TIRES RETREADING PROCESS

TIRES RETREADING PROCESS

Road transport in developed countries, both people and goods, causes a huge amount of used tires each year, representing serious environmental problems.

Initially companies opted for the burning of these tires but the very high CO2 emissions to the atmosphere resulting from tires ´combustion, forced the authorities to restrict this practice dramatically.

During these years have been looking for alternatives to the use of this material to prevent combustion. For instance, the use of these tires in the construction of protective barriers in the circuits of motor sports, but logically, it is not possible to absorb this waste supply through such measures.

Retreading a percentage of these used tires for reuse is presented as a partial solution, but used tires, still represent a subject of debate as to the mechanical characteristics offered compared to those of a new tire. As a consequence, many consumers do not trust in these products nowadays.

Prestigious Firms as the Mercedes Benz Supplier, Continental, says on its website that “The Continental retread CONTIRE ™ Premium, provides the durability and performance of a new tire.”

Retreading basically consists in replacing the worn tread with new ones.

The production of retreaded tires is subject to international regulations for the definitive approval. These regulations require compliance with a range of benefits to retreaded tires produced in certified facilities.

The retreading process begins with a thorough inspection of carcasses for the absence of damage (pores, poor materials, small scratches …) to avoid compromised performance or tire safety.

The proper condition of the shell or cover is therefore a major factor in the quality of the retreaded tire.

The next step is scraping the old band before applying a new one for subsequent vulcanization.

Companies that act as Integrated Management Systems create a network of certified collection centers spread throughout the managing territory, allowing a service to fit its needs.

The tires from the collection centers are then transported to treatment facilities where they are crushed or granulated. The resulting products are used as raw material in a wide variety of industrial applications as well as alternative fuel in cement.

Through the process of retreading, as well as delay the onset of the housing worn, it helps save a significant amount of raw materials, adding only 25% of new materials.

Its price is on average 50% of a new tire.

In 2009, were retreaded in Spain about 50,000 tons of tires but this figure should be higher.

Perhaps a it is urgently required a serious and efficient communication program supported by government institutions in each country to inform about the true performance of retreaded tires and the benefit that their use offers to the Environment.