Feasibility study of a reuse scenario for end-of-life tire granules: A case study of Tunisia

Abstract

The growing accumulation of used vehicles has intensified global concerns regarding unused waste, particularly end-of-life tires. A major challenge in existing recycling practices lies in the contamination of tire granules with residual rubber, which limits their transformation into clean and economically valuable secondary materials. This study addresses this gap by examining an innovative technology designed to convert contaminated granules into a reusable raw material suitable for multiple industrial applications. The research specifically explores the integration of these granules into the production of gym mats as an alternative to their conventional use in artificial turf systems. Life cycle analysis was employed to compare the environmental performance of the proposed process with existing practices. The findings indicate a notable reduction in environmental burdens when granules are repurposed as additives in mat production. To evaluate long-term sustainability, the study also analyzed the financial feasibility of the recycling system through cost-benefit analysis and derived economic performance indicators from the life cycle results. The outcomes demonstrate that the process yields favorable economic returns and supports the long-term viability of the technology. These results suggest that the valorization approach can be effectively replicated in various contexts and scaled with supportive policy measures, offering a pathway toward more sustainable management of tire waste.

Keywords: circular economy; cost-benefit analysis; environmental assessment; recycling technology; tire waste management