End-Markets
The scrap tire recycling industry is very small and tire-derived fuel is the main driver. The main users of tire-derived fuel, as in other countries, are cement kilns. Even equipment and support for many cement plants that have adopted tire-derived fuel is supplied by US firms. For example, TMI Systems installed the tire fuel feed system for Hornos Ibericos Alba, S.A., a company based in Jerez, Spain. In 2003, 12% of the scrap tires generated were used to make tire-derived fuel while 9% were used for tire-derived products. The destination of the generated scrap tires and the break-up of the end-markets in 2003 are shown below: