April 8, 2026 – The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) today marked a significant milestone in its award-winning Rubber Crumb project with a formal Handover Ceremony, distributing recycled rubber crumb material to a select group of industry and research partners for testing, innovation and commercial application.
The ceremony represents a critical step in advancing CARIRI’s mission to transform waste tyres, long considered an environmental hazard, into valuable economic resources that support sustainable development, innovation and industrial growth in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Rubber Crumb project addresses the pressing issue of improper tyre disposal, which contributes to environmental degradation, blocked waterways and the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. By converting waste tyres into reusable material, the initiative promotes a circular economy approach while unlocking new opportunities across multiple sectors.
“Today’s handover is more than symbolic, it signals the transition from research to real-world application,” Hans-Erich Schulz, Chief Executive Officer of CARIRI noted. “We are now engaging key stakeholders to explore, test and refine innovative uses for rubber crumb that can drive both environmental and economic impact.”
Rubber crumb offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- Reduced environmental and public health risks associated with discarded tyres
- Promotion of recycling as a sustainable waste management solution
- Enhanced road durability through rubberized asphalt, with improved resistance to cracking, temperature fluctuations and aging
- Opportunities for value-added manufacturing and industrial development
- Creation of new businesses, jobs and income streams
- Potential for foreign exchange earnings through exports
- Support for economic diversification and long-term sustainability
The Handover Ceremony was conducted with the participation of Senator Dr. the Honourable Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development, who joined CARIRI in presenting the rubber crumb to the selected recipients.
Minister Swaratsingh stated “This is a bold step in a general business culture where tradition and playing safe seem to be the modus operandi. We will never attain our full potential playing that way. In addition, Research and Development, R&D, is also a feature sorely lacking in Trinidad and Tobago.” He went on to congratulate CARIRI and noted “Your vision, grit and dedication in this multiple award-winning initiative have brought us to an interesting point at the intersection of environmental responsibility, industrial innovation and economic transformation in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The recipients represent a cross-section of academia, industry and enterprise, each tasked with exploring innovative applications of the material:
- Lee Leon, The UWI St Augustine Civil Engineering.
- Steve Ramkissoon, Lake Asphalt of Trinidad and Tobago.
- Aziz Ramsingh, Caribbean Glass.
- Luke Hernandez, ATHLAB Training Arena.
- Ria Ramdeen, The Trinidad & Tobago Solid Waste Management Co. Ltd.
- Sanjay Ramnanan, Exquisite Dental.
- Lebert Grierson, The UWI St Augustine Physics Department.
- Jethro John, Centerfire Advanced Security Solutions.
These partnerships will enable practical testing across diverse use cases, from infrastructure and manufacturing to sports facilities and environmental management.
CARIRI emphasized that this phase of the project is essential to building a strong business case for commercial-scale production, while fostering a culture of research, development and innovation in Trinidad and Tobago.
The Rubber Crumb project aligns with national priorities for economic transformation, environmental stewardship and the expansion of non-energy industries. It also reflects CARIRI’s continued commitment to supporting applied research and enabling private sector participation in innovation-driven development.
As the initiative moves forward, CARIRI is encouraging additional stakeholders, including manufacturers, construction firms and investors, to engage with the project and explore opportunities within this emerging industry.
About CARIRI
The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) is a leading research and development organization dedicated to fostering innovation, supporting industrial growth and advancing sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.