Circular business model through the recycling of scrap tires: A case study in the city of Manaus

Abstract

The article describes a case study of reverse logistics of scrap tires in the city of Manaus. The study concerns a company that transforms scrap tires into new products, closing the production cycle, following the principles of the Circular Economy. The objective is to verify and collect information about the process of reverse logistics of tires in the city of Manaus carried out by a transformation company, whose main production input is scrap tires. In order to achieve the expected result, bibliographic research, searches and consultations of statistical data from official agencies, on-site visits  and interviews with the company's management were carried out, along with observations of the processes. The survey results in several barriers faced by the company in adopting a circular business model. Reverse logistics for the collection of end-of-life tires, in the city of Manaus and in the interior of the State of Amazonas, still faces several logistical bottlenecks for tire collection; There is no greater dissemination or awareness of this service in the production chain and there is a large amount of tires that are not properly disposed of. The study points out a series of opportunities for improvement in the creation and production of various products using tires as the main input.  The reuse of tires emerges as a new Circular business model, for a change of paradigms and culture, combining a more conscious consumption, with a destination aimed at monetizing a waste that would be incorrectly disposed of in the environment.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.003-016