Firm turns old tyres into new soles
By Cheryl Tan
OLD tyres are set to be big business in Singapore — In the shoe trade.As a first step, the shoes, which feature soles made of recycled tyres, will be marketed here under the brand-name US Roads.
If the product takes off here, Its Australian-based distributor for South-east Asia, Northwlch International, has plans to open a factory here to make the shoes.
Mr William Tan, 48, the managing director of the company, said: "Our main factory now Is in Spain, but we intend to expand Into this region and set up a factory here after we find retailers for the product."
The company claims that the shoes are environmentally friendly in practically every aspect.
Apart from the fact that the soles are made out of recycled tyres, the shoes are packed in boxes made of recycled material and several brochures, posters and catalogues are manufactured from recycled paper.
Mr Tan said the company felt that the time was ripe to introduce the shoes here as younger Asians are becoming more aware of environmental problems.
He said: "At present, old tyres In this region are either being used as fenders for boats and jetties or destroyed b~ burning.
"Our factory here will make better use of them and reduce the amount of pollution caused by burning tyres." He estimated that 10 pairs of shoes could be made out of an average car tyre. A big tractor tyre can yield between 25 and 30 pairs.
He expects the shoes to rack up between $16 million and $24 million sales a year.
Apart fro n shoes, the brand also covet a line of bags and belts, parts of which are made out of recycled tyres as well.
The products were launched In Europe, Canada and the United States in July 1991. The shoes, bags and belts will be introduced at a trade fair here in October.
The shoes, tentatively priced at between $100 and $200 a pair, are not cheap. But, said Mr Tan, the shoes will last up to three times longer than an average pair.
He said: "The soles of these shoes are more durable than the average ones made of leather because tyres are, after Ill made to last at least 50,000 km on the road."
Source : The Straits Times 3rd May 1993
Recycling Point Dot Com
(C) 2000 All Rights Reserved