The British startup The Tyre Collective is experimenting with the recycling of microplastics from tire wear. In cooperation with designers and scientists, various objects were created that were shown at London Design Festival.
According to The Tyre Collective, more than one million tons of rubber from tires end up in the environment as microplastics every year due to abrasion. To counteract this, the startup is developing technology to capture the particles.
For the design objects, the partners mixed tire abrasion with materials such as plastic or resin and used 3D printing. The results include a lamp, acoustic panels and jewelry. A coin battery was also made from the rubber particles in combination with other components.
According to the creators, the designs demonstrate the possibilities of using tire wear as a recyclable material and returning it to a cycle. The projects were supported by a UK King sustainability initiative. They underline the potential of 3D printing to transform waste into products of new value.
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