New techniques in environmental-friendly tyre production

The impact of tyre production and disposal on the environment has led to research concerning solutions which can compromise technical aspects tied to functionality with protection of the environment. The tyre industry, taking its lead from International Environmental Protocols, tries to furnish better products which have a smaller impact on the environment. By analysing the tyre life-cycle, we observe that, at present, attention is being concentrated on the disposal of the product after use. Traditional methods of disposal in refuse dumps have made way for alternative solutions aimed at recycling energy by using tyres as fuel or lengthening the life of the product by regenerating or recycling it. An innovative approach of the tyre industry aims to develop new techniques which imply the conception and planning of environmental-friendly tyres with a high technical performance leading to a careful life-cycle analysis and the abolishment of environmental problems. One of these innovative techniques, which has led to the discovery of an environmental compatible tyre, has been realized by Goodyear-world leader in tyre production- together with Novamont – leader in bioplastics made from vegetable raw products. The Novamont Co. has produced a cornflour bio-polymer which, among other field of use, includes tyres. This bio-polymer is used to obtain a bio-filler with a better technical and environmental performance than traditional fillers. In this study we analyse present-day methods of tyre disposal and we illustrate the characteristics and novelty of the bio-polymer produced by Novamont. We describe its use in tyre production and the advantages of this new environmental- friendly tyre concerning technical functionality and its impact on the environment.