The world's first carbon-neutral bicycle tire is introduced

Norwegian company reTyre has unveiled at Eurobike 2024 in Frankfurt the industry's first carbon-neutral bicycle tire, which features a range of innovative materials chosen for their potential to reduce environmental impact.

In particular, the tread is made from raw materials derived from flowering algae, which, according to the developers, should help restore ecosystems by preventing eutrophication (the saturation of water bodies with biogenic elements) and reducing methane emissions, while the rim and puncture protection are made from recycled para-aramid obtained from used bulletproof vests. Post-consumer recyclate (PCR) from household waste was also used, and the carcass is made from raw materials derived from recycled fishing nets (materials from nets are also used in the production of Maxxis bicycle tires, which were recently awarded the Red Dot Design Award), which, according to the company, allows for a 49% reduction in CO2 emissions and 15% less energy consumption.

"The carbon footprint of the new tire is determined based on a life cycle assessment of the product, including after the end of its service life, carried out by a third party," said Friedemann Ose, project manager for the creation of the carbon-neutral tire. "The carbon footprint after use is virtually zero thanks to tire recycling, and the algae provide a negative CO2 coefficient, offsetting other emissions and ensuring zero impact on the environment. Thus, carbon neutrality is ensured without emission quotas, subsidies, or other measures unrelated to the product itself."

reTyre also emphasizes that they approach the procurement of raw materials responsibly, and, for example, algae are collected in lakes and oceans around the world as part of the UN's ecosystem restoration program.

"Using recycled materials and biological materials that have never been used before in the production of pneumatic tires, reTyre significantly reduces harmful emissions and releases tires that are fully recyclable," the company says. "This approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 82% compared to standard tires, which is documented by a third party."

According to Ose, the carbon-neutral tire is currently in the development stage, and eco-materials are already being used in the production of other company products, such as the new bicycle tires from the City Range line, which are designed specifically for use in urban environments.

reTyre was founded in 2015, and in 2022, mass production of eco-friendly tires began. The company currently offers tires for bicycles, including electric ones, bicycle trailers, children's and disabled strollers, as well as garden carts. However, according to the company's website, plans are also underway to start producing tires for motorcycles and passenger cars in the future.