Tyre Stewardship Australia has announced the creation of the Trans-Tasman Tyre Recycling Alliance (TTRA), a new regional body aimed at advancing circular manufacturing and tyre recovery across Australia and New Zealand.
In a news release, Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) said the alliance – jointly funded by TSA and New Zealand’s Tyrewise – will operate independently while both schemes continue their national responsibilities.
TSA said the initiative is designed to strengthen regional collaboration, accelerate innovation and lift industry standards for end-of-life tyres.
TSA Chief Executive Lina Goodman said coordinated action was essential as both countries face similar challenges in technology, markets and regulation.
“We must work together across borders to unlock the full potential of circular tyre recovery and build resilience against global market disruptions,” Goodman said.
“Through TTRA, we can get ahead of risks, capitalise on opportunities, and accelerate the development of local markets for tyre-derived materials.”
The announcement follows the inaugural Round Trip Summit in Melbourne, which brought together more than 200 representatives from manufacturing, recycling, research, policy and technology sectors.
Australia and New Zealand generate more than 600,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres annually, with TSA data showing Australia recycles only 30,000 tonnes locally.
Adele Rose, CEO of 3R Group, which manages Tyrewise, said regulated stewardship can rapidly improve recovery outcomes. “Tyrewise has demonstrated how quickly a regulated system can deliver high collection rates and meaningful recovery outcomes,” she said.
TTRA will focus on higher-value applications including crumb rubber in roads, advanced manufacturing uses and new product development.
The alliance will begin operations in early 2026, with governance and strategic priorities to be finalised in the coming months.
Goodman said the initiative reflects growing momentum toward circular economy outcomes. Rose added that collaboration would be key to supporting “jobs, innovation, and environmental responsibility” across the region.
