Pretred: Transforming Infrastructure with Sustainable Solutions
COMPANY SIZE
20 People
DATE FOUNDED
September 2020
LOCATION
Aurora, CO
FUN FACT
Pretred’s CEO is a former professional kart racer
Their mission:
Be a world leader of waste-to-value industrial products
What inspired Pretred to focus on repurposing recycled tires into safety barriers and other products?
While fly fishing in a Colorado river, Pretred Founder and CEO Eric Davis encountered a disheartening sight: discarded tires polluting the pristine landscape. This sparked a pivotal question: “How can we make a difference?” Driven to find a solution, Davis immersed himself in understanding the waste tire crisis. He discovered that the vast majority of discarded tires in the U.S. end up burned or buried, a practice he knew had to change. He assembled a talented team of entrepreneurs, engineers, and tire recycling experts. Together, they developed a sustainable solution: the Pretred recycled rubber barrier.
This innovative product not only addresses the waste tire problem by utilizing significant volumes of discarded tires, but also offers another substantial environmental advantage. Compared to traditional concrete barriers, Pretred barriers boast a 283% lower carbon footprint, making them a powerful tool in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable infrastructure. The recycled rubber barriers have a multitude of applications including construction projects, sporting/event venues, airports, parking facilities, utilities, transportation, oil and and gas, cities/municipalities as well as roadways.
283%
lower carbon footprint
How do Pretred’s solutions integrate with or support existing infrastructure in industries like transportation or construction?
Pretred’s solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate with and support existing infrastructure in both the transportation and construction industries. Pretred recycled rubber barriers can be used as direct replacements for traditional concrete or plastic barriers in most applications. The products are engineered to meet or exceed industry standards and regulations, such as MASH-16 TL-2 for crash barriers. This ensures compatibility with existing safety requirements and engineering specifications, making them readily acceptable for use. Pretred’s barriers are designed to enhance safety with their ability to absorb and disperse impact energy more effectively than traditional barricade products. Unlike rigid concrete, rubber barriers have a high level of flexibility, won’t shatter under impact and are easier to install and reposition (enhancing safety for workers). The durability of recycled rubber can also translate to lower maintenance requirements over time, reducing costs and minimizing disruptions for repairs which improve project efficiency.
By using recycled materials and reducing manufacturing emissions, Pretred’s solutions help transportation and construction projects reduce their carbon footprint and meet their sustainability goals. Pretred is committed to innovation and hopes to help drive further advancements in sustainable infrastructure materials and practices.
In essence, Pretred’s solutions offer a cost competitive, high-performing, easily integrated and sustainable alternative to traditional materials, supporting the evolution of transportation and construction practices toward a more environmentally responsible future.
What role do you see Pretred playing in the shift toward a circular economy, and how do you plan to scale your impact in the future?
Pretred is poised to play a key role in the shift toward a circular economy. As Pretred vertically integrates its operations over the next year, the company will achieve full circularity, bringing whole waste tires into its facility and transforming them onsite into high-value end use industrial products. The company will have a take-back program and be able to recycle their barriers back into new barriers. This vertically integrated, fully circular model will fuel Pretred’s expansion to at least five national and two international locations, significantly amplifying its impact.
Furthermore, the company is currently working on a strategic partnership with the State of Colorado to develop a model “circular playbook” for tire waste management, a resource that other states and even countries will be able to adopt. Pretred’s approach offers a more streamlined and effective solution than current Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for tires.
Pretred has the ability to help transform the business model for states so that they can use tire waste for economic development. The company is committed to educating and advocating for circular economy principles within its industry and beyond. By sharing knowledge, case studies, and best practices, Pretred aims to inspire the adoption of similar practices by other states and countries, maximizing its impact. This includes actively engaging with policymakers to advocate for regulations that support and incentivize circular economy initiatives.
For investors interested in supporting your mission, what avenues or opportunities are available for engagement and investment?
Pretred’s current investors provide financial as well as strategic support, contributing to our mission and long-term growth. Pretred is always looking to establish and maintain great relationships with both current and potential investors. The company welcomes interest from those who would like to engage with Pretred to explore financial or strategic opportunities. Investors interested in supporting our mission are encouraged to reach out to discuss potential avenues for collaboration and investment.
