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About ETRA |
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The European Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA)is the only European organisation devoted exclusively to tyre and rubber recycling. Founded on 23 September 1994 with 19 members in 5 countries. Now in its ninth year, ETRA has ±250 members in 46 countries, including each of the 15 EU Member States, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Hungary, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Tartarstan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, USA.
ETRA membership reflects both the public and private sectors involved in the environmentally safe disposition of postconsumer tyres. Policy and decision makers as well as those charged with organising and connecting the links in the chain are represented. With a focus on both material and energy recovery, ETRA members include collectors, retreaders, manufacturers of recycling equipment, research bodies, developers, users of new technologies as well as users of the materials in an expanding number of products and applications.
The Mission of the association is to formalise Tyre Recycling as an independent, multi-sectoral industry involved in a long chain of activities which protect the environment and enhance the quality of life through the creation of new businesses and jobs. This is accomplished through a focused advocacy and cooperative actions to improve professional standards and to develop quality guidelines for products and materials. A principal goal is to assist in the realisation of cost effective as well as environmentally sound tyre recycling projects.
The primary objectives of the association are:
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to serve in an advocacy role for the tyre recycling industry in contacts with public and private bodies and the consumer public;
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to defend the interests of the tyre recycling industry in regard to legislation;
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to promote the tyre recycling industry and seek new, sustainable ways to expand existing markets;
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to provide relevant information about developments and technologies to members and other interested parties and groups;
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to promote the use of recycled rubber in a range of products and applications;
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to aid in the development and promotion of industry standards for tyre recycling;
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to provide assistance to groups and individuals in the tyre recycling industry;
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to provide a communication link between tyre recycling professionals and government bodies, professional associations worldwide, association members and the public at large;
The mechanisms include exchanges of information and experiences in face to face contact at conferences, seminars, workshops and study tours as well as with printed materials which include a quarterly newsletter, monographs, reports, etc., which discuss new and advanced technologies, collection and sorting systems, funding sources, and job availability, as well as problems, issues and pitfalls. Study groups are formed on current topics of interest and concern to the industry and provide direct assistance to members about efficient systems of tyre recycling.
ETRA is recognised by the EU Commission as the organisation representing tyre recycling in Europe and participated in the EU Recycling Forum and in the preparation of the UNEP Basel Convention ‘Guideline for the identification and management of used tyres'. In 2000, ETRA initiated a CEN Workshop Agreement for the standardisation of postconsumer tyre materials and representative applications. The final CWA was published in May 2002. In November 2002, the CWA received a prEN designation, indicating that it will soon become an EN.
ETRA members subscribe to a ‘Sustainable Development Charter' for the environmentally sound management of postconsumer tyres.
ETRA - European Tyres Recycling Association
Registered in vol. LXXI No. 98 Registre des Associations du Tribunal d'instance de Strasbourg
under articles 21 & 78, French civil law of 1 June 1924
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The Conference Theme |
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2007 heralds a new era for the tyre recycling industries. Fundamental changes are being made as governments and industry adapt to the revisions in the Directive on Waste, the new context provided by the
Thematic Strategy for the prevention and recycling of waste, and the implementation of the End-of-Life Vehicle Directive.
Stakeholders’ roles
and responsibilities are being revised and reinterpreted. New relationships are being built to ensure that the EU commitment for a recycling
society becomes a reality.
As recycling has become increasingly important, tyre recyclers have worked closely with an expanding range of industries to develop and
produce materials for use in a growing array of applications and products.
ETRA Working Groups have sponsored definitive research to ensure that tyre recyclates meet the highest performance and environmental
standards Today, tyre recycling is a commercially viable, environmentally sound industry. Collection systems are in place in a majority of the 25 Member
States and efforts are being made to improve performance and transparency.
Treatment capacity is rapidly growing to meet increasing demands.
A broad range of applications and products that recycled tyre materials has entered into the mainstream, and others undergoing rigorous testing
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The Speakers |
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Speakers include representatives of Parliament, the Commission and
other EU bodies well as tyre recyclers, material users, research and
development teams from the Member States and beyond. Special guest
speakers include SGS Fresnius Institute, General Motors, IBV, Rapra,
Arts Institute, EUPR and Interel, among others.
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Who should attend |
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All of the stakeholders including - Local and regional authorities
- Tyre collectors
- Retreading companies
- Shredding and granulating companies
- Producers of specialised powders and materials
- Product manufacturers and material users
- Research and new technology developers
- Civil engineers and architects
- Recycling equipment manufacturers and suppliers
- Government policy and decision makers
- Public interest groups
- Monitoring bodies
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The Exibithion |
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In its sixth year, the exhibition is open throughout the conference
with 13 stands and display areas available to material
producers and users, equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
Conference receptions and coffee breaks are offered in the
Exhibition area.
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The Poster Show |
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The show is open to brief displays of innovative developments
in the field and may also be presented and discussed during
the Technology Forum. Displays are located in the Exhibition
area, with viewing is throughout the conference period.
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The Technology Forum |
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In its 14th year, the forum opens the floor to delegates to participants
to discuss innovations they have introduced and the
issues/obstacles they have overcome along the way. Many
technologies which are currently entering into the mainstream
were first introduced during these sessions.
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ETRA Working groups |
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Working groups are open to all members. They are formed to
investigate topics of critical interest to the industry. The CEN
Specifications group will discuss details of the new CEN BT
and how members may take part. Network Development will
discuss the international group of recyclers, civil engineers,
universities and testing bodies that are working together. The
Artificial Turf group will present its research findings nd
prepare for the next steps.
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Recyclers’ Round Table |
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The Round Table is open to all delegates. It is an open forum
for discussion about current and potential issues confronting
material producers and users, and others involved in the Industry.
Results of the discussions are often presented at the GAM
Go to the ETRA Homa Page
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