Australia’s Leadership in Tyre Stewardship Recognised in UK Parliament

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) was formally recognised during a recent UK Parliamentary debate (29 April), positioning Australia as a global leader in circular economy policy for end-of-life tyres.

The Westminster Hall debate, led by MP Tessa Munt, explored the environmental and ethical issues surrounding the UK’s current tyre export practices — particularly the export of whole tyres to countries including India, where they are often processed in rudimentary and unregulated pyrolysis facilities. These concerns are now driving a renewed call for legislative reform in the UK.

In her address, MP Munt referenced Australia’s proactive policy response as a model for best practice. She cited the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 and the national ban on whole tyre exports as significant regulatory advancements. She also commended TSA’s Foreign End Market Verification (FEMV) program, stating:

“Tyres could be used… only under a scheme verified by Tyre Stewardship Australia’s foreign end market verification programme, so the fate of every export was known.”

TSA’s FEMV program was used as a case study to demonstrate how targeted licensing, oversight, and independent verification can prevent environmental harm, eliminate unsafe offshore processing, and support the growth of domestic tyre recycling industries.

This international acknowledgement underscores the strategic importance of Australia’s product stewardship approach and the collaborative work behind FEMV, which continues to inform global thinking on responsible waste export and material traceability.

TSA wishes the UK every success in advancing its own reforms. We remain open to sharing insights and collaborating on advancing sustainable outcomes for used tyres across the supply chain, both locally and globally.