Bridgestone Applauds Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance

• Market leading tyre company welcomes the formation of Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance.
• Bridgestone expects that the collaborative approach will showcase key learnings from both markets.
• Bridgestone remains optimistic for a mandatory scheme for Australia.

ADELAIDE, South Australia (18 November, 2025) - Australia & New Zealand's most trusted tyre brand, Bridgestone, welcomes the formation of the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance (TTRA) - a joint initiative between Australia's voluntary Tyre Stewardship Australia scheme and New Zealand's mandatory, regulated Tyrewise model.

Under the newly launched Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance, the two national schemes will remain independent, but co-fund the regional development of end-of-life tyre solutions, with an emphasis on market development for high-value tyre-derived products, policy advocacy, technology and innovation, and capability development. <_o3a_p>

As the industry leader, Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand has played an active role for more than a decade in the progression of both the Tyre Stewardship Australia model, and the journey towards the creation of the NZ's Tyrewise scheme through its collaboration with its facilitator, 3R Group. <_o3a_p>

Bridgestone Australia & New Zealand Managing Director, Heath Barclay, says the formation of the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance is an obvious and logical step forward in what is a common issue in both markets. <_o3a_p>

"We're thrilled to see the Trans-Tasman Tyre Recycling Alliance established. While both markets are different in many ways, end-of-life tyres are an issue in both countries and there are some key learnings that can be taken from both parties. I'm excited to see what can be achieved through this formalised collaborative approach as we continue to advocate for further action in Australia," Mr Barclay said. <_o3a_p>

"The Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance is an opportunity to advance tyre stewardship outcomes in Australia, including the consideration of a regulated approach, informed by the learnings of the Tyrewise scheme in New Zealand." <_o3a_p>

The formation of the Trans-Tasman Recycling alliance is the second major announcement in as many weeks relating to the circular economy of tyres. It follows last week's announcement by the House of Representative's Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science of a new inquiry into the Australian tyre industry, studying the full lifecycle of a tyre. <_o3a_p>

"This is another positive step forward towards driving a circular economy for end-of-life tyres in Australia. With this new inquiry by the Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science, as well as the opportunities of the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance, I'm optimistic we'll see further progress," Mr Barclay added. <_o3a_p>

Bridgestone recognises the benefits of a mandatory scheme having been a key stakeholder in 3R Group's co-design of New Zealand's Tyrewise scheme dating back to 2012, and was quick to praise the introduction of its regulation when it was announced in 2022. <_o3a_p>

Since its introduction, Tyrewise has demonstrated how quickly a regulated and mandatory system delivers increased investment in recycling, higher collection rates and greater transparency.<_o3a_p>

"Tyrewise is a highly successful scheme that has levelled the playing field for all tyre importers in New Zealand and is a key driver in the development of a circular economy, creating jobs, and reducing the environmental impact of end-of-life tyres," added Mr Barclay. <_o3a_p>

"I'm optimistic that the creation of the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance will accelerate knowledge sharing between Australia and New Zealand and promote the adoption of proven best practices that advance the development of a circular economy in our region." <_o3a_p>

Bridgestone has been a part of the voluntary tyre stewardship scheme in Australia since 2015. While the scheme has a widely respected list of achievements, the market leader is conscious that there are still numerous challenges to overcome that would be aided by a mandatory scheme. <_o3a_p>

"Tyre Stewardship Australia has made significant progress in raising awareness, improving outcomes and enhancing governance around the issue of end-of-life tyre management and uses for tyre-derived products in Australia," Mr Barclay said. <_o3a_p>

"However, despite a decade of advocacy and investment by Tyre Stewardship Australia and its members, the lack of a mandatory scheme is preventing further development in key areas like regional and remote locations, increasing visibility of poor practices and providing motivation for tyre retailers to choose more sustainable outcomes." <_o3a_p>

A recent report on the National End-of-Life Tyres Options project¹, produced by the Government of Western Australia Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, highlights that the current voluntary approach has insufficient market participation, does not address the issue of rogue operators, and provides inadequate support for regional and remote areas, and the heavy reliance on the export of tyre-derived materials. <_o3a_p>

"There is increasing recognition within the industry that a more consistent and regulated approach would further progress outcomes, especially for regional areas. While major and reputable tyre brands, including Bridgestone, voluntarily invest in improving end-of-life solutions, an industry-wide, nationally consistent framework will help address ongoing challenges, including remote area access, visibility of practices, and long-term market development," Mr Barclay added. <_o3a_p>

"This is an industry wide issue that needs a level playing field, and in a short time, New Zealand's Tyrewise scheme has shown how impactful a regulated, mandatory approach can be. We hope that the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance is a next step towards a similar scheme in Australia." <_o3a_p>

Bridgestone's unwavering support of the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance is underpinned by the global Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which is Bridgestone's platform for value co-creation towards a more sustainable future.<_o3a_p>

Through the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, the company is working towards its long-term, 2050 vision of providing social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company through the values of: energy, ecology, efficiency, extension, economy, emotion, ease and empowerment. <_o3a_p>

"The entire industry has a role to play in around sustainable end-of-life tyre solutions, and the Trans-Tasman Recycling Alliance will further strengthen the involvement of key stakeholders throughout Australia and New Zealand towards a more robust circular economy," Mr Barclay said.

1- The National End-of-Life Tyres Options project seeks to establish a collective understanding of the problems associated with EOLTs, including off-the-road (OTR) tyres. National End-of-Life Tyres Options project report

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