Nokian Introduces Green Step Tire

Finnish tire maker Nokian Tyres has introduced the Nokian Tyres Green Step concept tire made with 93 percent recycled or renewable materials, that it says moves the company closer to its goal: by the year 2030, 50 percent of all raw materials used in Nokian Tyres’ 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, and for tire manufacturing technology to adapt to these materials. With a concept tire like the Green Step, we can push the limits. It’s a win-win for all, but especially for the environment,” Nokian Tyres Development Manager Jouko Ilomäki said.

All rubber used in the Green Step concept tire is natural. Renewable oils, already common in Nokian Tyres, are also used. The majority of plasticizer, resin and processing aids are from renewable resources as is the cord fiber. Natural rice husk ash silica is a main filler for the tread and sidewall.

“One of the most demanding tasks was to replace the synthetic rubber completely with natural rubber, which we achieved in the end,” Ilomäki said. Alternative sources for natural rubber, such as the guayule plant, were also researched.

Almost every component of the Green Step also includes some recycled materials. The Carbon Black used in the rubber compounds was derived from end-of-life tires, and the butyl used in the inner surface as well as the steel in the steel belts and bead wires in the structure are mainly recycled.

© Scrap Tire News, February 2022