GRI launches ‘environmentally friendly’ solid tire

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Off-road tire manufacture Global Rubber Industries (GRI) has launched a new forklift solid tire which it describes as ‘one of the most environmentally friendly materials-handling solid tires in the world.’

The Ultimate Green XT contains 42.8% sustainable materials, including bio-sourced and recycled materials, the Sri Lanka tire maker announced 4 Oct. 

The tire is built with ‘pure natural rubber’, silica, recycled carbon black and reclaimed rubber from used tires, it added.

According to GRI, the new product provides a higher energy efficiency compared to its predecessor due to its 20.4% lower rolling resistance.

Suitable for both electric forklifts or internal combustion engine forklifts, the tire also provides a higher lifetime compared to its predecessor with a 26.6% lower abrasion loss.

The tread compound of the green-coloured non-marking tire contains highly dispersible silica and no carbon black, lowering abrasion loss, and thereby reducing particle release, GRI noted.

The company also used recycled carbon black in the centre and base of the tire. 

Furthermore, GRI said its pioneered the use of carbon nanotubes in the black version of the tire. 

Developed over two years and tested “rigorously”, the tire is made with ‘natural oils’ as opposed to petroleum-based oils.

“Environmentally sustainable growth is our strategy today and for generations to come,” said Dr Mahesha Ranasoma, CEO of GRI. 

“The Ultimate Green XT solid tire for the material handling industry is a result of our drive to create and manufacture products that are sustainable,” he added.