Nowadays, circular economy is always mentioned at any conference, round table or political programme. Both tangible and more visionary projects are discussed. However, a few people realise that the tyre is one of the circular economy iconic products. Unfortunately, instead of being an asset (as it should be), too often it ends up being a problem. In fact, if correctly designed according to the criteria of what is today known as "ecodesign", tyres can be recycled several times. In the case of trucks (again if correctly designed), they can also be re-grooved, so much so that some manufacturers claim that a correctly used and maintained truck tyre can last up to a million kilometres. When a tyre reaches the end of its useful life, it can be entirely recycled into products having multiple uses. Unfortunately, the current situation is far from this optimal scenario. In fact, since the great potential of premium products is not utilised, tyre dealers are full of ELTs and the honourable goal set by the legislator is not followed. Given that in the future, mobility (be it traditional, electric or hydrogen) will always continue to be on wheels, it is time for all players in the supply chain - as well as local authorities - to intensify their efforts to ensure that products, such as tyres, regains that rightful place (not least in terms of image) in the new green economy.
