Sustainability Spotlight: Companies Leading the Way in Recycled Rubber Innovation

In today's era of heightened environmental consciousness, finding practical solutions to recycle materials has become increasingly urgent. Thankfully, a number of companies are stepping up to the plate with innovative approaches to recycling rubber. 

Ecore

One such company making strides in this sector is Ecore International. One of the company's plants, located in Ozark, Alabama, is marking over a year in operations and has made remarkable achievements. Processing nearly 3,000 old tires daily, Ecore is at the forefront of "upcycling" efforts, converting reclaimed materials into high-performance flooring and surface products. 

With a vision for a planet free of rubber waste, Ecore's commitment to sustainability is evident in its operations. As Ecore's Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President Art Dodge explains, the company's "upcycling process utilizes high-performance raw materials at the end of life and converts them into something better instead of throwing it away… With our state-of-the-art equipment, experienced staff, and 100-million-pound capacity, Ecore is uniquely capable of producing the cleanest, most consistent, and highest quality Vulcanized Composition Rubber available in the marketplace."

Ecore is contributing to both economic growth and environmental preservation. By 2025, the company anticipates running three full shifts at its Ozark plant which would create 50 additional jobs. Moreover, the company prioritizes employee well-being and community engagement in addition to its pivotal role in the recycled rubber industry.

Liberty Tire

In other industry news, Liberty Tire Recycling recently acquired two major Florida-based scrap tire processing companies, McGee Tire and Empire Tire, bolstering its presence in the state's tire recycling market. This expansion will enable Liberty to increase its scrap tire collections and enhance its processing capacity, which currently collects tires from more than 36,700 retail locations across North America. With over 1.56 billion tires collected in the last decade, Liberty specializes in repurposing tires for various applications, from playground surfacing to rubberized asphalt and tire-derived fuel.

The expansion of tire recycling operations comes at a critical time, as the volume of scrap tires exceeds the growth of recycling markets. This issue is even more pressing as new research from the Recycled Rubber Coalition finds that the proliferation of electric vehicles will contribute to an increase in scrap tires. 

Regupol

Another company that is pushing the recycled rubber industry's efforts further is Regupol. With a focus on transforming recycled rubber into valuable products, Regupol showcases its commitment to innovation and sustainability through its newest commercial flooring line, "Upscale." Comprised of recycled rubber tiles and planks, Upscale offers a compelling alternative to traditional flooring materials, boasting warmth, comfort, and ease of maintenance. Moreover, the company's dedication to quality and performance is evident in Upscale's design, which not only offers aesthetic appeal but also durability and slip resistance. 

Regupol has built a strong reputation with its extensive lineup of recycled rubber surfaces tailored for sports, fitness, and acoustic insulation purposes. Established in 1954, the company has continuously evolved, introducing innovative products, branching into new markets through subsidiaries, and expanding its geographic footprint. Today, Regupol maintains its familial roots, with members from the third and fourth generations actively engaged in steering the company's growth and direction. 

Growing the industry together 

Ecore International, Liberty Tire Recycling, and Regupol are just a few examples of companies that are making significant strides in the recycled rubber industry. Through their commitment to transforming reclaimed materials into innovative products, these organizations are not only addressing environmental challenges, they are also driving economic growth. As these industry leaders continue to expand their operations, we are confident that the future of the recycled rubber industry is bright.