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In unprocessed form, they were used as a high-energy fuel in cementation.  In many countries, they are used as racetrack barriers, shock-absorbing elements around jetties, locks, and marinas, or, alternatively, to weigh down tarpaulins protecting silage on farms.

The latest Scandinavian research shows that used tyres can serve as a valuable raw material for the construction of modern, quiet, and safe pedestrian and bicycle paths. This is in line with the European circular economy scheme, which incentivises bolder solutions. This will be one of the key topics of the EKOTECH 2026 Expo in Kielce.

The Swedish RISE institute – Research Institutes of Sweden has launched pilot implementations of surfaces made of a mixture of asphalt and tyre granules, which provide up to 80% better shock absorption than traditional surfaces. Road sections containing 60% recycled rubber were tested in Lund and Helsingborg. Not only does this solution improve driving and running comfort, but it also significantly reduces the risk of injuries, especially among older people.

The key challenge is the process of proper vulcanisation of granules, which is necessary for the stability of asphalt mixtures.  RISE and partners are working on solutions that will enable these processes to be conducted locally, reducing costs and the transportation footprint.

European examples, such as projects in Sweden, Norway and Finland, show that tyre recycling is becoming a viable tool for infrastructure transformation. This trend will be widely discussed and presented at the EKOTECH 2026 Expo, where producers and local governments will share experiences and practical solutions.

EKOTECH is where technologies that are changing the European environmental management are in the limelight and presented to the local level governments - voivodeship, commune, housing estate, household.

We look forward to seeing you at Targi Kielce on 8–10 April 2026. The future of sustainable infrastructure starts here.  

(BB)