Australia is taking a closer look at its tyre industry as part of a broader push to advance circular economy practices, with the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science opening an inquiry into the sector.
The inquiry responds to growing pressure to balance economic opportunity with sustainable resource management and follows global debates on tyre sustainability in Europe and the USA. Written submissions from stakeholders are due by 23 January 2026.
The inquiry will examine the full lifecycle of tyres, from manufacturing, import, and retail trends to reuse, retreading, recycling, and resource recovery. It aims to map current practices against international standards and explore opportunities for higher-value applications of end-of-life tyres, including construction, manufacturing, and other commercial uses. Regulatory frameworks at federal, state, and local levels will also be reviewed to determine their effectiveness in enabling circular outcomes.
Technological developments form a key focus. The Committee will assess advances in tyre design, alternative materials, and recycling processes that could increase efficiency and market value of recovered materials. Infrastructure gaps in collection, processing, and recycling facilities will also be identified, alongside environmental, community, and health considerations associated with tyre waste management.
The inquiry is intended to provide a platform for industry voices, including retreaders, recyclers, and manufacturers, to inform evidence-based recommendations on policy and market interventions. Commercially viable product stewardship schemes, including potential mandatory measures, are expected to be central to the discussion.
Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) welcomed the move, highlighting the potential to unlock approximately A$70 million in domestic market opportunities by redirecting end-of-life tyres into local supply chains. TSA linked the inquiry to insights from the recent Round Trip Summit in Melbourne, where more than 200 industry participants discussed technologies and infrastructure pathways to strengthen domestic circularity.
According to TSA, a comprehensive approach spanning design, reuse, retreading, and recycling aligns with international best practice, supports management of chemicals of concern, and positions the industry for higher-order circular outcomes. Stakeholders now have the opportunity to present detailed submissions on technology readiness, market development, and regulatory frameworks that can expand domestic demand for tyre-derived products and enhance the resilience of Australia’s tyre circular economy.
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