Waste-to-Value Approach: Environmental and Economic Analysis of Using Scrap Tyres in Decorative Wall and Pavement Tile Production
Nwosu, Oluchi Ulunma
Abstract
The escalating accumulation of scrap tyres poses a critical environmental hazard, particularly in urban centers where waste management infrastructure remains inadequate. This research adopts a waste-to-value strategy by repurposing end-of-life tyres into functional components for the fabrication of decorative wall and pavement tiles. The study evaluates both the environmental and economic implications of substituting traditional raw materials with crumb rubber derived from discarded tyres. Tiles were manufactured using a compression moulding technique, with different proportions of rubber content, and subsequently assessed for compressive strength, flexural resistance, and water absorption properties. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework was applied to measure the environmental performance, while a cost-benefit analysis compared the financial viability of rubber-based tiles against standard ceramic equivalents. Findings indicate that rubber-modified tiles exhibit satisfactory mechanical properties and demonstrate environmental advantages, especially in terms of reduced energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, the reuse of tyre waste significantly decreased production costs, providing a cost-efficient option for infrastructure and decorative applications. The process also supports urban sustainability goals by reducing tyre-related pollution, advancing material circularity, and fostering job creation in eco-industrial ventures. The study advocates for the integration of tyre-derived tiles into Nigeria’s broader circular economy and sustainable construction initiatives.
Keywords
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