The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on a project plant dedicated to the recycling of waste tyres in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to a statement from UTT, T&T accumulates over 1.5 million waste tyres annually, which has an economic and environmental impact on our quality of life. The project aims to utilise research which facilitates the use of discarded tyres to create products which supply the downstream rubber-based industry.

It was also stated that: “The plant is currently being built at UTT San Fernando Campus and will run for the next two years, in the first instance. The University and CARIRI will pool resources related to manpower and research capabilities, in attempts to create products which will increase the availability of specific rubber-based products locally and internationally, increase employment, and be commercially viable.”