Nokian Tyres plc has announced a pivotal long-term purchase agreement with a tyre recycling joint venture, marking a crucial step in its mission to craft more sustainable tyres. Announced on February 8, 2024, this partnership underscores Nokian Tyres' commitment to integrating recycled and renewable raw materials into its products, with an ambitious target to achieve a 50 percent inclusion rate by 2030.
The collaboration involves a joint venture spearheaded by Antin Infrastructure Partners and Scandinavian Enviro Systems, poised to launch end-of-life tyre recycling facilities across Europe. With a vision to recycle up to one million tons of end-of-life tyres annually by the end of the decade, the initiative kicks off with a flagship plant in Sweden, expected to be operational by 2025. Nokian Tyres is set to start receiving deliveries from 2026, catalysing the use of recovered carbon black in its tyre production.
Carbon black, a key component in tyre manufacturing, traditionally relies on fossil-based sources. This partnership allows Nokian Tyres to substitute a portion of virgin carbon black with its recovered counterpart, significantly reducing the environmental impact of tyre production. This move not only reduces the dependency on virgin raw materials but also slashes emissions from the manufacturing process of carbon black by over 90 percent, presenting a major leap forward in environmental stewardship within the tyre industry.
Juha Hietalahti, VP of Procurement at Nokian Tyres, highlighted the sustainability benefits of integrating recovered carbon black, emphasizing the company's dedication to maintaining the high safety standards of its tyres. "The use of recovered carbon black is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, without compromising the safety and quality that our customers expect from us," Hietalahti remarked. This agreement is a testament to Nokian Tyres' innovative approach in harmonising environmental responsibility with product excellence, ensuring that sustainability and safety go hand in hand.
Nokian Tyres' purchase agreement for recovered carbon black signifies a monumental step towards achieving a circular economy in the tyre industry. By prioritizsng recycled materials without sacrificing quality or safety, Nokian Tyres sets a new standard for sustainability in the sector, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly future in tyre manufacturing.
Carbon black is used in tyres for several reasons. It is a byproduct of the combustion of various petroleum products and, when added as a filler in rubber, it increases abrasion resistance and tensile strength. Carbon black also plays a key role in improving the durability of tyres by preventing damage from UV light, drawing heat away from the tyres, and controlling the temperature of the tyres, which can elongate their life. Tyres made without carbon black would likely last much shorter, making it an important component for tyre strength and longevity. Additionally, carbon black is used to improve the processing, strength, and durability important to tire manufacturing and performance, most notably safety.
