A Breakthrough Challenge with Tyre Waste Management: Thailand Perspective

Abstract

The dynamic increase in the manufacture of tyre products, particularly those used in the automotive industry, is responsible for a huge amount of wastes, mostly in the form of used tyres, of which more than 20 million tonnes are produced globally each year. The widely differing chemical compositions and the cross-linked structures of rubber in tyres are the prime reason for highly resistant to biodegradation, photochemical decomposition, chemical reagents and high temperatures. The increasing numbers of used tyres therefore generate serious environmental problems. In this study we present the breakthrough challenge; access to knowledge and related technology, innovation and talented individuals residing internally and externally through the development of high quality, reliable and extensive networks with tyre waste management describing status of tyre waste and innovative organizational approaches in the management of used tyres in Thailand. As seen in the model of a Breakthrough Challenge with tyre waste management in Thailand, tyre wastes enter their end-of-life cycle after being brought to local car shops or garages by automobile owners. It was found that the primary technologies or innovations for tyre recycling and reuse in Thailand include heat utilization, tyre reclamation, tyre-derived aggregate and direct use.The possible uses of tyre waste as a source of innovative raw composite materials or high value added product in various industries such as plastic, automotive and construction industries are also discussed.