Sustainable tyres and what they're made of
Tyres are the next frontier in finding ways to create something from recyclable materials and easy-to-grow consumables that don’t require digging or drilling.Sustainability is the phrase of the moment in the automotive industry, from EV cars to production processes and even the materials that make up the interior and exteriors. So does transforming the tried and tested rubber tyre mean a big change for drivers?
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company unveiled a demonstration tyre at the start of 2023 that is made up of 90% sustainable materials including soybean oil. After demonstrating the capabilities of a 70% sustainable material tyre in January 2022, Goodyear confirmed that it plans to start selling the 70% sustainable material tyres in 2023.
Michelin has been delving into sustainable tyre development too, experimenting with the use of natural rubber, recycled carbon black, sunflower oil and bio-sourced resins, silica from rice husks and even recycled steel.
Recently Continental Tyres announced their new sustainable tyre product, UltraContact NXT which is set to hit the streets of Europe later this year, so we asked Mitchell Golledge, Head of East Region Asia Pacific at Continental Tyres what this sustainable tyre future means for drivers.
carsales: What are some of the key benefits for car owners for opting for a tyre with sustainable material other than reducing environmental impact?
Mitchell Golledge: With the UltraContact NXT, we have not only significantly increased the proportion of renewable materials, but also enhanced the performance values.
All sizes of the UltraContact NXT offer the best value in rolling resistance, wet braking and rolling noise. This also improves the tyre’s sustainability in the use phase, as low rolling resistance reduces the CO2 emissions of combustion engine vehicles and increases the range of electric vehicles.
carsales: What are some of the key ingredients in making these tyres that someone might be surprised to discover?
Mitchell Golledge: The Continental UltraContact NXT incorporates a blend of renewable, recycled and mass-certified materials. It utilises bio-based silica derived from agricultural waste for enhancing grip, rolling resistance, and longevity. The tyre also incorporates recycled materials like rubber and steel, effectively reducing waste and conserving valuable resources.
Consumers might be surprised to learn that the UltraContact NXT contains reclaimed steel in its beading, polyester sourced from recycled plastic bottles in its carcass, and silicate derived from the ash of rice husks.
carsales: What are the challenges with creating a tyre that would be potentially 100% sustainably sourced?
Mitchell Golledge: While creating a 100% sustainable tyre poses challenges for manufacturers, we see them as opportunities for innovation and progress.
Extensive research is needed to find sustainable alternatives for all components, and ensuring a reliable supply chain at scale is crucial. Meeting performance, safety, and durability standards while remaining cost competitive is demanding.
carsales: Will sustainable tyres be easier to recycle compared to traditional rubber tyres?
Mitchell Golledge: Yes, sustainable tyres are designed to be easier to recycle compared to traditional tyres. They often incorporate recyclable materials and innovative technologies that simplify the recycling process.
The use of recycled materials in tyre construction also contributes to waste reduction and resource conservation. However, the ease of recycling sustainable tyres depends on the availability of appropriate recycling facilities and infrastructure.
carsales: Is there a price premium for sustainably made tyres, and if so, will it reduce in the near future?
Mitchell Golledge: Sustainably made tyres may have a price premium compared to traditional tyres due to the research, development, and sourcing of sustainable materials required in their production. However, as technology advances and the demand for sustainable tyres increases, it is likely that prices will become more competitive.
Additionally, Continental doesn’t have control over the prices offered to end consumers. The determination of prices is dependent on retailers.
carsales: What patterns or trends have you seen in the Australian market in terms of customers' desire for more sustainable tyres?
Mitchell Golledge: The global shift toward sustainability is influencing industries across the board, including the tyre industry. There is a growing awareness about environmental impact, which has translated into a strong desire for eco-friendly and sustainable options.
Continental is keenly aware of these global trends and is committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation and technological advances in sustainability.
carsales: Could we see sustainable Continental tyres make their way into high-performance motorsports like F1 in the near future?
Mitchell Golledge: Continental is already producing a sustainable tyre that is used within the Extreme E electric racing series. While it’s not a racing slick or track tyre, this tyre withstands the punishment of extreme terrain conditions of the locations of the series - whether it be rock and sand, or ice and mud, or every terrain in between.
Related: Goodyear unveils 90% sustainable material tyre approved for road use
Related: Sustainable and recycled materials you'll find in car interiors
Related: Continental Tyres set to use recycled plastic bottles in tyres from 2022
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