Pirelli’s Commitment to Sustainability: FSC Certification for Tyres by 2026
Sustainability has become a key focus for the automotive industry, with manufacturers and suppliers alike striving to reduce their environmental impact. Among the components that have raised concerns in terms of sustainability are tyres, due to the complex blend of materials required to make them. Pirelli, one of the leading tyre manufacturers, has recently announced its commitment to sustainability by pledging that all natural rubber and rayon in its tyres will be FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified by 2026.
The FSC certification ensures that the plantations where the natural rubber and rayon are sourced are managed in a way that preserves biodiversity and benefits local communities. It also guarantees that the certified materials are segregated and not contaminated by uncertified materials during the manufacturing process. Pirelli’s use of FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon will be a first in the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) line-up, as the upcoming Range Rover Electric will be equipped with these tyres. JLR claims to be the first manufacturer to adopt these tyres “at scale.”
While this may be the first appearance of FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon in JLR vehicles, Pirelli has already made strides in incorporating these sustainable materials in their products. In 2021, Pirelli introduced the first FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon road tyre. This year, the company also used certified natural rubber in its Formula 1 tyres, accounting for around 15% of the total weight of each tyre. Furthermore, the Pirelli P Zero Race RS tyres now consist of 23% certified natural rubber.
Pirelli’s commitment to sustainability aligns with a broader trend in the tyre industry. Tyre manufacturers are increasingly focusing on reducing the environmental impact of their products by exploring alternative materials and production methods. For example, Michelin and its partners are working on producing bio-based butadiene, a synthetic rubber ingredient, using bioethanol instead of petroleum. The success of this endeavor was demonstrated when Michelin produced bio-based butadiene on an industrial scale at a demonstrator plant earlier this year. Additionally, manufacturers are finding innovative ways to replace environmentally damaging materials. For instance, silica, which is traditionally made from sand, can now be produced from rice husk ash, significantly reducing the need for sand mining and requiring lower processing temperatures.
Incorporating sustainable materials in tyre production is not limited to Pirelli. Michelin has been manufacturing road tyres with 45% sustainable materials since last year, and Continental’s UltraContact NXT, launched in 2023, contains up to 65% recycled, renewable, and certified materials. These efforts are crucial in reducing the environmental impact of the automotive industry and promoting a more sustainable future.
As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, the adoption of sustainable materials in tyre manufacturing is likely to gain traction. Pirelli’s commitment to FSC certification for its tyres and the broader efforts of the industry signal a positive shift towards a greener and more sustainable automotive sector. By investing in research and development and collaborating with partners, tyre manufacturers are taking significant steps towards a more sustainable future.
