End-markets
Till recently, most scrap tires in Italy were sent to landfills. As a result, end-markets are not well developed. Tire-derived fuel is the major end-market for scrap tires. Other markets include civil engineering applications and rubber goods. A substantial number of tires are exported. The destinations of scrap tires and the break-up of main end-markets in 2003 are shown below. The market for tire-derived products is expanding faster than the market for tire-derived fuel. The growth is expected to continue as demand increases following the improvement in the industry’s ability to turn out reliable products and ensure a stable supply. However, the demand for tire-derived fuel is likely to be strong as it serves as an alternative fuel with oil and coal prices remaining high. The growth of the various end-markets over the last few years is shown in Figure 30. While exports are substantial, it is doubtful whether they can be sustained. Countries are getting increasingly reluctant to process scrap tires of other countries as they feel it wastes the funds raised from their own citizens.
Regulation
In Italy, no formal regulations have been made addressing the scrap tire recycling industry. The EU directives, while issuing targets and guidelines, leave the method of implementation to the member states. However, Bill C. 7594 provides for the formation of a body run by manufacturers and importers. Industries have taken their own initiatives to improve their prospects. For example, several granulate companies formed Consorzio Granuli Gomma Co G.G in September 2002, which is responsible for the marketing of all rubber granulate production. There are also no specific emission norms aimed at furnaces using tire-derived fuel.