Soundproofing with Recycled Tires: The Guide to the Circular Economy in Construction (2026)

by Marco Arezio | Technical Consultant in Circular Economy: March 2026

— Review based on ETRMA 2025 data, EU EPBD 2024 Directive, CAM Edilizia 2024 regulation and peer-reviewed research in applied acoustics.

The circular economy has profoundly transformed the construction sector over the past few years. While the use of recycled tires in acoustic insulation was still a niche practice in 2020, by 2026 it had become a consolidated technical solution, supported by updated European regulations, verified performance data, and growing market demand driven by the CAM (Minimum Environmental Criteria) and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

According to ETRMA (European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association) data updated to 2024, approximately 3.4 million tons of end-of-life tires (ELTs) are produced in Europe each year. Of these, over 96% is recovered through structured management chains—a percentage that places the sector among the most virtuous within the European circular economy. In Italy, Ecopneus managed approximately 240,000 tons of ELTs in 2024, a significant portion of which was used in the construction industry.

"Recycled rubber from ELTs is now one of the most versatile and sustainable construction materials available on the market : it is no longer an alternative choice, it is an optimal technical choice." — Ecopneus-CNR Report, 2025

In this article we analyze the state of the art as of March 2026: recycling technologies, applications in construction, reference regulations, certified performance and real economic benefits — with a precise look at the margins for improvement still available.

1. Why Recycled Tires in Construction: The Regulatory Framework 2024–2026

The European and Italian regulatory framework has undergone significant changes since 2020, creating increasingly favorable market conditions for the use of recycled materials in construction.

The EPBD 2024 Directive and Building Efficiency

The new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, recast 2024/1275/EU), which entered into force in April 2024, has set ambitious targets for reducing energy consumption in Europe's building stock. By 2030, residential buildings must achieve at least energy efficiency class E, with a progressive advancement towards class D by 2033. This regulatory requirement makes the use of high-performance insulation systems—both thermal and acoustic—essential, leveraging materials such as recycled rubber from end-of-life waste (ELTs) that simultaneously perform both functions.

Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) for Construction — 2024 Update

The Ministerial Decree of June 23, 2022, updated with the 2024 operational guidelines, made the use of CAM Edilizia mandatory for all public construction and renovation contracts. CAM explicitly rewards the use of materials with certified recycled content. Rubber products made from end-of-life materials, thanks to their supply chain traceability (guaranteed in Italy by the Ecopneus system), fully meet CAM requirements—representing a competitive advantage in public tenders.

The European End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation — 2024

The new ELV Regulation, proposed by the European Commission in July 2023 and expected to be definitively adopted in 2025, imposes more stringent reuse and recycling targets for end-of-life vehicles. Among the measures envisaged, the mandatory tire recovery supply chain has been strengthened, ensuring a stable and traceable flow of recycled raw materials for the recycled rubber industry.

2. The Three Technologies for Recycling ELTs: Technical Updates to 2026

The three main tire recycling technologies—mechanical shredding, cryogenic processing, and electrothermal processing (pyrolysis)—have evolved significantly over the five-year period 2020–2025. Here is the updated state of the art.

2.1 Mechanical shredding (dominant process)

It remains the most widely used industrial process for the production of granulates for use in the construction industry. In recent years, the optimization of magnetic separation cycles and dry particle size classification have reduced metallic impurities in the finished product to less than 0.01% by weight (Ecopneus 2024 data), significantly improving the quality of the sheets and mats produced. The grain sizes available on the market today range from coarse grain sizes (50–80 mm) to fine powder (<0.5 mm, known as "micronized crumb rubber"), with a variety of applications.

• Granules 0.5–4 mm: ideal for anti-vibration mats and floor underlays

• Granules 4–10 mm: used in sound-absorbing panels for walls

• Powder < 0.5 mm: mixed with polyurethane binders for high density resilient membranes and layers

• Separated textile fibre: recovered as reinforcement in cementitious composites (new for 2022–2025)

2.2 Cryogenic Process

The cryogenic process with liquid nitrogen has gained market share due to the superior surface quality of the produced granulate—with sharp edges and improved adhesion to binders—proving preferred for high-precision applications such as resilient strips for plumbing and sanitary systems. Energy costs, once the main disadvantage, have been reduced by 20–25% thanks to optimized cooling cycles and heat recovery (industry data, 2023–2024).

2.3 Electrothermal Process and Pyrolysis — News 2022–2026

The tire pyrolysis process has seen significant technological and regulatory development in recent years. In addition to traditional devulcanization, new advanced pyrolysis plants allow for the simultaneous recovery of pyrolysis oil (as a fuel or chemical feedstock), regenerated carbon black (rCB), and process gases. In 2023, ASTM International published the first technical standards for pyrolysis carbon black (rCB), paving the way for its certification as a raw material for new elastomers—with potential impact on the still-expanding chemical circular economy. In the construction industry, electrothermally devulcanized rubber is used in the production of high-performance elastomeric membranes and sealants.

3. Applications in Construction: Products, Performance and Technical Regulations

Recycled rubber products for construction have become significantly more diverse. Today, certified solutions are available for virtually every layer of the building package—from floors to walls, from technical joints to roofing.

3.1 Resilient Underlays for Impact Sound Insulation

Resilient underlay made from recycled rubber remains the industry's leading product. When incorporated into floating screeds, it blocks the transmission of impact sound between floors. Performance is certified according to EN ISO 10140-3 and EN ISO 717-2 (Lw, weighted impact sound pressure level). High-end products available in 2026 achieve ΔLw values of up to 30–34 dB for thicknesses of 10–12 mm—outperforming traditional expanded polyethylene underlays of the same thickness.

Key technical data: An 8 mm recycled rubber mat with a density of 450 kg/m³ guarantees a reduction in impact sound ΔLw ≥ 25 dB. The same performance with expanded polyethylene requires 30–40% greater thicknesses.

3.2 Panels and Sheets for Partition Walls

Recycled rubber composite panels (single or multilayer, combined with rock wool or plasterboard) are classified according to EN ISO 10140-2 for soundproofing walls. When combined with drywall systems (plasterboard walls on a metal frame), they achieve Rw (weighted sound reduction index) values of up to 55–60 dB without significantly increasing the wall's mass—a significant advantage in renovations where structural loads are limited.

3.3 Perimeter and Anti-Vibration Bands

Recycled rubber strips for the perimeter installation of floating screeds and for insulating plumbing pipes have become standard elements in updated technical specifications. The UNI 11516:2014 standard (and subsequent amendments) regulates resilient strips for floating screeds in Italy, providing designers with a precise technical guideline.

3.4 Loose Granules for Complex Geometries

For challenging construction situations—foundations, uneven attics, and interstitial spaces during renovations—loose recycled rubber granulates offer a flexible and easy-to-install solution. Poured and compacted into a uniform layer, they achieve performance comparable to preformed products when combined with load-distributing layers of fiber cement or OSB panels.

3.5 Elastomeric Membranes — Market News 2023–2025

One of the most exciting innovations for the 2023–2025 period is the introduction to the Italian and European markets of elastomeric waterproofing membranes with up to 60% recycled rubber by mass from end-of-life (ELTs), certified for use on flat roofs. These products combine waterproofing, thermal insulation, and acoustic dampening in a single layer, meeting the need for integrated solutions with a low embodied carbon footprint (certified EPDs available).

4. Performance and Technical Benefits: Updated Data 2024–2026

The intrinsic technical characteristics of recycled rubber from ELTs have been confirmed over time, with new durability data available thanks to tests on real installations — some of which now date back over 15 years.

Certified technical features

• High elasticity and resilience (rebound > 50% at room temperature according to ISO 4662)

• Resistance to impact and permanent deformation (compression set < 25% at 70°C)

• Resistance to mould and microorganisms (compliant with EN ISO 846)

• Thermal stability: from -40°C to +100°C without performance degradation

• Resistance to humidity and water (absorption < 2% by weight)

• UV resistance (no degradation in protected applications)

• Resistance to acids and solvents commonly found in construction

• Maintenance of acoustic performance over time: studies on installations 2005–2020 confirm < 5% decay over 15 years (Fraunhofer IBP, 2022)

• Carbon footprint reduced by 30–45% compared to equivalents produced from virgin raw materials (certified EPD data, 2023–2024)

Durability confirmed: A longitudinal study conducted by Fraunhofer IBP (Germany, 2022) on 47 installations of recycled rubber mats built between 2005 and 2010 found an average decay in sound insulation performance of less than 5% after 12–17 years of operation — a performance superior to that of expanded PE mats from the same period.

5. Comparison with Alternative Materials: Analysis Updated to 2026

Comparisons between available acoustic insulation materials today must take into account not only technical performance, but also certified environmental impact (LCA, EPD), life cycle cost (LCC), and compliance with CAM (Environmental Assessment and Evaluation Criteria).

Source: Processed on declared EPD data, ETRMA 2024, EN ISO 10140, Fraunhofer IBP laboratory tests 2022.

6. Economic Aspects: Cost, LCC and Life Cycle Value

From an economic standpoint, recycled rubber from end-of-life tires (ELTs) has seen significant growth in recent years. Prices for 2026 average:

• Standard mats (6–10 mm, 300–450 kg/m³): €4.50–9.00/m²

• Wall panels (20–40 mm, composite): €12–22/m²

• Loose granules (25 kg bags): €1.80–2.50/kg

• Perimeter strips (50 m rolls): €1.20–2.00/ml

Compared to 2020, prices increased by 12–18% in nominal terms (mainly due to 2022–2023 energy inflation), but remained competitive in real terms thanks to rising costs also for alternative materials and the efficiency of production processes.

However, a comparison of life cycle costs (LCC) over 20–30 years reverses the perspective: the performance stability of recycled rubber over time—documented by longitudinal studies—significantly reduces replacement and maintenance costs compared to expanded PE mats, making the material competitive or superior over the time horizon of an entire building life cycle.

Incentives available through 2026: Renovations using CAM-compliant materials are eligible for the tax deductions provided by the Renovation Bonus (50%) and, for integrated energy efficiency interventions, the 65% Ecobonus. Recycled rubber materials from end-of-life vehicles (ELTs), as certified recycled materials, meet the eligibility requirements.

7. How to Specify Recycled Rubber in a Specification: A Practical Guide

For technical professionals (architects, engineers, construction managers), the correct inclusion of recycled rubber from ELTs in a technical specification requires the specification of some fundamental parameters:

Parameters to be specified in the specifications

• Origin of the material: granulate from PFU compliant with Legislative Decree 152/2006 and subsequent amendments, with certified supply chain traceability (e.g. Ecopneus or equivalent body)

• Grain size: specify the grain size class (e.g. 0.5–4 mm, 4–10 mm) based on the application

• Density: indicate the range in kg/m³ (typically 300–600 kg/m³ for walking mats)

• Certified acoustic performance: request ΔLw value certified according to EN ISO 10140-3, with test report issued by an accredited laboratory

• Recycled content: minimum percentage by weight of recycled PFU (recommended ≥ 85%)

• EPD (Environmental Product Declaration): request a third-party EPD compliant with EN 15804+A2 to verify the declared environmental impact

• CAM Compliance: declaration of compliance with the Minimum Environmental Criteria Ministerial Decree of 23 June 2022

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Soundproofing with Recycled Tires

Do recycled rubber mattresses emit harmful substances?

No. Granules and products made from recycled rubber from ELTs intended for the construction industry are subject to emissions tests (VOCs, heavy metals) in accordance with European regulations. Products that comply with EN standards and bear the CE marking have emission levels well below legal limits and are considered safe for use in residential environments. REACH certification and the CE marking are the reference guarantees for professionals.

How long does a recycled rubber mattress last?

Available longitudinal studies (including the Fraunhofer IBP 2022 study on installations from 2005 to 2010) indicate a practical durability exceeding 30 years under normal conditions of use, with a decline in acoustic performance of less than 5% over 15 years. Vulcanized rubber is inherently resistant to permanent compression, moisture, and biological agents—characteristics that make it particularly suitable for incorporation into screeds and long-term construction packages.

Is it possible to use recycled rubber in renovations without demolishing the floors?

Yes, through drywall solutions. Composite panels made of recycled rubber combined with plasterboard or fiber cement allow for acoustic improvement of walls and ceilings without invasive demolition. For floors, raised systems with a resilient recycled rubber layer are available that limit the elevation to just 15–25 mm, compatible with most existing door thicknesses.

Is recycled rubber from ELTs considered waste?

No, after the recycling process compliant with Legislative Decree 152/2006 and the European harmonized technical specifications, ELT granulate is classified as secondary raw material (SRM), no longer as waste. In Italy, the Ecopneus system guarantees supply chain traceability from collection to production of certified material, with related non-waste documentation.

What is the difference between sound absorption and sound insulation in recycled rubber?

These are two distinct functions. Sound insulation (or sound reduction power, R) is the ability of an element to reduce the transmission of noise between two spaces—typically measured for walls. Sound absorption (α coefficient) is the ability of a material to absorb sound energy within a space, reducing reverberation. Recycled rubber underlays function primarily as impact sound insulation (reducing the transmission of structure-borne noise) and as resilient decoupling layers. For interior sound absorption, products with an open-cell structure and porous surfaces are used.

Conclusions: Recycled Rubber from ELTs by 2026 — No Longer an Alternative, But a Standard

The journey from 2020 to 2026 has transformed recycled rubber from end-of-life tires from a niche solution to a fully developed, technically documented, and normally specified construction material.

Three converging factors explain this evolution: the technological maturation of recycling processes with product performance verified over the long term; the strengthening of the European and Italian regulatory framework (EPBD 2024, CAM 2024, ELV 2025) which incentivizes and partially mandates the use of recycled materials in public procurement and subsidized renovations; and the growing demand for sustainable construction, driven by the PNRR and the environmental awareness of clients and professionals.

There remains room for improvement—particularly in the standardization of test methods for composite products and the dissemination of third-party EPDs by smaller manufacturers—but the market is moving in the right direction. Choosing recycled rubber from ELTs for acoustic insulation today means making an optimal technical choice, economically competitive over the life cycle, and fully consistent with the principles of the circular economy that Europe has placed at the heart of its construction agenda.

Sources and References

• ETRMA — European Tire & Rubber Manufacturers Association, Annual Market Report 2024

• Ecopneus, Sustainability Report 2024, Milan

• Fraunhofer IBP, "Long-term acoustic performance of recycled rubber underlays" (2022), Stuttgart

• Directive 2024/1275/EU (EPBD recast) — Energy performance of buildings

• Ministerial Decree of 23 June 2022 — Minimum Environmental Criteria for Construction (CAM Edilizia), updated 2024

• EN ISO 10140 — Acoustics: Laboratory measurement of sound insulation of building elements

• EN ISO 717-2 — Rating of sound insulation in buildings: Impact sound insulation

• UNI 11516:2014 — Floating screeds: requirements and test methods

• Ecopneus-CNR, Technical report on the use of ELTs in construction, 2025

• ASTM International, Standard specification for recovered carbon black (rCB), 2023

Note: The market data presented is based on public sources and industry reports available as of March 2026. For specific applications, always consult a qualified technician and request updated product certifications.