Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre, Tadweer, has recycled 6,954.33t of used tyres in the past eight months of operation at its Gulf Rubber Factory,
The figures mean that Gulf Rubber Factory has been processing an average of 28t per day.
The public-private joint venture was set up in 2011 as with the facility utilising tyre recycling technologies from leading European companies to produce different sizes of rubber granules from recycled tires in an economically sustainable and eco-friendly process called crumbing.
“Tadweer established Gulf Rubber Factory in partnership with the private sector as part of its strategic plan to recycle diverse types of waste and utilise them as raw materials in a variety of industries in line with the highest international standards, where the factory implements ISO18001, ISO14001, ISO9001 and ISO18001 quality systems,” said Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, Tadweer Acting general manager.
Used tyres undergo mechanical shredding through multiple cutting and purification rounds to remove any traces of steel or fibre. According to Tadweer, the recycled granules are then converted into a high-quality rubber compound for use as an alternative to natural rubber as well as in molding and manufacturing value-added rubber products, such as rubber flooring for sports grounds and childrens playgrounds. The granules are non-toxic, weather-proof and impact-resistant, significantly minimising injuries to players and enhancing the durability of the flooring.
Dr Al Kaabi said that Tadweer seeks to contribute to the preservation of the environment for future generations, conserve natural resources and support the governments efforts to achieve sustainable development “through adopting innovative environment-friendly solutions” in the waste management sector.
“The facility ensures the safe disposal of used and damaged tires in the emirate, eliminating the need for methods such as burning or landfilling that have severe environmental and public health consequences. In addition, the factory saves millions of dirhams in raw material costs, demonstrating the economic benefits of leveraging recycled waste as an important enabler of modern industries,” he said.
