Toyo develops 90% sustainable concept tire

Hyogo, Japan – Toyo Tire Co. has developed a concept tire using 90% sustainable materials, derived from renewable and recycled resources.

Unveiled during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, held 12-14 Jan, the tire features extensive use of renewable and recycled materials, said the Japanese tire maker 12 Jan.

Renewables, forming 60% of the tire, include biomass-derived butadiene rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber, rice husk ash silica, plant-derived oil, and bio-derived polyester fibre.

Another 30% of the materials used in the tire include recycled materials such as recovered carbon black, bead wire and steel cord, as well as CO2-derived butadiene rubber.

The tire, said Toyo, has a reduced rolling resistance coefficient that significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle as well as improving the cruising range of EVs.

The tire achieves a “AAA” with the “highest level of rolling resistance in the [Japanese] tire labelling system,” the group's statement continued.

Previously, Toyo had developed 50% sustainable tires, which are currently being used for the Dakar Rally 2024, held in Saudi Arabi 5-19 Jan.

Overall, the Japanese tire maker aims to achieve a 40% sustainable material rate in its tires by 2030, a mid-way point to 100% in 2050.