The Art of Compound: Trelleborg Strives for the Perfect Balance between Performance and Sustainability

As fundamental as it is in the tire sector in general, developing the right compound for each application in the off-highway segment is even more essential, since the tire DNA bears the ultimate responsibility for performance, safety and, last but not least, sustainability.

It doesn’t take long to realize that we have a problem on our hands. Today’s customers expect top-tier productivity in challenging contexts while minimizing environmental impact. On the other hand, tire manufacturers know that it is no easy feat to engineer a “sustainable tire” that assures comparable or superior performance to standard compounds, using alternative raw materials from reliable sourcing and in sufficient volumes.

Is there a way to get out of the predicament and get the best of both worlds?

According to Trelleborg Tires, one of the main players in the off-highway tires field, there is; and it goes through exploiting the potential of digitalization and artificial intelligence along the process.

Redefining the challenge: can performance and sustainability coexist?

“Depending on the intended use and product category, the requirements in terms of compounds can vary greatly. Our task is to optimally balance all components, also considering the position of the compound within the tire. For this reason, the different combinations of natural or recycled together with standard fossil-based materials need to be carefully evaluated to find the right balance between performance and sustainability”, explains Veronica Cantonetti, Raw Materials – Compounding & Sustainability Director at Yokohama TWS.

To address environmental concerns, off-highway tire manufacturers have shifted to polymers and fillers in recent years, with a rising trend toward recycled materials, including textiles, and there already have been notable changes in the off-highway tires’ composition. …

Source: Yokohama TWS