TYRES: Bridgestone flaunts sustainability
The good news is that Bridgestone is in the process of developing the 100 per cent sustainable tyre. The bad news is it's almost 40 years away . . .Bridgestone chose the 2012 Paris motor show to show off its 100 per cent sustainable concept tyre that uses all-natural ingredients to reduce environmental impact.
The tyre combines natural rubber with materials such as synthetic rubber, carbon black and rubber compounding agents that are all synthesised from biomass. Bridgestone says it is also “diversifying the regions” where it produces natural rubber and is developing an expanded range of reinforced plant fibres used in tyre construction.
The company says its next step towards the sustainable tyre will be the introduction of technologies required for mass production.
But don’t hold your breath. Bridgestone says it is working towards making the sustainable material tyre commercially available from 2050.
As well, Bridgestone Europe has also announced the introduction of an “AA” rated tyre that hits the market as the industry’s first to acquire that status in the new EU tyre labelling system.
The new system, which is due to be launched on November 1 this year, provides customers with a guide to the levels of fuel efficiency and wet grip provided by the tyre. The Bridgestone Ecopia EPP001S tyre was rated “A” in both areas to attain its double-A status.
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