End-of-life tyres are an international commodity, so ensuring those our participants send overseas for processing or remanufacture aren’t causing harm is a high priority for Tyrewise.
That’s why we’re working in partnership with Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) to use independent, international quality assurance provider Intertek for foreign end market verification. Tyrewise funds the cost of verification for our participants.
This verification will give Tyrewise participants (and tyre buyers who pay the tyre stewardship fee) the confidence that end-of-life tyres sent to those verified markets for processing or remanufacture by participants aren’t causing harm to people or the planet or contributing to human rights violations. It also helps Kiwi companies be part of a global network focused on industry best practice.
Our goal is that 80% of tyres collected in New Zealand will be processed onshore and sold into the domestic market by our fourth year of operation. Any domestic markets will need to meet Aotearoa New Zealand’s environmental, humanitarian, and health and safety standards.
Why we need this verification
While we are working to expand onshore processing and use of tyres, overseas processors and markets are important for keeping tyres out of landfill. Foreign end market verification ensures overseas processors meet international standards in four areas:
- Environmental (i.e. relevant license/s and permits, controls for preventing emissions into the air and water, and onto land, and controls for vermin and mosquitoes)
- Health and safety (i.e. safe working conditions, proper protective gear, emergency procedures and training, and good housekeeping)
- Modern slavery (i.e. no underage workers, correct wages, and correct working conditions as well as correct living conditions where applicable)
- Distribution (i.e. safe transport of product, product delivered to site remains there for processing, product isn’t sent off site for a use which could cause harm, and the development and implementation of site management systems as well as a commitment to continual improvement)
These also need to adhere to legislation and/or regulations specific to the country or region the processors are based in.
How does Intertek fit in?
Intertek specialises in quality assurance. They have staff around the world and can get boots on the ground to see, first-hand, how processors are operating, and engage directly with them.
This is a major advantage for supply chain transparency and offering opportunities for improvement.
Tyrewise has been engaged in this process since the scheme went operational. It’s worth noting, prior to the Tyrewise scheme, there were no controls for New Zealand exports of end-of-life tyres to ensure overseas processors meet minimum standards.
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