Vaculug is urging the UK Government to mandate the use of retreaded tyres across public sector fleets, arguing that a clear requirement would deliver immediate savings and measurable environmental benefits. In a statement submitted as part of the current review of public procurement, Managing Director Jorge Crespo states that retreads are still treated as a discretionary add-on rather than a default choice, despite well-documented advantages.
Retreads Should not be Optional
Outlining a continuation of a recent letter to the UK Cabinet Office, Crespo explains the UK’s deficiency in public procurement of retreads: “The voluntary usage rate in public fleet vehicles goes as low as 10%, lagging dramatically behind the over 70% seen in eligible fleets in the US and some EU member states. Moreover, there is an active debate in these countries to go further. The US is addressing this head-on. Bipartisan legislation is currently moving through Congress to mandate and incentivise retread use, driven by the clear benefits of economic savings – a retread costs 30% to 50% less than a new tyre – and environmental impact – retreading a single truck tyre saves 70% of the raw material and oil used in new manufacturing, and leads to fewer tyres ending up in landfill.”
Crespo contends that existing frameworks commonly list retreads as an available category, yet few contracting bodies set minimum usage levels. “In the UK, the approach is more relaxed (than in the US and EU), and the result is a significant missed opportunity. Frameworks from organisations like the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) offer retreads as an option, but they do not compel public bodies to use them. Mandating a minimum usage policy in public procurement across national and local government fleets could save local authorities and UK taxpayers at a time of much-needed fiscal headroom. The time for voluntary measures is over.”
The proposal also speaks to industrial policy. A steadier demand signal from government fleets could encourage investment in remanufacturing capacity and skills, as he feels is happening in the US: “The Resilient Tire Supply and Jobs Act and the Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing and level the playing field against cheaper, imported alternatives. These cheap alternatives are single-life tyres, the equivalent of single-use plastic.”
As we have covered here at Retreading Business, Crespo also picks up on string industry support and engagement in the US: “This US effort is not just political – it’s backed by industry leaders. In October, major organisations like the Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) led a delegation to Capitol Hill. Their mission was clear – to advocate for the legislation that would provide a tax credit of up to $30 per retreaded tyre for eligible purchasers, prioritising US-made retreaded tyres.” Crespo continues, quoting TIA Chief Executive Richard Gust: “the goal is to strengthen supply chains, cut costs, and support American workers… and make sure lawmakers understand what’s at stake.” It’s a sentiment clearly felt on both sides of the Atlantic; however, the approach in the UK, as highlighted by Vaculug, Crespo, and others, is falling short of what is becoming a clear signifier that the US is serious about retreading. Whether the UK Government or others globally will follow suit remains to be seen, but Crespo’s voice is essential to maintaining the industry’s drive for the recognition it deserves.
Crespo concludes his letter by stating that: “The UK must adopt a mandatory requirement of all tyres procured for public sector fleets – aligning us with global best practice and immediately delivering economic and environmental benefits.
“Mandating a minimum 30% retread usage in public procurement is a pragmatic policy that aligns with the government’s strategic objectives for economic growth, net zero and supporting UK jobs. By adopting this policy, the UK would be level-setting our domestic industry against lower-quality imported new tyres and sending a clear, long-term signal that supports investment and skills in remanufacturing and the circular economy.”
The time for optionality has passed. If other nations can mandate retreading, why can’t the UK?
