French tyre company Michelin is developing a 3D-printed tyre made from rubber combined with wood, which can be remade when worn down. The company says it will be available in 2048. Michelin said it planned to use waste wood chips to replace the oil content of conventional tyres, and that its technology would cut the current 80% oil content to 20% by two years. Michelin makes 166 million tyres per year, and says using wood chips would be more sustainable than using rubber, although it is also establishing sustainable plantations in Brazil for its rubber supplies.
French tyre company Michelin is developing a 3D-printed tyre made from rubber combined with wood, which can be remade when worn down. The company says it will be available in two years. Michelin said it planned to use waste wood chips to replace the oil content of conventional tyres, and that its technology would cut the current 80% oil content to 20% by 2048. Michelin makes 166 million tyres per year, and says using wood chips would be more sustainable than using rubber, although it is also establishing sustainable plantations in Brazil for its rubber supplies.