FCS3

Section 1 Summary

Time and resource constraints may slow manufacturer progress. Beginning the use of crumb rubber requires adjusting current manufacturing practices due to odor, color transfer and production logistics considerations. The allocation of limited CalRecycle resources under FCS must be highly effectively and equitable. Limiting the ability to work with existing TDP manufacturers who are vested in the industry because they have received a grant, technical assistance, TIP or FCS may reduce the number of qualified TIP eligible FCS candidates due to constraints on time to secure them and then time to develop newly designed feedstock conversion tire-derived products. It is anticipated that 5 – 7 candidates is a realistic number of feedstock conversion candidates based on criteria for the selection of new or current TDP manufacturers to include a larger incentive toward technical and material testing services. Understanding how much budget expended toward technical and material testing is enough of an incentive to a manufacturer who is being asked to replace a minimum of five percent of their existing raw material. Material may not be available if other markets consume the size of rubber that is needed to develop a TDP. Initially in FCS, TDM suppliers would only sell full trailer load of crumb rubber due to their demand for rubber. Delays in the Agreement Process with CalRecycle may hinder the ability of the manufacturer to develop the proposed feedstock conversion product in a timely manner. Expectation of Information that CalRecycle expects in the final report, test reports, case studies, etc. and what the manufacturer will agree to could make a difference in which manufacturer wants to participate in FCS. Manufacturers see their information as confidential and do not want it published.

Regular, ongoing communication keeps responsible parties focused on progress deadlines and allows for needed adjustments. Experience allows us to anticipate issues and plan, accordingly, alerting production staff to potential issues. The Activity Plan Summary Report clearly justifies proposed resource allocation among participating firms, tied to anticipated results. Revise and update the potential candidate list of those companies that use virgin rubber, plastic or other material and address which manufacturers have the equipment to Manufacturer the feedstock conversion TDP. Initial qualifying can be performed by phone. Experience has shown that it takes about 40 hours to qualify and build the relationship with one NEW potential eligible candidate that has not used crumb rubber previously or considered crumb rubber replacement for a portion of their existing raw material feedstock. The manufacturers also question whether the incentive to assist with the technical and testing budget warrants their time, equipment, money and investment to alter their product. Previous experience dealing with manufacturers and their constraints and capabilities indicates that this level of replacement of raw material is reasonable. Address with CalRecycle utilizing larger particle sizes than crumb rubber (coarser than 1/4”) to increase volume of use of recycled tire rubber in feedstock conversion projects. Work with CalRecycle during the initial agreement phase to address any issues and limit changes to the Agreement. We need to provide a list of what information the manufacturer is going to be required to provide to the Contractor that is over and above providing technical and testing and certification services and those associated costs.

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