Which Tyre Brands Are Leading the Sustainability Race?

What does it take for a tyre to be considered ‘sustainable’?

With issues surrounding tyre manufacturing and waste, the production of microplastics and TWPs, and the difficulties faced when it comes to tyre recycling, the industry is plagued by environmental challenges. But there are brands out there that are rising to the challenge – and in this blog, we’re going to highlight them and the steps they are taking to become more sustainable.

What Can Tyre Brands and Manufacturers Do?

The best way to understand sustainability in the tyre industry, is to first acknowledge and recognise the challenges.

The most obvious issues facing the environment are the sourcing and use of raw tyre materials, the waste produced during the manufacturing process, the release of microplastics when driving, and how best to recycle tyres effectively and efficiently.

Some of the steps that brands are therefore taking include:

• Exploring more natural rubber sources and ingredients – replacing synthetic and petrol-based rubbers with natural sources like dandelion roots
• Seeking new sources of silica which move away from a reliance on petrol oils and towards natural sources
• Reducing carbon emissions and the release of microplastics when driving, with long-lasting tread that doesn’t become worn as quickly
• Finding new and innovative ways to efficiently recycle used and worn tyres

Of course, for these switches and changes to be effective, tyre brands need to be sure about their effectiveness and functionality as well as their eco credentials. Which is why an increased investment in testing and research lies in tandem with these sustainability drives.

Brands Leading the Way

You won’t be surprised to learn that some of the top brands leading in the way when it comes to sustainability, are the premium brands that often sit at the forefront of the industry.

Michelin, Bridgestone, Sumitomo and Giti are four of the most prominent names in the production and development of sustainable tyres. Having said that, most brands have their own specific commitments when it comes to making positive environmental changes across their operations, with Continental and Pirelli among the other brand names that are working to become carbon neutral with a sustainably backed tyre lifecycle.

Here’s what some of these top brands are doing…

• Bridgestone is increasing its use of renewable materials in the production of tyres, with the aim of using 100% renewable and recyclable materials by 2050
• Giti Tyres is committed to only using materials it has sourced responsibly
• Sumitomo is working towards promoting tyre recycling schemes and initiatives
• Michelin has developed a lifecycle monitoring scheme, whereby tyres can be assessed according to their environmental impact at every stage of use. It is also exploring and investing in renewable, bio-sourced and regenerative materials to produce tyres
• Pirelli is increasing its use of bio-based and recycled materials and wants to use more sustainable materials in production and manufacturing without impacting the performance quality of its tyres
• Continental is committed to the development of a fully sustainable tyre lifecycle

While most are underpinning much of their sustainability incentives and initiatives on a change in raw materials, it’s interesting to note how many are funnelling investment into the manufacturing process itself to reduce waste and create tyres that are easier and more efficient to recycle.

How to Choose the Best Tyres for You

With all that in mind then, how can you do your bit?

Most of the brands mentioned in this blog, as well as countless other premium brands in particular, have eco-friendly collections and models that are well worth exploring. Some good examples include the Ecopia line of tyres from Bridgestone and the Michelin e.Primacy models.

While these may come at a higher cost to purchase, remember that sustainable tyres tend to have a better rate of wear – which means they will not need replacing as often or as quickly as regular tyres.

Browse our full collection of tyres from all the aforementioned brands and more, over on our tyre pages. Or why not check out our other Tyres.co.uk blogs to learn more about tyre production, the rise in tyre pollution, and how to select the best tyres for you.