Nokian introduces birch bark concept tyre

Nokian Tyres has introduced its Betula concept tyre containing raw material made from birch bark. The renewable material by Swedish company Reselo, utilises the residue of the global pulp, paper and plywood industry.

Nokian Tyres said the Betula represents the first time the material has been used in a tyre.

The material is included in the tread compound of the concept tyre, bringing the amount of renewable and recycled material content to 93 per cent of all materials used on the tread.

The new material is seen primarily as a performance-enhancing addition. The concept tyre, that has the tread design of the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta R5 non-studded winter tyre, has been tested in the company’s test centres in Ivalo, Finnish Lapland as well as in Nokia, Finland with promising results.

Teemu Soini, vice president, innovations and development from Nokian Tyres, said: “Since the early stages, the potential of the material to be used in tyres has been evident.

“The Nokian Tyres Betula concept tyre confirms its applicability and highlights the material’s potential for commercial use in the future.

“Furthermore, the material is not only sustainable but according to our testing it also shows promise to improve tyre performance.”