, resources and expertise towards promoting the use of used tyres in a variety of traditional applications including road, rail and new product development.

“With a continued focus on shifting the pile associated with waste tyres, we are excited to support many new projects currently in development, with view that these markets will see a further 40,000 tonnes of waste tyres diverted to a new value-added use within Australia.

“In joining TSA, Mercedes-Benz Australia is showing leadership towards sustainable practices for used tyres. We congratulate Mercedes-Benz Australia for taking this important initiative to drive positive environmental outcomes.”

Press release by Tyre Stewardship Australia.