Pirelli has just introduced the first tire produced with over 70% recycled materials, including FSC-certified natural rubber (Forest Stewardship Council).
This certification attests to responsible management throughout the entire supply chain of natural rubber, from the plantation to the factory. By 2026, all natural rubber used in Pirelli’s European production units will have FSC certification.
The new tire, developed in a specific version for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), is the latest addition to the Pirelli P Zero range and will initially be available for 22’’ wheels of the Range Rover, as part of JLR’s strategy to incorporate more sustainable tires in its luxury models.
Pirelli revealed that the development of the new P Zero represented a significant challenge for the brand’s Research and Development department, as it was necessary to combine the Ultra High Performance (UHP) of each P Zero with a high content of natural and recycled materials, including: Recycled steel, obtained in part from the melting of scrap metal instead of virgin raw materials, maintaining the mechanical properties of the original steel; Rice husk silica, derived from waste from rice processing and used in tread compounds to ensure high performance on wet surfaces; Circular carbon black, produced from pyrolysis oil obtained from used tires; biocircular polymers, made from monomers derived from used cooking oil or pyrolysis, replacing fossil-derived polymers, as well as biobased resins, plant-derived plasticizers that help optimize the balance between dry and wet performance.
It is worth noting that Pirelli launched in 2021 the world’s first tire made with FSC-certified natural rubber. Now the collaboration with JLR aims to increase the proportion of natural and recycled materials in tires, marking a new milestone on the path to sustainability.
Furthermore, this new product will also serve as a testing ground for material innovation, as the percentage of low-impact components is expected to increase over time.
