Sustainable bicycle tyres: Fishing nets in recycled bicycle tyres from Schwalbe

Schwalbe has raised the Green Marathon bicycle tyre to a new level of environmental friendliness by increasing the proportion of recycled and renewable materials from 70 to 80 percent. This increase is based on recycled nylon, which is now used in the carcass of the tyre and completely replaces the conventional nylon that would have to be newly produced on a petroleum basis. The material, called Seawastex (a combination of seawaste and texture, i.e. marine waste fabric), is obtained from discarded fishing nets that can no longer be used. The Taiwanese carcass manufacturer Formosa Taffeta collects these in Taiwan both from fisheries and from the sea in order to produce the new material.

More recycled material in the Green Marathon - here's how

Felix Jahn, head of the CSR department at Schwalbe, explains: "The carcass accounts for around 10 per cent of the weight of the Green Marathon. This has enabled us to increase the proportion of recycled and renewable materials in the tyre to 80 percent just six months after launching the Green Marathon. In this way, we are reducing our dependence on petroleum-based materials such as new nylon and also lowering CO2eq emissions. In the medium term, we will steadily increase the proportion of Seawastex in Schwalbe tyres."

Fishing nets in bicycle tyres

The collected and cleaned fishing nets are chemically recycled and spun into new nylon yarn. Formosa Taffeta uses this to weave the new Seawastex carcass, which has the same quality characteristics as a conventional nylon carcass. As the entire process, from collection and recycling to the production of new material, takes place in Taiwan, transport emissions are kept to a minimum. Overall, Seawastex saves 49 per cent of CO2 emissions compared to conventional new nylon carcasses.

Further emission savings thanks to recycled materials in Schwalbe bicycle tyres

The production of the Schwalbe Green Marathon tyre saves a total of 41 percent carbon dioxide emissions compared to its predecessor. It is not only made from recycled nylon, but also from many other more environmentally friendly materials, among others:

• Recycled carbon black from a recycling partner (direct product of the Schwalbe Recycling System)
• No new synthetic rubber
• Made from fair trade natural rubber
• Silica from rice husk ash
• Recycled rubber
• Bead core wire made from recycled steel

More about Schwalbe's commitment to more environmentally friendly production

>> A visit to Schwalbe: Black and green?

>> Disposing of old bicycle tyres: Schwalbe now offers tyre recycling for everyone

>> Sustainability and cycling: Tyre recycling by Schwalbe