The Tire-Derived Fuel Market Is Growing
- The Earth & I Editorial Team
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
And So Are Environmental Health Considerations from Waste Tire Recycling
Tire-derived fuel (TDF) is an emerging segment within the broader waste tire management and alternative energy sphere, converting end-of-life tires into high-energy fuel for industrial applications. According to Cognitive Market Research (CMR), the global TDF market is expected to reach US$451.5 million in 2025 and continue expanding through 2033, driven by demand for sustainable fuel sources in sectors like cement manufacturing and utility boilers.
However, the environmental and health impacts of waste tire recycling—including processes that produce TDF—are complex and not fully resolved. A systematic review published in Heliyon underscores significant knowledge gaps in how tire recycling affects ecosystems and human health, especially regarding hazardous chemicals released during recycling and reuse.
Here are key data points about the TDF trend—sourced from the CMR report and the Heliyon review:
Global Market Size (2025): The tire-derived fuel market is projected to reach US$451.5 million in 2025.
Growth Forecast (2025–2033): TDF is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 3.2% from 2025 to 2033 as industries adopt alternative fuels.
Regional Market Shares (2025):
North America: about 40% of global revenue (about US$130.94 million).
Asia Pacific (APAC): about 23% of revenue (about US$167.06 million).
South America: about 5% (about US$17.16 million).
Middle East & Africa: Small but growing segments (about 2% and about 1%, respectively).
Environmental Challenges – Waste Tires Volume: Approximately 1.5 billion tires are manufactured annually, creating significant disposal challenges globally.
Health and Environment – Research Scope: From a pool of 1,275 screened studies, 80 met inclusion criteria in the Heliyon systematic review, highlighting research focus on recycled tire applications and associated impacts.
Chemical Exposure Concerns: Recycled tire products can contain substances like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals (e.g., zinc), and other additives that may be released into soil, water, or air depending on recycling or reuse contexts.
Application Focus: Nearly half of the reviewed studies (nearly 49%) addressed the use of recycled tires in construction sectors like artificial turf fields, with tire materials repurposed beyond fuel.
Evidence Gaps: The Heliyon review notes limited comprehensive assessments of longterm environmental and human health effects from tire recycling methods, signaling a need for more research to inform policy and best practices.
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