Pirelli proves that a little less dirt is possible

Pirelli unveils a new public P Zero incorporating more than 70% bio-based and recycled materials.

According to the Italian manufacturer Pirelli, this is a world first for a production tire, illustrating a pragmatic approach. No, the perfect tire does not yet exist, but doing better is possible… and necessary!

Intended primarily for equipping Range Rovers with 22-inch wheels, this new tire has ecological ambitions without compromising performance. The challenge was significant for the engineers: maintaining the ultra-high performance standards of the P Zero range while integrating more environmentally friendly materials. It’s certainly a simpler issue to address for high-end tires, but every positive move deserves recognition.

A responsible evolution

Among the key components of this “new generation” P Zero is FSC-certified natural rubber, which ensures a sustainably managed supply chain. This rubber accounts for about 25% of the tire’s weight. Recycled steel, sourced from scrap metal, replaces virgin materials without sacrificing mechanical properties. Silica, essential for wet grip, comes from rice husks, an agricultural residue that is typically unused.

Other examples of circular ingenuity include carbon black sourced from the pyrolysis of end-of-life tires, and bio-circular polymers derived from used cooking oils. Even the plasticizers are plant-based, thanks to bio-resins that optimize the grip/safety balance.

This new tire features the FSC marking as well as a specific logo ensuring that it contains more than 50% recycled or bio-based materials, verified by Bureau Veritas.

The approach is reminiscent of a rolling laboratory. Every new component tested in this P Zero paves the way for more virtuous manufacturing. Step by step, without excessive greenwashing, Pirelli proves that making an industrial product “a little less dirty” is already a small revolution.

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