Pirelli has taken a significant step forward in sustainability, announcing its first production tires containing over 70% bio-sourced and recycled materials. The next-generation P Zero series will be initially used by Jaguar Land Rover and will be available with 22-inch wheels on Range Rover models.

Pirelli unveils its recycled tires

The materials used in the new tires include recycled steel, silica derived from rice hulls, cyclical carbon black from old tires, cooking oil, bio-cyclical polymers obtained through pyrolysis, and plant-based resins. All materials are certified by the international independent auditing organization Bureau Veritas.

The recycled steel is obtained by melting various scrap metals and forms the tires’ belt layers. Certified, renewable natural rubber is used as the base raw material for the other components.

Waste generated during rice processing is utilized in silica production. Circular carbon black is obtained from melted waste tires. Cooking oil and pyrolysis oils are preferred over fossil fuel-derived petroleum. The binders that hold the tire together are made of bioresins derived from plant plasticizers.

The tire sidewalls of the new P Zero series feature both the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification and markings indicating the proportion of biodegradable and recycled materials contained in the tire. The FSC certification certifies that the natural rubber supply chain is managed in an environmentally, economically, and socially responsible manner.

Pirelli took the first step toward its sustainable production goals in 2021 with the P Zero model, made entirely from natural rubber and carrying the FSC certification. With the new series, the company continues its transformation process, aiming to reduce environmental impact by increasing the proportion of renewable materials in high-performance tires. The new P Zero tires are planned to be available for general sale after the first phase.