Bridgestone Corporation says it has developed a non-pneumatic (airless) concept tyre it claims could be a more environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional tyres.
Non-pneumatic tires have a lesser impact on the environment than conventional models, but the company says previously, such concept tyres have been impractical to produce for the mass market.
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With a structure of spokes stretching along the inner sides of the tyres supporting the weight of the vehicle, there is no need to periodically refill the tyres with air, requiring less maintenance, while punctures are eliminated.
The spoke structure within the tyre is made from reusable thermoplastic resin and along with the rubber in the tread portion, the materials used in the tyres are 100% recyclable.
A statement from Bridgestone noted it was: “Pursuing this technological development with the aim of achieving a ‘cradle to cradle’ process that maximizes the cyclical use of resources from worn tyres into new tyres.”
