Event Program

This session explores global approaches to tire recycling, highlighting the policies, practices, and innovations that continue to shape efforts in Europe, Canada, and the United States, and comparing their effectiveness in promoting sustainability and circular economy goals. Representatives from ETRMA, CATRA, and USTMA will share regional updates on tire recycling performance, policy frameworks, and diversion rates. Attendees will also hear about innovative and even unexpected projects that could signal the next wave of transformation in sustainable tire management.

As the circular economy for tires continues to gain momentum, pyrolysis has emerged as one of the most commercially viable non-mechanical methods for transforming end-of-life tires. This session brings together industry experts to explore the latest innovations, share practical insights, and discuss the future potential of tire recycling technologies. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the trends shaping the industry, the challenges being addressed, and the opportunities for advancing sustainability in tire management.

Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF) is a national initiative led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA). In this session, Stephanie Mull will introduce herself and share TRF’s mission, strategic priorities, and vision for accelerating innovation and market development in end-of-life tire management.

This session explores cutting-edge applications of recycled rubber in infrastructure, focusing on Rubber-Modified Asphalt (RMA), Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA), recycled rubber products, and emerging technologies. Speakers will highlight how international insights are driving local innovation, with new data showing TDA’s alignment with circular economy goals. Alberta’s success stories will showcase real-world applications and the growing role of tire-derived products in sustainable construction and regional development.

In an era of shifting global markets, evolving environmental regulations, and increasing competition from low-cost new tires, the tire retreading industry faces unprecedented challenges worldwide. The presentation examines the key economic, technological, and policy pressures threatening the global retreading industry. The presentation will outline the environmental and cost benefits at stake, explore strategies to counter misconceptions about retreads, and offer industry stakeholders actionable steps to strengthen retreading’s market position, advocate for supportive regulations, and ensure the sustainability of retreading in a competitive global landscape.

Reducing the environmental footprint of tire production is a critical pillar in the global push for sustainability. Leading tire manufacturers are pioneering innovative technologies and strategies to meet key economic, environmental, and social performance goals. In this session, representatives from top global tire companies will explore their sustainability journeys, sharing bold ideas, real-world challenges, and their evolving vision for a greener future.

The USTMA is driving progress on one of the most pressing challenges in tire sustainability. Learn about groundbreaking efforts to identify potential alternatives to 6PPD, the critical antioxidant and antiozonant that protects the components of the tire from attack by ozone, oxygen, and other factors. Hear the latest developments from an industry expert as she shares USTMA’s progress in conducting an alternatives analysis for 6PPD in tires.

The Tire Industry Project (TIP), operating under the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), is a collaborative forum of leading manufacturers focused on advancing sustainability across the tire lifecycle. TIP commissions independent research, develops standardized assessment methods, and contributes to key areas such as tire and road wear particles, materials and chemicals, and end-of-life tire (ELT) management. The session will highlight TIP’s role and key priorities, including how the organization supports ELT management through the development of practical toolkits, stakeholder engagement, and policy dialogue; and also cover how TIP advances research on tire emissions during the use phase, aimed at improving scientific understanding and potential impact assessment.

Phase 2 of the Canadian Federal Plastics Registry introduces new reporting obligations for organizations in the tire value chain. With the 2025 data reporting deadline set for September 2026, George Kendros from Environment and Climate Change Canada will join us to share key updates, milestones, and timelines. This session will help industry stakeholders understand what’s required, how to prepare, and what’s coming next in Canada’s push for greater transparency and circularity in plastics management via a registry that includes tires.

Fredrik Ardefors returns to share the latest developments from Sweden’s pioneering tire recycling system. Since 2023, when SDAB took sole responsibility for national collection and recycling, the organization has been driving change across the sector. They have introduced new approaches to value creation, built state-of-the-art recycling facilities, launched the world’s first open-access research portal on recycled tire rubber, and even brought art and emotion into the business, all to strengthen transparency and trust. The presentation will outline how a whole new level of tire recycling can be achieved through international co-operation.

Returning by popular demand, our closing session brings together a powerhouse panel of CEOs from across the tire recycling and rubber molded products industries. These leaders bring unmatched insight into the forces shaping today’s circular economy. Expect a lively, candid discussion on the biggest challenges and opportunities ahead, including advances in technologies and ebbs and flows of the end markets. Attendees will leave with practical takeaways and a clearer view of where the industry is headed, and how to stay competitive.

TRAC has organized a tour of Kal Tire retread facility. Pre-registration for the tour is required and available for a nominal fee. Interested attendees can secure their spot by registering here.

Preliminary Itinerary as follows:

8:00 am Depart the Fairmont Palliser Hotel

8:30 am Arrive at Kal Tire retread facility (7307 40 St SE Unit 105, Calgary, AB T2C 2K4)

10:00 am Depart Kal Tire

10:30 am Arrive Fairmont Palliser Hotel