BMW: The first automaker to use sustainable tires

Transitioning to a more environmentally sustainable business model entails a significant amount of effort. You have to examine which services you are using to ensure that they are as long-term sustainable as possible. Because of that, BMW decided to improve their vehicle tires and promote sustainability. Thus, making them the first automaker to utilize sustainable tires.

As a kickstart, the BMW X5 xDrive45e will be the first to gain these new fancy tires. But plans are in the works to extend this approach to other models in the future. The future X5 PHEV models will come with 22-inch Pirelli tires made from certified natural rubber and rayon starting from August. According to BMW, these tires will be crafted with rubber from certified plantations. And this will meet the independent Forest Stewardship Council’s requirements.

“As a premium manufacturer, we aspire to lead the way in sustainability and take responsibility,” – Dr. Andreas Wendt (Member of BMW AG’s Board of Management responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network)

“We have been committed to improving the cultivation of natural rubber and increasing transparency in the supplier network since 2015. The use of tires made of certified natural rubber is a pioneering achievement for our industry. In this way, we are helping preserve biodiversity and forests to counteract climate change.” He continued.

The new P ZERO tire, which measures 22 inches in diameter, is the first in the world to receive the prestigious FSC certification. Pirelli modified its US plant in Rome, Georgia, to manufacture tires using FSC-certified natural rubber and rayon to achieve this certification.

Around six million small farmers do about 80% of the world’s natural rubber cultivation. Tire manufacturing consumes the majority of the natural rubber produced worldwide. Natural rubber’s high elasticity and sturdiness make it indispensable in tire manufacturing at the moment.