Tyrewise launched in New Zealand

The Product Stewardship Foundation in New Zealand has been awarded funds to develop an industry-led, end-of-life tyres (ELT) program called Tyrewise. The program will allow for a consistent nationwide approach to the responsible disposal of tyres, removing hidden costs for consumers and ratepayers as well as providing a better outcome for New Zealand’s environment.

Graeme Norton, Executive Director of the Foundation and 3R Group, specialists in product stewardship, said that the Motor Trade Association and 3R have been working closely for over a year to bring together industry stakeholders and supporters under the umbrella of the Product Stewardship Foundation.

“In a relatively short time, we have been able to gain serious commitment from key players in the motor vehicle industry here in New Zealand.

“This includes companies and organisations representing tyre importers and suppliers, new and used car importers, motor services, and motorists as well as local government. The level and breadth of commitment across the industry shows that they see this as a serious issue to be addressed.”

The funding will allow a working group made up of these industry stakeholders to identify a range of feasible product stewardship options for ELT in order to improve future environmental, economic and social outcomes.

“Once the group has identified likely costs and benefits of these options, it will then identify the option preferred by the majority of stakeholders and partners,” said Norton.

“There will also be consultation with other parties and stakeholders outside the working group.

“The final stage will then be to come up with a framework to implement this preferred option, including a business plan and, of course, documentation for an application for accreditation of a nationwide product stewardship scheme under the Waste Minimisation Act.”