Nokian Tyres has revealed a concept tyre that is made almost entirely of materials that are recycled or renewable.

Called the Green Step, 93 per cent of the winter tyre is made of those materials with all rubber being natural, and renewable oils, such as canola oil, being used. Almost all plasticiser, resin and processing aids are from renewable resources; natural rice husk ash silica is a main filler for the tread and sidewall; and renewable cord fibre is used to make the tyre tougher.

The carbon black used in the tyre is derived from end-of-life tyres, and the butyl used in the inner surface, as well as the steel in the belts and bead wires in the structure, are mainly recycled.

By 2030, Nokian Tyres says it is looking to have 50 per cent of all the raw materials used in its tyres be recycled or renewable, and the company is also researching alternative sources to natural rubber, such as the guyule plant.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2022) 

22 February 2022