We’ve all been there. You’ve squeezed every last kilometre of grip out of your favourite set of boots, and now they’re sitting in a sad pile, destined for… well, where do they actually go? For too long, New Zealand’s mountain of end-of-life tyres has been a bit of an afterthought, often bundled onto a ship and sent packing overseas. But what if that pile of spent rubber was actually a pile of potential? What if your last burnout could inspire the next big Kiwi innovation?
Thankfully, Tyrewise is putting its money where its mouth is. They’ve launched the Tyrewise Grant Fund to invest in clever projects that turn old tyres into valuable, locally-made products. The mission is to fire up our domestic processing power, find brilliant uses for tyre-derived products, and cut our reliance on offshore markets for good. This isn’t just about being tidy Kiwis; it’s about sparking a circular economy and turning a nationwide waste problem into a Kiwi success story.
So, if you’ve got a world-changing idea, here’s how you can get funded. Tyrewise has set up three funding streams, so find your lane and get your proposal in gear.
1. The Skunkworks Division (Research & Development)
Got a wild idea scribbled on the back of a coaster? This one’s for you. This stream is focused on research that could unlock real-world benefits from recycled rubber. It covers everything from exploring brand-new concepts to funding large-scale trials for ideas that are ready to prove their viability. They’ll even consider projects that aim to standardise equipment, making it a no-brainer for industry to use recycled materials.
2. The Market Dominator (Emerging Markets)
If you’re past the napkin-scribbling phase and have a product that’s ready to fly, this is your stream. Tyrewise is looking to back innovative applications that are not only economically viable but also deliver a solid environmental benefit. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to clearly show how your project will expand and strengthen the market for recycled tyre products.
3. The Local Hero (Community Development)
This fund is for projects that use recycled rubber to make our public spaces better. Think springy playground surfaces that save kids’ knees, new materials for sports courts, or other awesome upgrades to community facilities. The focus here is squarely on the environmental and social perks your project brings to the community.
How to Get Pole Position
To get your hands on the cash, your Expression of Interest (EOI) needs to be more than just a good idea; it needs to be the complete package. Tyrewise is looking for projects that:
- Clearly boost demand for recycled rubber right here in Aotearoa.
- Deliver measurable green benefits, like reducing emissions or making our roads last longer.
- Help create technical standards and approvals for new and innovative products.
- Align with big-picture goals like the circular economy and sustainable development.
- Foster powerful collaborations between industry, government, and research sectors.
- Support regional development, create Iwi partnerships, or drive social procurement outcomes.
- Are ready for commercialisation or real-world deployment.
- Present a scalable model that could be rolled out across the market.
- Tackle the tough barriers, like public perception, technical feasibility, or cost.
The Chequered Flag is Waving
Don’t stall on the start line. The window for submitting your Expression of Interest is short and sharp.
- Opens: 1 July 2025
- Closes: 29 July 2025This is a golden opportunity to turn a mountain of waste into a monument of Kiwi ingenuity. If you’ve got an idea that could change the game for recycled rubber, get it polished and get it in before the deadline.
