Every year, around **2 billion tires** are manufactured worldwide, and a similar amount is improperly disposed of, accumulating in **dumps, rivers, and landfills**. This volume poses one of the greatest challenges of the circular economy, as only **15% of rubber tires** are currently recycled.
In the face of this issue, innovative alternatives are emerging that turn waste into useful inputs. A prominent example is **Liquitech CauchoGoma**, a **waterproofing agent for roofs and exterior surfaces** made from recycled rubber tires, developed by the Argentine company **MERCLIN**.
*”What used to be waste is now part of sustainable solutions applicable to coverings and surfaces exposed to the elements,”* explains Ariel Maya, the company’s CEO.
## From waste to resource: how the waterproofing agent is manufactured
The process includes:
– **Collection of discarded tires** by recyclers
– **Micro-shredding and homogenization** of the rubber
– Integration with **acrylic resins and polyurethanes**
– Results in a **resistant, walkable, and highly adhesive product**
For every **100 m² of waterproofing**, between **150 and 200 kg of tires** are processed, preventing them from contaminating the environment.
## Applications and technical advantages in construction
The product adheres firmly to various surfaces:
– **Concrete, metal, wood, asphalt membranes, and previous coatings**
– Applied with a **brush, roller, or trowel**, in crossed hands
– Forms a **continuous, flexible, non-slip, and weather-resistant film**
With an estimated performance of **1–1.5 kg per m²** and **drying times between 4 and 24 hours**, the product offers a competitive solution for both **private homes and industrial facilities**. Its lifespan **exceeds 10 years**.
## Environmental, energy, and health benefits
– Reduces the use of **petroleum-derived materials**
– Avoids polluting emissions from the decomposition or burning of rubber
– Reduces health risks, such as mosquito breeding in abandoned tires
– Improves **thermal and acoustic insulation**: in light tones, **reduces interior temperature by up to 20%**
– Its flexibility withstands structural movements and **extreme weather conditions**
## Recycled rubber: a growing option in architecture
– The waterproofing segment represents **18% of the architectural paint market**
– Rubber-based products already account for **7% of total waterproofing**, and their use is growing due to their **versatility, efficiency, and ecological profile**
## A circular solution with concrete impact
This innovation demonstrates that it is possible to **integrate recycling, technical performance, and sustainability** into a single product.
Without depending on non-renewable resources or polluting methods, it transforms an **environmental liability** into a **tool for resilient and ecological construction**.
