It's the least interesting part of a car for most owners, but a new concept tyre from Continental was a key exhibit at the Munich Mobility show, writes Brian Byrne.
The Conti GreenConcept uses primarily traceable, renewable and recycled raw materials. It also features a renewable tread strip, and is designed for sensor-equipped smart vehicles.
The Conti GreenConcept's makeup includes 35pc renewable materials, with natural rubber from dandelions, silicate from the ash of rice husks, vegetable oils and resins. The 17pc recyclable elements include reclaimed steel and recovered carbon black, and polyester from recycled plastic bottles for the tyre’s casing. The tyre is 40pc lighter than current equivalents and — important for EV range — has a 25pc less rolling resistance.
Continental's David O’Donnell, the Irishman responsible for Continental’s global tyre original equipment business, said the concept study exemplifies Continental’s ongoing efforts to fully transition its global tyre production to sustainable materials.
