Nonmetallics

Permitted Haulers to be Posted Online

The Rubber Manufacturers Association’s Scrap Tire Management Council (STMC), Washington, has posted an online database of licensed/permitted scrap tire transporters on the RMA Web site, RMA.org. The listings are organized by state.

“Unlicensed or unpermitted haulers are one of the most common problems plaguing our industry,” says Michael Blumenthal, RMA president and STMC executive member. “They are one of the major causes for tires being dumped or stockpiled and the bane of existence for state regulators, legitimate scrap haulers and processors.”

The project is designed to centralize information provided by state agencies. The group would also like to list transporters with permits about to expire.

Recycled Tire Rubber Finds End Use As Coating Material

Texas Encore Materials Inc., Kansas City, Mo., has patented technology that uses recycled tire rubber in the plastics, rubber, asphalt and powder coatings markets. The company takes crumb rubber and processes it into Activated Tire Rubber (ATR), which can be used in a variety of applications.

John White, sales and marketing for Texas Encore, says while there has been some reluctance in use of the material, the company is positive about the potential success of the material.

“It’s just a situation where you have to prove yourself in the market place [by] working with different companies and different applications,” says White. “I think within each of those market applications there is a niche for our materials, and it is just a matter of getting to that point.”

Wellman Triples Earnings

Wellman Inc., Shrewsbury, N.J., one of the largest recyclers of PET plastic, has reported earnings of $25.2 million for 2000. The number compares favorably with the $8.7 million earned in 1999.

“Earnings improved in 2000 primarily as a result of improvements in Wellman’s PET resins business, particularly in North America,” says Wellman chairman and CEO Tom Duff. However, low demand could bring earnings back down in 2001, Duff also warns.