Tire Recycling Foundation Announces Inaugural “Circle of Change” Awards Program, Celebrating Innovation, Leadership and Transformation

The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF) is now accepting nominations for its inaugural Tire Recycling Foundation Circle of Change Awards. The Circle of Change Awards will honor organizations, teams, and individuals who are advancing tire recycling technologies, expanding end-use markets, and demonstrating leadership in sustainability and circular economy principles. Nominations open today, December 15, and applications will be accepted through February 8, 2026.

“The Circle of Change Awards will serve as a powerful way to recognize national visionaries and changemakers who have shaped the trajectory of the full tire recycling value chain over the past two decades,” said Anne Forristall Luke, president of the TRF Board. “We are thrilled to recognize trailblazers making a lasting impact on end-of-life tire (ELT) recycling and the circular economy.”

Four award categories will be honored at the 10th Tire Recycling Conference in Denver, Colorado.

“By spotlighting the collective progress being made in tire recycling, the Foundation hopes these inaugural awards will inspire and fuel accelerating momentum in exciting new markets for recycled tires,” said Stephanie Mull, TRF executive director.

The award categories are:

Innovation in End-Use Technology Award  

Recognizes groundbreaking technologies, products, or processes that use recycled tire rubber in new and impactful ways.

Focus: Technological advancement, commercialization, and sustainability impact.

Examples: Rubber-modified asphalt, molded products, pyrolysis, flooring, and other innovative applications.

Circular Economy Trailblazer Recognition, State Leadership in Tire Market Innovation  

Honors state agencies or statewide programs that demonstrate exceptional leadership and measurable impact in advancing tire recycling within a circular economy framework.

Focus: Systems-level transformation, cross-sector collaboration, and replicable success.

Market Development Excellence Award  

Celebrates outstanding efforts to grow end-use markets for tire-derived materials through education, policy, marketing, or advocacy initiatives.

Focus: Measurable market growth, increased adoption, and long-term strategy.

Value Chain Collaboration Award  

Recognizes exemplary partnerships between multiple stakeholders in the tire recycling value chain that yield measurable improvements in efficiency, economics, or environmental performance.

Focus: Collaboration, shared success, and real-world impact.

Organizations and individuals who have made significant strides in tire recycling, or developed innovative solutions for tire-derived materials are invited to apply. The recognition will allow awardees an opportunity to showcase their achievements and inspire others.

For more information on the timeline, eligibility requirements, and the selection process, visit https://tirerecyclingfoundation.org/Awards