Nokian to use birch bark in tyres

Nokian Tyres has signed a development agreement with a Swedish biomaterial science company Reselo AB to further develop its renewable material Reselo Rubber as a potential new raw material in tyres.

Reselo Rubber is a completely renewable material made from birch bark sourced from the residue of the global pulp, paper and plywood industry.

According to Nokian Tyres, the aim of its new cooperation agreement is to develop the material further to adapt it for commercial tyre production.

Heini Siekkinen, senior manager, research and sustainability from Nokian Tyres said: “According to the initial laboratory tests we have conducted on Reselo Rubber, it has great potential to replace traditional fossil-based materials in tyres.

“Furthermore, the material is not only renewable, but we believe it may also be used to improve the tyre’s performance features. We are excited to develop it further in cooperation with Reselo and hope to have Reselo Rubber in Nokian Tyres tyres in the future.”