Drive down any Tennessee highway and you’ll find evidence of progress: expanding roadways, emerging industrial plants, and growing logistics hubs. What you won’t easily find are the thousands of used tires abandoned behind facilities or hidden in out-of-sight stockpiles — all quietly awaiting a solution.
Instead of being left to decay, used tires are increasingly being repurposed into tire-derived fuel (TDF) for energy-hungry industries. Across the country, TDF applications are proving to be cost-effective, sustainable alternatives… and Tennessee is embracing the trend.
Nationally, industry leaders and market reports highlight TDF as a critical tool in reducing waste and diversifying energy. A report from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association noted, “the largest market for end-of-life tires returned to Tire Derived Fuel (TDF) in 2023 with a nearly 11% increase in the TDF market” [at 33%].
In Tennessee, where industrial growth and energy demand continue to rise, TDF is poised to play an important role in the state’s renewable future.
What Is Tire-Derived Fuel?
Tire-Derived Fuel (TDF) is created by shredding scrap tires into “chips” that can be safely blended with other fuels like coal, wood, or natural gas. The result is a high-BTU fuel source that burns hotter than coal, with lower emissions, making it attractive for industries with high energy needs.
Given their unique composition, tires hold an exceptionally high energy content, enabling TDF to deliver the steady, powerful output that industrial facilities depend on to operate efficiently.
Industries that utilize TDF include:
Electric utilities – TDF supplements coal and natural gas to reduce reliance on volatile energy markets
Cement kilns – TDF provides consistent, high-heat output needed for production
Paper mills – TDF helps stabilize costs by offsetting fossil fuel consumption
Steel mills – TDF is used in blast furnaces and steel production processes as a supplemental fuel source
TDF in Tennessee
Tennessee is uniquely positioned to benefit from the ever-expanding adoption of tire-derived fuel. The state’s industrial base — from its cement plants to paper mills and large-scale manufacturing facilities — demands a steady supply of reliable, cost-effective energy. At the same time, Tennessee’s logistics hubs, fleets, and tire retailers generate countless used tires each year, creating a natural supply chain that can be redirected from landfills and illegal dumps into energy markets.
This shift also addresses some of the state’s most pressing environmental concerns. Illegal dumping remains a persistent issue in rural counties, draining resources and creating public health hazards. By developing strong end markets for scrap tires through TDF, Tennessee can ease the burden on local governments, cut cleanup costs, and promote public health.
With the EPA and state agencies signaling growing support for sustainable fuel alternatives, new investments and grant opportunities are emerging, making Tennessee well-positioned to turn waste into energy.
Traxion Materials: Advancing TDF Innovation
At Traxion Materials, we see every tire as untapped energy.
Through our Tire LifeCycle Network, we’ve created a framework that not only manages tire collection responsibly but also connects those tires to new energy opportunities. This means scrap tires collected across Tennessee can directly support industries that rely on high-output, cost-effective energy, including TDF.
Our strength lies in building the connections that make TDF practical and scalable.
With logistics routes spanning the state, we ensure a steady supply of scrap tires moves efficiently, wherever needed most. Our zero-landfill commitment keeps every tire in motion. Beyond logistics, we collaborate with manufacturers and facilities to empower TDF integration.
The growth of TDF represents a turning point in how Tennessee – and our country – can manage tire waste and fuel industrial progress simultaneously.
At Traxion Materials, we’re proud to play a role in this momentum.
By transforming discarded tires into reliable energy, we’re fueling a stronger economy: powering Tennessee’s growth sustainably while opening doors for innovation across the Southeast and beyond.
Connect with Traxion today to explore how your business can participate in the tire-derived fuel (TDF) movement.