Pirelli Plans to Use Rice Husk to Make ‘Green’ Tyres
By Katherine Clarkson
Pirelli has confirmed its commitment to developing greener tyres by revealing it will be able to use rice husk among the components for tyre production later this year.
From an ecological point of view this is a massive coup for the Italian tyres firm, which claims that it is already in a position to meet the targets set by the new EU regulations that are due to take effect from 2011.
Rice husk is a silica rich material which is discarded from the process of preparing rice and is not for food use. It will be used to take the place of synthetic substances and therefore lower pollution levels.
Pirelli claims: “Tyres contribute on average to 20 per cent of overall consumption and CO2 emissions of a vehicle.
“Pirelli Labs are committed to research in order to drastically reduce this impact, adopting ‘green’ technology solutions, from mixes to tyre structure, without lowering the safety parameters of the vehicle especially when braking or on curves.
“In particular, for mixes, Pirelli is committed to developing and putting into use a series of new materials that are more and more ecological.
“Already this year, the Italian group will be able to use rice husk among its components for tyre production. The use of this natural product will allow for limiting the use of synthetic substances, thus lowering pollution.’
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
