Could Red Sea shipping issues be catalyst for UK to increase circular economy capacity utilisation?

The UK’s exportation of end-of-life tyres (ELTs) is coming under further scrutiny considering the current crisis in the Red Sea, which is disrupting shipments to the Indian subcontinent, a typical route for many the country’s ELT arisings. Research reveals that this might total as much as 300,000 tonnes of ELTs. With the economic feasibility of these exports under threat, the Tyre Recovery Association is asking for governmental support in promoting the utilisation of currently dormant capacity to process ELTs within the country. The positive case for this is that useful materials can be extracted from ELTs, supporting the country’s circular economy with the residual value offered by proper processing. Meanwhile, the TRA adds, the country would also be doing the right thing in not allowing ELTs to become a highly pollutive issue for authorities in the Indian subcontinent, where UK waste supports unethical, dangerous, and illegal businesses.