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INSIGHTS FROM
THE COSTA RICAN TYRE RETREADING AND RECYCLING SECTOR
In a recent dialogue with Elsie Álvarez, the Executive Director of the Association of Tyre Dealers and Retreaders (ACOLLRE) in Costa Rica, we delved into the state of the tyre retreading and recycling industry within the nation celebrated for its commitment to environmental sustainability, otherwise known as “Pura Vida.”
COUNTRY
REPORT - COSTA RICA
In 2023, Costa Rica invested approximately $111 million in im- porting 2.4 million pneumatic tyres. A breakdown highlights that truck and bus tyres accounted for just over 50% of the total, with passenger car tyres comprising 29% and motorcycle tyres making up nearly 7%.
In contrast, the importation of tyre treads decreased compared to previous years, totalling around $2.67 million, marking a 29% drop from 2018 figures.
ACOLLRE’S ONGOING EFFORTS
COLLEGE has been vigilant against unfair competition and illegal tyre imports, enhancing their monitoring efforts and liaising with the General Directorate of Customs to report underpriced tyre imports that fail to meet the Association’s minimum benchmark standards.
Additionally, the tyre trade faced hurdles in 2023, with a 28% annual decrease in vehicle technical inspection rejections due to inadequate tread depth. This diverged from the last five years’ average and compounded the risks associated with the growing vehicle fleet on public roads.
FUNDELLANTAS’ ROLE IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH INITIATIVES
The Costa Rican Ecological Foundation for the Recycling of Rubber and Waste Tyres (Fundellantas) has been instrumental in the coun- try’s environmental and public health efforts, particularly in comba- ting mosquito breeding sites that transmit infectious diseases like dengue. With 2023 marking the highest number of dengue cases in a decade, the collaboration between Fundellantas, the Ministry of Health, and societal actors was crucial in preventive measures.
Fundellantas has also forged a productive alliance with Cementos Progreso, facilitating tyre collection campaigns nationwide. These tyres are then efficiently utilised in cement production, substituting imported fossil fuels and aiding the country’s decarbonisation efforts. From 2021 to 2023, this partnership successfully averted over 30,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, showcasing a significant environ- mental impact and mitigating the greenhouse effect.
Through these insights from Elsie Álvarez, it becomes clear that despi- te challenges, the tyre retreading and recycling industry in Costa Rica is making significant strides towards sustainability and environmental preservation, aligning with the nation’s ethos of “Pura Vida.”
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