Title: Freee Recycle: Transform your old tires into ecological and sustainable products
Introduction :
The management of used tires represents a major environmental challenge on a global scale. According to the Tire Industry Project Report, one billion used tires are generated worldwide each year, and approximately four billion currently sit in landfills and stockpiles across the world. However, in Nigeria, a company called Freee Recycle is committed to reducing waste by recycling old tires into new products sold across the country.
An ecological solution to reduce waste:
Since its launch in 2018, Freee Recycle has already recycled more than 400,000 used tires into paving stones, floor tiles, flip-flops and other goods. Director General, Ifedolapo Runsewe, points out that the problem of waste is evident on the streets of Nigeria. It only takes a few minutes of walking to spot a dozen tires abandoned in gutters or on street corners where they should not be.
Recycling process:
The tires are first crushed into small pieces, which are then mixed with an adhesive allowing workers to shape them into different shapes. The versatility of tire materials, such as rubber and steel, makes recycling viable. The fiber they are made from can also be reused.
Sustainable and accessible products:
The company’s flagship product is the rubber cobble stone, which sells for about $60 for a 40-piece set. Although Freee products are slightly more expensive than traditional products, their extended lifespan makes up for this price difference. These products are notably available in major Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
Challenges and perspectives:
Bolanle Emmanuel, Oyo State coordinator for the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, points out that one of the challenges ahead will be the transportation of raw materials to recycling centers. It proposes to establish different recycling centers in local communities to facilitate the compression and transportation of crushed tires to the production sites of the final products.
Environmental impact :
Freee Recycle estimates that it has prevented more than 8,100 tons of CO2 emissions since its inception. Construction engineer Eid Zouki confirms that using recycled materials makes wise use of tires that would otherwise be thrown away or burned, causing significant air pollution. He hopes that this environmental awareness will spread and encourage the use of sustainable materials throughout the world, including Africa.
Conclusion :
Freee Recycle is an inspiring example of a company committed to solving a major environmental problem by transforming waste into useful, sustainable products. Thanks to their efficient recycling process, they help reduce landfills and limit CO2 emissions. By encouraging the use of recycled products, we can all help create a cleaner, more sustainable future.