In Milan, tire manufacturer Pirelli has launched the first standard production tire for the global market made with over 70% biobased and recycled materials, including Forest Stewardship Council™-certified natural rubber. This certification attests to the responsible management of the natural rubber supply chain, from plantation to factory.
Developed in a specific version for JLR, the new tire is a Pirelli P Zero and will initially be available on selected 22-inch wheel options for Range Rover, forming part of JLR’s aim to roll out more sustainable tire across its luxury vehicles.
The new tire presented a technical challenge for Pirelli’s Research & Development department, which had to meet “ultra-high performance” requirements while using recycled steel, partially sourced from the melting of scrap metal instead of virgin raw materials; ice husk-derived silica, obtained from rice processing waste, used in tread compounds to ensure high performance in the wet; circular carbon black that was produced through pyrolysis oil obtained from end-of-life tires; bio-circular polymers manufactured from monomers derived from used cooking oil or pyrolysis oil; and plant-based plasticizers to help optimize the balance between dry and wet performance.