Pirelli expands the use of eco-friendly materials
Pirelli announced that it has become the first company to launch mass production of tires made from more than 70% recycled materials and biomaterials, as well as obtaining the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate, which confirms responsible management of the natural rubber supply chain from plantations to factories. By 2026, all natural rubber used by Pirelli will be FSC certified, and new tires have been developed in a special version for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and the Pirelli P Zero tire with a diameter of 22 inches will be available for the Range Rover in the first stage, and in the future, the company plans to install eco-friendly tires on other luxury cars as well.
The tires will receive FSC labeling and a special symbol that Pirelli applies to its products containing more than 50% renewable and recycled materials (certification is handled by the independent organization Bureau Veritas).
Pirelli notes that the development of new tires was an important task for the company's research department specialists, who had to combine the high operational qualities of the tires required for UHP category products with an increased proportion of eco-friendly materials. For example, recycled steel is used in the production of tires, which is partially obtained by remelting scrap metal and does not inferior to the primary material in its mechanical properties, and silica is made from rice processing waste, which improves traction on wet roads. In addition, bio-polymers produced from monomers obtained by processing cooking fat or pyrolysis oil are added to the rubber compound; and bio-resins - plant-based plasticizers that improve the balance between driving characteristics on dry and wet surfaces; as well as eco-friendly technical carbon made using pyrolysis oil obtained during the disposal of used tires.
In 2021, Pirelli first began using FSC-certified natural rubber in tire production, and the company says that cooperation with JLR is a "new initiative aimed at increasing the proportion of eco-friendly materials in tires, which is of great importance from the point of view of sustainable development". In addition, the development of eco-tires is seen as a way to test new innovative materials, and in the future, Pirelli plans to continue expanding their use.
Last year, JLR became the first automaker to approve Pirelli tires made from FSC-certified natural rubber for its cars, and the company will also be the first to purchase tires made from 70% eco-friendly materials.
"This is another example of how JLR confirms its leadership in innovation and sustainable development through cooperation with its suppliers, ensuring the necessary production volumes while reducing the impact on the environment," said Ruben Chorley, JLR's Sustainable Development Director. "Increasing the eco-friendliness of tires without compromising their quality and performance characteristics is a daunting task, given the specifics of this product, and thanks to close cooperation with Pirelli and the use of our companies' experience in raw material procurement and scientific research, we have once again been able to become a pioneer in the industry".