Giti Tire has developed a prototype tire with 93% sustainable material composition. The concept uses bio-based polymer technology, advanced recycling processes, compound formulations and next-generation manufacturing techniques.
Sustainable materials
The company replaced petroleum-based ingredients with nature-derived alternatives such as sustainable natural rubber, pine resin, rice husk silica and plant-based antioxidants. These renewable alternatives make up 53% of the prototype.
Deforestation-free natural rubber sourced from rubber farms whose legality, social responsibility and environmental responsibility are traceable was used in the tire’s sidewall and inner structure. Pine tree resin, a natural alternative to petroleum resin, has been blended into the tread compound to boost grip.
Rice husk silica, extracted from rice husks (a common agricultural by-product), replaces traditional quartz and helps lower rolling resistance while improving wet traction, while plant-based antioxidants, a petroleum-free solution, are used across the tire to help preserve rubber quality throughout its life.
Transforming waste
The prototype also gives a second life to old materials, using recycled rubber, carbon black, steel and PET from plastic bottles. These recycled materials make-up 40% of the prototype tire.
Recycled rubber made from end-of-life rubber products and tires replaces synthetic rubber, reducing Giti’s dependency on petroleum-derived ingredients. Recovered carbon black (rCB), reclaimed from used tires, takes the place of virgin carbon black. Recycled plastic bottle fiber (R-PET Cord), created by transforming plastic bottles into high-strength polyester cords, was used in the tire’s structure. Sourced from scrap metal, recycled steel wa used to reinforce the tire internally while helping to reduce the need for new mining and raw material extraction.
“For Giti, this stands as both a milestone and a promise – a testament to the possibilities when scientific ingenuity encompasses environmental stewardship,” said Gao Qiang Sheng, R&D general manager at Giti Tire, addressing the significance of the 93% sustainable prototype. “The Giti team will continue pioneering sustainable ways to improve products while maintaining our signature balance of performance and safety in order to deliver driving enjoyment for all drivers.”
Giti’s engineers have reported a technical readiness score of 9 out of 10 for these sustainable components.
In related news, Pirelli recently launched the first standard production tire for the global market that is made with over 70% bio-based and recycled materials, including Forest Stewardship Council-certified (FSC) natural rubber
