Circular Economy in Construction: Harnessing Secondary Materials from End-of-life Tires for Sustainable Building

The concept of the circular economy has rapidly gained traction as a transformative approach to sustainable resource management. Central to this paradigm is the emphasis on recycling and repurposing waste materials to ensure their maximum re-utility and minimal environmental side-impact. Over the myriad of waste materials, end-of-life (ELT) tires have emerged as a particularly significant resource, which has been underestimated in the past. However, the advent of advanced recycling technologies has illuminated the latent value embedded within these tires. From their rubber granules and steel components to fibrous materials and carbon black, each element holds potential for repurposing. Notably, the construction industry has been identified as a prime sector for the integration of these recycled materials, offering both durability and sustainability in building processes. Guided by the principles of the circular economy, this paper embarks on a comprehensive journey through the full lifecycle analysis of ELT tires. It delves into the intricacies of the recycling and utilization processes, shedding light on the myriad of potential value they present. Furthermore, a meticulous assessment and review are conducted on the contribution of these recycled tire by-products to the construction industry. The study revealed that recycling tires can result in a reduction in carbon emissions and provide substantial economic benefits. Specifically, for truck tires, the economic benefits can amount to 32.37 €, and the GHG emissions produced during the recycling process are minimal, only 1.13 kilograms of CO2 equivalent for truck tires.