Environment

reTyre claims its rubber-free tires are 100% recyclable – and longer-lasting

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A demo bicycle tire made from the new material
reTyre
The material is said to last longer than rubber and have better abrasion resistance
reTyre
A demo bicycle tire made from the new material
reTyre
For now, reTyre sees its material being used in tires for things like bikes, strollers, carts and wheelchairs
reTyre
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Because they're made of vulcanized rubber, old tires can't simply be melted down and used to make new tires. Such is reportedly not the case, however, with new rubber-free tires made from eco-friendly elastomers.

Although conventional tires can be recycled, they're typically ground into rubber crumbs that are utilized in materials such as asphalt. Since the vulcanization process is not reversible, using them in the production of new tires generally isn't an option.

That's where Norwegian company reTyre comes in.

It has started making tires out of proprietary bio-based TPEs (thermoplastic elastomers), which are claimed to be 100% recyclable. In other words, entire tires made from the material – including both the casing and the beads – can be recycled into more tires.

For now, reTyre sees its material being used in tires for things like bikes, strollers, carts and wheelchairs
reTyre

Total manufacturing costs are said to be comparable to those of rubber tires, as the company's "advanced production technology" allows the tires to be produced at relatively small regional factories as opposed to larger far-away plants. This should result in much lower shipping-related CO2 emissions, and lower shipping costs. What's more, the production process is claimed to use up to 90% less energy.

"Generally speaking, TPEs are a little pricier than rubber," reTyre brand designer Friedemann Ohse told us. "But since our machines are small and our tires will be locally produced, it will save companies a lot of time and money due to short supply chains (freight costs) and reduced waiting time."

Importantly, Ohse also stated that the material lasts longer than rubber, and has better abrasion resistance.

reTyre is now seeking industry partners who may be interested in utilizing the technology in the production of their own tires. The company can be contacted via its website.

Source: reTyre

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6 comments
Trylon
I sure hope they can get an industry partner. While their technology may be good, it would be much better to be able to leverage the design and marketing expertise of an established and respected bike tire company. Schwalbe would be nice.
Ranscapture
And how do the chemicals hold up in our environment vs normal tires? Are they more or less poisonous to plants and animals and humans?
2Hedz
Amazing! This is really needed.
TpPa
rather big question, and that is traction on dry/wet/snow covered roads/heavy vehicle weight and heating up at highway speed, which probably is why they are avoiding motorized vehicles for now, there are problems with some or all of them.
Old J Hawthorne
Some years ago, there was a new car tire company that had figured out a urethane blend and a molding process much less labor-intensive and cheaper than the methods used for so long. I read articles in several publications about this, and then, nothing. I've Googled it several times and haven't been able to find anything about it. Anyone else out there hear of it?
kid-jensen
Last I heard about Urethane tyres was problems during the Crash-Stop test prevented them being certified. The Locked tyre would melt at the point of contact and friction would markedly decrease just when you didn't want that.
BUT...now that (nearly) all cars have ABS, the last objection should no longer apply.....