Research and Development
On top of the daily management of End-of-Life Tyres, Ecopneus invests in research and development to valorise the applications of recycled rubber. The objective is to create stable markets through technologies that comply with high standards and generate value for the Italian circular economy.
Every project has an objective: making recycled rubber competitive in strategic sectors such as: sports, the building sector, urban furniture, infrastructure, and mobility.
Method and partnerships
The Ecopneus research process is carried out through several phases:
- Specialised research centres
- Co-designing with companies for scalable and industry-oriented solutions
- Laboratory tests to validate the characteristics of materials
- On-field tests to verify performance and durability in real conditions
- The developed projects receive official certifications that certify their quality and performances: homologations of sports federations for the Tyrefield surfaces; UNI certifications for road safety devices.
Areas of innovation
Highly-performing sports surfaces
Biomechanics research has helped to develop IBF and ITPF homologated sports surfaces. IBF is the International basketball Federation and ITPF is the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation. This research has led to scientific evidence that confirms that these surfaces reduce shocks and improve athletes’ performance.
Rubberized Asphalts
The research on rubberized asphalts has been carried out thanks to European projects and collaborations with institutions such as the Armed Forces. It aims at testing innovative formulations and confirming their acoustic, mechanical and safety performances.
The building sector and insulation
The compounds made with recycled rubber can be used in the building, automotive and livestock farming sectors, with a focus on soundproofing and shock absorption.
Technical Manuals
Ecopneus has published technical manuals drafted in collaboration with universities and research centres that analyse scientific matters, formulations, performances and installation methods of the applications made with recycled rubber. These manuals deal with rubberized asphalts, soundproofing materials, sports surfaces and concrete application cases.