Bridgestone welcomes the formation of Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance, a joint venture between New Zealand’s mandatory Tyrewise scheme and Tyre Stewardship Australia, which is voluntary. They expect that the collaborative approach will showcase key learnings from both markets.

Under the newly launched Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance, the two national schemes will remain independent, but co-fund the regional development of end-of-life tyre solutions, with an emphasis on market development for high-value tyre-derived products, policy advocacy, technology and innovation, and capability development.

As the industry leader, Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand has played an active role for more than a decade in the progression of both the Tyre Stewardship Australia model, and the journey towards the creation of the NZ’s Tyrewise scheme through its collaboration with its facilitator, 3R Group.

Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Heath Barclay, says the formation of the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance is an obvious and logical step forward in what is 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,” Mr Barclay said.

 “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.”

The formation of the Trans-Tasman Recycling alliance is the second major announcement in as many weeks relating to the circular economy of tyres. It follows last week's announcement by the House of Representative's Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science of 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," Mr Barclay added. 

Bridgestone recognises the benefits of a mandatory scheme having been a key stakeholder in 3R Group’s co-design of New Zealand’s Tyrewise scheme dating back to 2012, and was quick to praise the introduction of its regulation when it was announced in 2022.

Since its introduction, Tyrewise has demonstrated how quickly a regulated and mandatory system delivers increased investment in recycling, higher collection rates and greater transparency. 

“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,” Mr Barclay said.