From Recycling Today – February 25, 2025
The Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise (C3 Enterprise) has awarded a multiyear $11.2 million grant to Pretred Inc., an Aurora, Colorado-based company that produces barriers out of scrap tires. The grant supports the expansion of Pretred’s operations to process scrap tires into crumb rubber.
The Circular Economy Development Center recommended the project after spending more than a year assessing Pretred’s business model, partnerships, financial viability and product safety. Pretred’s expansion is estimated to turn four million scrap tires from across Colorado into 30,000 barriers each year. The barriers are designed to last for decades and are safe to use on roadways (TL-2), construction sites, erosion and flood control, pedestrian paths, landscaping design and parking, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) says. The barriers can be processed back into crumb rubber at end-of-life.
“Establishing circular economy solutions not only keeps materials out of landfills today but also creates jobs and protects our environment for future generations,” says Laurie Johnson, CEO of Circular Colorado and director of the Circular Economy Development Center. “The Circular Economy Development Center is delighted to be part of this groundbreaking work.”