Seoul, South Korea – Nexen Tire announced on February 12th that it has successfully developed a tire with 70% sustainable materials. This is an increase from the previous 52% and is part of the company's ongoing efforts to increase the use of eco-friendly materials in its products.
The new tire was developed in response to stricter environmental regulations in developed countries. While further development is needed before commercialization, Nexen Tire aims to increase the proportion of sustainable materials to 100% by 2045.
The tire was developed with a focus on minimizing resource consumption and environmental pollution during the tire production process. The sustainable materials used in the tire include bio-based recycled raw materials and recycled materials. The usage ratio of the two materials is 53% and 17%, respectively.
According to the company, the tire incorporates natural rubber, bio-synthetic rubber, rice bran silica, recycled PET cord, and bead wire and steel cord made from recycled scrap iron, all produced in accordance with the 'Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR)' guidelines.
In addition to using sustainable materials, the tire also achieves high performance. The rolling resistance coefficient measured by an international certification body's certified equipment is 5.11N/kN, which meets the highest performance grade A (6.5 or less) of the European labeling standard. Grade A means that the tire consumes less energy, saves fuel, and contributes to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Nexen Tire is promoting the development of various eco-friendly technologies to minimize its environmental impact, including the use of sustainable materials. The company has completed suitability assessments for about 90 types of sustainable raw materials for eco-friendly material development and plans to conduct 12 more this year.
In addition, the company is using AI and VR technologies in the product development process to improve product development efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Nexen Tire has decided to introduce a VR-based 'High Dynamic Driving Simulator' for the first time in the domestic automobile industry and has developed a mold manufacturing technology using 3D printing technology.
"Based on the goal of expanding the proportion of sustainable raw materials to 100% by 2045, we will contribute to the development of sustainable future mobility through research and development that maximizes carbon emission reduction and resource efficiency," said an official from Nexen Tire.
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