A new method may allow for the greater reuse of rubber from used tires in the creation of new products. Researchers at the Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute have found that treating ground tire rubber with potassium permanganate improves its ability to stick to new rubber. This development, from a research and technological institute in Tehran specializing in polymers and petrochemistry, could help solve one of the major challenges in tire recycling: the difficulty of incorporating large amounts of recycled rubber into new products without compromising their performance. The method was detailed in a study published in September 2026 in the journal Scientific Reports. Each year, about one billion tires reach the end of their useful life globally, according to the Tire Industry Project (TIP), an international effort involving major tire manufacturers focused on the environmental effects of tires and their disposal. TIP did not take part in this particular research. The Iranian researchers estimate that by 2030, around 1.2 billion used tires could be generated annually. Because of their high volume and non-biodegradable nature, managing these tires is a significant challenge. The researchers believe this new technique provides "a concrete path for higher value-added utilization of ground tire rubber." Youssouf Ali, an independent environmentalist from Cameroon, notes that used tires are currently being repurposed in various ways. However, the process of recycling them into new products remains limited due to technical challenges. The new method from Iran may offer a more effective solution, allowing for better integration of recycled rubber into new materials. This could lead to more sustainable practices in the tire industry, reducing the environmental impact of tire disposal. The potential impact of this research could extend beyond tire recycling. By improving the adhesion of recycled rubber, the method might open new avenues for using recycled materials in other industries that rely on rubber, such as automotive, construction, and consumer goods. The study highlights the importance of continued innovation in recycling technologies, especially as global demand for sustainable materials increases.