Fenner Conveyors leads first-of-its-kind conveyor belt recycling initiative for Gladstone Ports Corporation

Fenner coordinated the recovery and recycling pathway for decommissioned conveyor belts from the Port of Gladstone, where GPC operates 65 conveyor systems and more than 48 kilometres of installed conveyor belting.

Through Fenner's circular belting solution, end-of-life conveyor belts are diverted from landfill, transported to Tyrecycle's Brisbane facility for processing, and repurposed into new rubber products.

In June, six conveyor belts totalling 122 tonnes were removed from the Port of Gladstone and returned to Tyrecycle's Brisbane facility before being sent to Tyrecycle Somerton for further processing into feedstock for local use.

Independent analysis commissioned by Tyrecycle estimated the recycling of these belts saved more than 190 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Fenner Conveyors Sales and Marketing Executive General Manager Trevor Svenson said the project showed how industry could turn conveyor belt waste into a local circular economy opportunity.

"Every organisation that begins recycling its belts is contributing to a growing circular economy, supporting local manufacturing, creating jobs and reducing waste," Mr Svenson said.

"GPC's involvement is an important step in proving this model can work at scale for major industrial sites. We are proud to help deliver a solution that is practical, efficient and genuinely circular," he said.

The recovered material supports the development of Fenner's InfinitySeries conveyor belting, which incorporates recycled rubber materials, including reclaimed conveyor belts, into new belt construction.

A GPC spokesperson said the initiative provided a long-sought recycling pathway for used conveyor belts.

"Our teams have been working through options for some time, so to have a genuine, data-backed recycling solution is a great step forward," the spokesperson said.

Tyrecycle Head of Trading, Mining and Strategic Development Ashley Battilana said the project proved the Fenner-Tyrecycle circular belting solution in practice.

"The one-in, one-out logistics model removed double handling, reduced supply chain costs and enabled recycling to be completed in Australia within three days of the belt being removed from service," Mr Battilana said.

Fenner Conveyors remains committed to expanding belt recycling efforts nationwide and partnering with customers to embed circular economy principles into everyday operations.

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About

Fenner Conveyors, A Michelin Group Company, is a supplier of high performing, engineered conveyor solutions. Their trusted brands are recognised globally for providing innovative products and services that solve complex challenges and support sustainable growth. Over 150 years of heritage and innovation have shaped the company into the trusted leader it is today. Through strategic acquisitions and continuous investment in proprietary polymer composite technologies, Fenner Conveyors now offers the most comprehensive conveyor solutions in Australia - a breadth and depth unmatched in the market.

Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) is a Queensland Government Owned Corporation and Port Authority responsible for managing and operating the Ports of Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Maryborough. Through Strategy 2030, GPC is committed to safe, sustainable and efficient port operations that support trade, industry and communities across Queensland.

Tyrecycle, which is part of the ResourceCo Group, is Australia's leading tyre recycling company, dedicated to transforming end-of-life tyres into valuable recycled materials that reduce landfill waste and support sustainability. Tyrecycle utilises innovative technologies and extensive expertise to collect and process millions of passenger, truck, and mining tyres every year.