Michelin to roll out tires with 'recycled plastics' by 2024

Munich, Germany – Michelin Group is aiming to incorporate waste plastic into its tires by as early as 2024 as part of a drive to solve the ‘societal plastic problem’. 

“With the high-tech recycling process, we can process up to 143 yoghurt pots and around 12.5 PET bottles in one tire,” said Anish Taneja, CEO of the Michelin region Northern Europe in a statement ahead of the German mobility show IAA, currently underway in Munich. 

In a symbolic gesture, Michelin will organise a plastic collection campaign in Munich, with the participation of its top management and employees. 

“Together, the company wants to create awareness that today's garbage will become a valuable resource for tomorrow's tires,” said the tire maker in a 24 Aug statement.

As part of its sustainability commitment, Michelin has set itself a target of incorporating 40% sustainable materials such as natural rubber or sunflower oil into its tires by 2030.

By 2050, Michelin tires should be “completely sustainable”, using raw materials such as recycled PET.

According to Michelin, almost four billion PET bottles could be recycled as filler for tires every year. 

At IAA, the French tire maker has set up a “REGEN'Lab” where visitors can see recycling processes and how raw materials for new tires are obtained from wood, PET plastic or packaging waste. 

Michelin is also premiering its airless tire Uptis (unique puncture-proof tire system) on the road in Munich during the IAA show.

The tire, which was originally unveiled in 2019, has been developed in partnership with GM and is set for commercial launch by 2024.