Funding Available for Applied Research Using Australian Tyre-Derived Material

Researchers, universities and industry partners are encouraged to explore funding opportunities through the Tyre Stewardship Fund, which supports applied research, product development and demonstration projects that increase the use of Australian tyre-derived materials (TDM).

Funding of between $50,000 and $300,000 (excluding GST) is available for projects that help accelerate market adoption of tyre-derived materials, including crumb rubber, rubber granules and shredded tyre products manufactured by Australian tyre recyclers.

Supporting Innovation and Market Growth

The Tyre Stewardship Fund is designed to support projects that:

• Address barriers to adopting tyre-derived products.
• Improve industry standards, specifications and product performance.
• Strengthen Australian supply chains.
• Create new markets and expand existing applications for tyre-derived materials.

A key requirement of all funded projects is that they utilise Australian tyre-derived material throughout the duration of the project.

What We're Looking For

Successful projects go beyond research excellence and demonstrate clear pathways to commercial adoption and increased consumption of tyre-derived materials.

Priority is given to projects that:

• Demonstrate strong collaboration between research institutions, industry partners and end users.
• Include cash contributions from industry partners.
• Have clear commercial pathways and committed end users.
• Address opportunities within sectors such as roads, rail, construction, infrastructure, polymer products, explosives and other innovative applications.
• Show potential to consume significant volumes of Australian tyre-derived material.

A Partnership-Based Approach

The strongest applications typically involve three key partners:

Research Institution

Universities and research organisations providing technical expertise, laboratory testing and validation.

Industry Partner

Manufacturers, recyclers or product developers that can help bring innovations to market and demonstrate commercial commitment.

End User

Councils, government agencies, developers, construction companies or other organisations with a clear demand for the proposed solution.

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used for:

• Personnel directly engaged in project delivery.
• Australian tyre-derived materials used during the project.
• Laboratory and field testing.
• Research equipment required for project outcomes.
• Specialist consultants (up to 20% of total project costs).

Ineligible Activities

The fund does not support:

• Recycling infrastructure or processing equipment.
• Theoretical research without a commercial pathway.
• Retrospective costs or projects already underway.
• Standalone feasibility studies or business plans.
• Projects without matching partner contributions.

Examples of Supported Projects

Potential projects may include:

• Laboratory and field testing of tyre-derived materials in new applications.
• Product design and development to improve performance and market adoption.
• Demonstration projects validating technical and commercial viability at scale.
• Applied research that supports specification development and market uptake.

Case Study: Porous Lane

One example of a successful Tyre Stewardship Fund project is the University of Melbourne's Porous Lane project, which developed a water-permeable pavement containing up to 60% recycled tyre rubber.

Supported through laboratory research and field trials, the project has since been commercialised and is now being adopted by local governments and developers to help address flooding, stormwater management and urban heat challenges.

Read the case study here.

Funding Process

Applications are accepted year-round through a two-stage process:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI)
2. Full Application (by invitation)

Projects must provide a minimum 1:1 matching contribution, and funding recommendations are assessed by TSA's Market Acceleration Committee before approval by the TSA Board.

Interested in Applying?

We encourage prospective applicants to discuss their project idea with TSA before submitting an application. Early engagement can help identify suitable industry partners and ensure projects align with funding objectives.