A tyre and waste recycling company, FREEE Recycle, is recycling tyres into high-quality products in a move to address environmental pollution.
Globally, tyre waste contributes to ocean pollution, with tyres breaking down into harmful microplastics. In countries like the United States and the Netherlands, smart recycling policies have transformed how tyre waste is managed.
Every year, over 280 million tyres reach the end of their useful life globally, with only a fraction—around 30 million—being retreaded or reused. The remaining 250 million scrap tyres often end up in landfills or illegal dumpsites, contributing significantly to environmental pollution. Tyre waste is not only an eyesore but also a long-term ecological hazard, taking hundreds of years to decompose and releasing harmful microplastics into oceans and ecosystems.
In Nigeria, the tyre waste crisis mirrors this global challenge. An estimated 113,000 tons of waste tyres were generated in 2017 alone, with limited recycling solutions in place. This growing problem contributes to pollution, poses health risks, and clogs landfills. However, innovative solutions are emerging, with companies like FREEE Recycle leading the charge.
Hence, FREEE Recycle has unveiled its latest product—the ÀJÀLÁ Tote and Laptop Bags. These durable, stylish accessories are crafted from 80% recycled materials, turning what was once waste into functional fashion. Named after the Yoruba word for “traveler,” the ÀJÀLÁ bags symbolize movement, transformation, and sustainability.
Speaking on this, founder of FREEE Recycle, Ifedolapo Runsewe said, ‘We believe waste doesn’t have to be the end of the road; it can be the start of something new.’ She added that “The ÀJÀLÁ bags prove that recycling can be both practical and stylish. We are giving old tyres a second life, tackling Nigeria’s waste problem and supporting a cleaner planet.”
These bags are designed for people who value both function and fashion. Weather-resistant and long-lasting, they offer a sustainable alternative to traditional bags without compromising on style or durability. She hinted that, the launch of the ÀJÀLÁ bags is a part of a larger commitment to sustainable waste management.
The company aims to recycle over 5 million tyres annually, significantly reducing pollution and setting a new standard for sustainable manufacturing in Africa. Beyond bags, recycled tyres can be repurposed into products like pyrolysis oil, rubber-modified asphalt, and even drinking water tanks, offering diverse applications that benefit both the economy and the environment.
For consumers, the ÀJÀLÁ bags represent an opportunity to make eco-friendly choices without sacrificing quality or design. In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, products like these allow individuals to align their purchasing decisions with their values.
