Michelin sponsors 2021 TRA Responsible Recycler Scheme Award

Michelin Tyre will sponsor the inaugural Responsible Recycler Scheme (RRS) Member of the Year Award in 2021. The National Tyre Distributors Association has added the accolade to its suite of Tyre Industry Awards, recognising its closer ties with the Tyre Recovery Association. The TRA’s Responsible Recycler Scheme has promoted best practice in tyre recycling for many years, while the sector has been generating increased interest with several key investments announced over the past 18 months. The award reflects the rising profile of tyre recycling in the UK, with the associations recognising the need to promote the best performing companies in this vital industry. Michelin’s sponsorship of the award joins the manufacturer’s commitment to switch to 100 per cent renewable, recycled and bio-based materials for its tyres by 2050, restated recently as part of the manufacturer’s strategic framework.

NTDA chief executive Stefan Hay said: “Adding this new category to the NTDA’s suite of Tyre Industry Awards is natural progression in what is becoming an increasingly closer relationship between the NTDA and its sister body the TRA. This award will see the NTDA recognising an outstanding member of the RRS scheme, that has risen above the level playing field and is demonstrating ‘star quality’. Having Michelin, which has already made a resolute decision to reduce the environmental impact of its tyres as the official sponsor is, therefore, fantastic.”

The TRA represents the UK’s tyre recovery sector. Collectively, it processes over 40 million used tyres every year. It sees the representation and promotion of good practice within the tyre recovery sector as a key role. The Responsible Recycler Scheme, with its external audit and assurance of legal compliance provides protection and peace of mind for all those who generate waste tyres across the UK, including NTDA tyre distributors.

TRA secretary general Peter Taylor commented: “As an industry, UK tyre recycling has come a long way over the past two decades. Unusual amongst our European neighbours we adopted a more market-based approach which in turn put an onus on all of us in the tyre industry to support the development of credible standards of best practice which the TRA is delighted to see recognised by this award.”

Michelin’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact is embodied by its retread truck tyre plant in Stoke-on-Trent.

Chris Smith, managing director of Michelin UK, said: “The Michelin Group is constantly working on cutting emissions and helping the motorist and fleet operator do the same. End of life actions are also critical, which is why we are extremely happy to recognise companies that have really embraced the Responsible Recycler Scheme at the NTDA Tyre Industry Awards.”

The Responsible Recycler Scheme Member of the Year Award will be presented at the Tyre Industry Awards ceremony on Thursday, 7 October 2021. The awards presentation will take place during the NTDA Annual Dinner at the ICC Birmingham. Responsible Recycling Scheme members can request the awards brochure and the electronic modifiable application form from the NTDA via info@ntda.co.uk or 01296 482128.

The closing date for entries is Friday, 16 July 2021. Entries arriving after that date will not be considered.