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What we do

Driving sustainable outcomes for Australia's used tyres is our priority.

We run the national and voluntary Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (TPSS) to help reduce the environmental, health and safety impacts of tyres which reach their end of life in Australia.

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Apply for the MD Fund

The Market Development (MD) Fund supports projects that move tyre-derived material (TDM) from concept to real-world use. Grants of up to $300,000 are available for eligible applicants across Australia.  

Whether you’re ready to apply or still shaping your idea, you’ll find everything you need below.

Applications for 2026 are open now

  • ROUND 1: Opens February 10, closes March 10
  • ROUND 2: Opens April 3, closes May 5
  • ROUND 3: Opens July 1, closes August 4
  • ROUND 4: Opens September 1, closes October 6

Please note that expressions of interest are welcomed, and encouraged, outside of the above application dates. Please complete the form at Step 5 if you would like to express interest in funding, and the Market Development team will be in touch to discuss with you.

Step 1 — Understand what we fund

We back projects that demonstrate, trial or enable the use of Australian tyre-derived material (TDM) in real markets — creating commercial, environmental or community value.

Demonstration & Infrastructure
Projects that pilot or scale TDM use in roads, civil works, construction, manufacturing or community infrastructure to validate performance and open new end-markets.

Research & Development
Applied research and product development that test new uses, blends or specifications for TDM — tackling adoption barriers, improving standards or strengthening supply chains.

We do not fund:

  • Core business capital or operational costs
  • Recycling infrastructure or machinery upgrades
  • Projects without a clear end-use or measurable outcome
  • Purely theoretical research without a commercial pathway
  • Projects already funded through the MD Fund

Step 2 — Check your eligibility

Before applying, ensure your project:

  • Uses Australian TDM for the duration of the project
  • Has a clear end-use or commercial pathway
  • Shows potential to scale or enable market growth
  • Aligns with TSA’s objectives under the Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme (TPSS)

If your project meets these criteria, continue to Step 3.

Step 3 — Choose your stream

There are two funding streams available. Please choose the stream that best fits your proposal. 

Demonstration & Infrastructure Stream

  • Supports projects that pilot or scale TDM use in roads, civil works, construction, manufacturing or community infrastructure.
  • These projects validate performance, demonstrate commercial readiness and unlock new end-markets.

Research & Development Stream

  • Funds applied research and product development that test new uses, blends or specifications for TDM.
  • Projects may address adoption barriers, improve standards or strengthen supply chains.

Step 4 — Submit your application

Once your form is complete, email your application and attachments to funding@tyrestewardship.org.au
Include your stream in the subject line:

  • MD Fund Application — Demonstration & Infrastructure
  • MD Fund Application — Research & Development

We’ll confirm receipt and contact you if further information is required.

Step 5 — Not ready yet? Submit an Expression of Interest

If your project is still in development, you can share the basics using our Expression of Interest form.
We’ll review your details and respond within 10 business days with guidance on eligibility, timing and next steps.

funding for market development
accreditation and/or joining the Scheme
submitting a general enquiry
providing feedback about website
media and/or marketing enquiries
science and research projects
reporting a major stockpile of tyres
foreign-end-market verification

funding for market development

See what’s possible

TSA has invested more than $11 million in 75 + projects across Australia — from crumb-rubber roads and porous pavements to recycled-rubber manufacturing and advanced research.

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Need help?

If you have questions about eligibility, timing or the application process, contact our team at
📧 funding@tyrestewardship.org.au

We’re happy to provide early feedback or discuss your project before you apply. 

TSA will consider other models, partnerships, project areas and proposals, as long as they can demonstrably contribute to reaching TSA's desired outcomes and objectives (see the TSA Guidelines for more information). Therefore, if you have a potential project proposal or idea, please feel free contact TSA to discuss.

All TSA funded activities require the use of Australian tyre-derived material for the duration of the project.

For more information, including eligibility criteria, desired project models, funding levels and assessment criteria please see the Fund guidelines of the relevant application stream.

The application, including attachments, must be submitted via email, with the relevant stream title in the subject line, to: funding@tyrestewardship.org.au

Tyre Stewardship Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which we live, work, and depend. We acknowledge the unique spiritual and cultural connection, and continuing aspiration that the Traditional Owners have for Country and we pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Please note: Tyre Stewardship Australia was accredited under the Australian Government Accredited Product Stewardship Scheme from March 2021 to March 2026 and submitted an application for re‑accreditation in January 2026, which is currently under assessment. Any use of the Australian Government product stewardship logo on this website relates solely to the previous accreditation period.