How recent tyre development is becoming eco-conscious

From suppliers to manufacturers across the entire automotive industry, everyone is asking the same question. How eco-friendly are we? 

The change in how eco-friendly tyres are has been prompted by manufacturers suggesting that they should all be looking for alternatives to natural rubber and cleaner ways of disposing old tyres and recycling. This has also been encouraged by consumers, as more and more people are attempting to cut down their carbon footprint and using more eco-friendly alternatives. The aim has been to create a green and sustainable transportation and manufacturing process as well as improving the drivers usage.

Going Green. Is there a greener alternative to natural rubber?

Tyre companies are now using much lighter materials that go into the tyre compound. Although latex is still primarily used, they are now trying other materials that will reduce the use of petrol-chemicals derived from oil. 

The tyre company that has been pushing forward largely with the changes is Yokohama. They have been experimenting with many different materials, yet the most successful one so far is proving to be orange-peel oil which could see a huge reduction in using eco system damaging products in the future. Goodyear is another company that is advancing in its search for more eco-friendly materials. They have teamed up with biotechnology companies to develop molecules that match the molecules found in tyre compounds currently, but with less harmful materials.

Eco-friendly tyre development

Continental is known for their superior tyre development innovations and over the years have formed their “green kitchen”. This has enabled them to develop eco-friendly compounds that they can replace with the most dangerous and damaging materials used in current tyre making. 

Michelin are seen to be going down the same route, ensuring they are keeping up with all their competitors. They are especially looking at how old tyres can be reused in new tyre development to reduce their carbon footprint and sustain a good recycling system for all used tyres, rather than adding to the building amount of pollution the world has seen over the last few years. 

How can you reduce your current carbon footprint?

Purchasing tyres that are known for their low rolling resistance will help reduce your fuel consumption, but will also mean a smaller fuel bill for yourself as well as lower CO2 emissions. Continental tyres are a great example. They are a company that is determined to contribute to the sustainability of tyres as well as providing consumers with the chance to do their bit for the environment without spending any extra money in the process. The ContiEcoContact5 offers exactly that, with its optimised rolling resistance as well as its braking safety on both wet and dry roads. 

You can also contribute positively to the environment by ensuring all your old tyres are recycled. Although easy for consumers as etyres in fact offer a recycling service free of charge when you are having new tyres fitted to your vehicle, so this is something consumers don’t need to worry about.  However, it can prove difficult for companies. This is because tyres are made from varying amounts of materials such as steel, rubber and textile. These are not impossible to separate but can be quite difficult. The tyres are granulated, then these granules are shredded into ‘rubber crumbs’ that can be used within many other products including carpet underlays and roof tiles.