Nokian debuts concept tire using only natural rubber

In Finland, tire company Nokian has released a concept tire made with 93% sustainable materials. Dubbed Green Step, all the rubber used in the tire is of natural origin, as are almost all the plasticizers, resins, and processing aids. Natural rice husk ash silica is used as the main filler for the tread and sidewall, and renewable cord fiber is used to add strength to the tire. 

The company hopes that by 2030, 50% of all raw materials used in its tires will be recycled or renewable. 

“Drivers are more and more interested in the sustainability of their tires, and this creates demand for us to create tires for these standards. It also puts pressure on the industry to develop more eco-friendly materials, as well as for tire manufacturing technology to adapt to these materials,” says Jouko Ilomäki, development manager for Nokian Tyres. “We learned new things with every innovation made for the concept tire. For example, one of the most demanding tasks was to replace the synthetic rubber completely with natural rubber, which we achieved in the end.” Recycled materials, such as carbon black, steel and bead wires were also used. 

“We believe that using recycled rubber and especially recycled carbon black will be a future trend in tire manufacturing. By the year 2030, we will have multiple new suppliers and more advanced technology,” Ilomäki adds.