Our awards at a glance
Our innovations set standards and have already received numerous awards. Each award is a valuable recognition of our commitment - from sustainable business practices and forward-looking products to our corporate culture. Discover our award-winning solutions and the awards we have already received here.
CSR commitment
What is it about?
Category: Bikes
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Sustainability strategy
What the jury says
The expert jury has awarded Ralf Bohle GmbH/Schwalbe the 2026 German Sustainability Award in the Bikes category. […] Ralf Bohle GmbH/Schwalbe impressed the jury through its consistent commitment to transformation, treating sustainability not merely as a promise but as a tangible reality across its entire value chain. […] Especially at a time when many companies are scaling back their climate targets, the award-winning company stands out as an exemplary model with very ambitious, SBTi-validated climate goals, which it has even recently raised while already achieving initial successes. […] The jury recognizes Ralf Bohle GmbH/Schwalbe as a distinctive, holistic pioneer in sustainable transformation, awarding it the German Sustainability Award for Companies 2026.
What is it about?
Category: Good business practices
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Fair gehandelter Naturkautschuk
What the jury says
Schwalbe is committed to fair trade and transparency in its rubber production. With a sustainable supply and value chain and agroforestry projects, not only is the social participation of producers strengthened, but biodiversity is also protected. A responsible approach that combines ecological and social aspects.
What is it about?
Category: Product
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Green Marathon
What the jury says
The Green Marathon is the benchmark for sustainability in tire development [...] and consists of a total of 80% recycled and renewable materials. It is 99% free of harmful substances. The Marathon is the first and only bicycle tire in the world to close the loop: its rubber compound is made from 100% recycled bicycle tire carbon black.
What is it about?
Category: Sustainable Projects
Ranking: 2nd place
Submission topic: Reforestation projects for resilient ecosystems
What the jury says
Schwalbe underscores its regional and global responsibility through reforestation projects in the Oberberg region and in Java, as well as through its commitment to sustainable product development. The jury particularly praised the combination of recycling, biodiversity, and social engagement as exemplary and forward-thinking.
What is it about?
Category: Circular Economy
Ranking: Winner (Schwalbe France)
Submission topic: Schwalbe tire recycling
What the jury says
Since 2015, Schwalbe has been recycling butyl bicycle inner tubes from all brands through devulcanization. The program was also launched in France in 2024, allowing used inner tubes to be returned to participating dealers. To date, fifteen million inner tubes have been recycled. Schwalbe’s new standard inner tubes contain 20% recycled material and are 100% recyclable.
Worum gehts?
Category: Product
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Green Marathon
What the jury says
The Green Marathon is the benchmark for sustainability in tire development [...] and consists of a total of 80% recycled and renewable materials. It is 99% free of harmful substances. The Marathon is the first and only bicycle tire in the world to close the loop: its rubber compound is made from 100% recycled bicycle tire carbon black.
What is it about?
Category: Concepts for a climate-neutral future
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Circular raw material cycles in tire and tube manufacturing
What the jury says
Tire manufacturer Schwalbe has established its climate strategy as an integral part of its corporate responsibility. [...] Schwalbe's climate strategy focuses on four areas of action: products, company, supply chain, and social issues. [...] Over 1,800 specialist dealers in Germany collect used bicycle tires in special boxes, which are transported to recycling partner Pyrum Innovations AG. […] This process is energy self-sufficient and reduces CO₂ emissions by 80 percent compared to previous incineration methods. The recovered carbon black is used in new Schwalbe products such as the Green Marathon tire, the world's first completely closed-loop bicycle tire.
What is it about?
Category: Sustainability reporting
Ranking: Excellence class
Submission topic: CSR Report 2023
What the jury says
Schwalbe achieved the Excellence Class with an overall score of 85%, making it one of the pioneers in the business world who have recognized the importance of transparent and sustainable reporting and successfully put it into practice.
What is it about?
Category: Parts + Components
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Green Marathon
What the jury says
The Green Marathon is THE new benchmark for sustainability in tire development and the most sustainable tire Schwalbe has developed to date. The Marathon is the first and only bicycle tire in the world to close the product-cycle: Its rubber compound uses 100% carbon black from recycled bicycle tires. The tire is extremely durable and also made entirely from fair trade natural rubber and consists of 80% recycled and renewable materials. Its comprehensive approach, from sourcing to recycling, sets it apart from similar projects, marking Schwalbe's commitment to advancing tire technology with environmental and social responsibility.
What is it about?
Category: Green Products
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Green Marathon
What the jury says
The Green Marathon is THE new benchmark for sustainability in tire development and the most sustainable tire Schwalbe has developed to date. The Marathon is the first and only bicycle tire in the world to close the product-cycle: Its rubber compound uses 100% carbon black from recycled bicycle tires. The tire is extremely durable and also made entirely from fair trade natural rubber and consists of 80% recycled and renewable materials. Its comprehensive approach, from sourcing to recycling, sets it apart from similar projects, marking Schwalbe's commitment to advancing tire technology with environmental and social responsibility.
What is it about?
Category: Green Award
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Green Marathon
What the jury says
With the new Green Marathon bicycle tire, Schwalbe underscores its pioneering position in terms of circular economy within the bike industry. The tire is not only 99% pollutant-free, but also the only bicycle tire in the world to date with its own recyclable materials cycle and thus a model of sustainability. The circular system was initiated and built up by Schwalbe itself and is groundbreaking beyond the bike industry. The fact that the Green Marathon is not only environmentally friendly, but also scores with an outstanding performance, proves how uncompromisingly Schwalbe continues to drive the development of its innovative products.
What is it about?
Category: Service & Service Solutions
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Schwalbe tire recycling
What the jury says
It's a system that will revolutionize the bicycle industry. It's not just recycling; you've even found a way to reuse the recycled material in your own products. Congratulations!
What is it about?
Category: Design
Ranking: Gewinner
Submission topic: Schwalbe tube recycling
What the jury says
Bicycles are considered an environmentally friendly means of transportation and are enjoying growing popularity. […] Schwalbe was the first manufacturer to respond by offering a web-based take-back and recycling system for old bicycle inner tubes that is free of charge for dealers and end customers. […] Thanks to the recycling process, used tubes do not end up in incinerators but are used 100 percent for the production of new Schwalbe tubes. What's more, the recycling process uses around 80 percent less energy than the production of new material, thus making a significant contribution to environmental protection and resource conservation.
What is it about?
Category: Green Award
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Schwalbe tube recycling
What the jury says
Bicycle dealers often don't know what to do with old and damaged inner tubes. Schwalbe inner tubes are 100% recyclable and can now be returned to the manufacturer free of charge by dealers. Schwalbe's factory-new inner tubes already consist of 20% recycled material.
Worum gehts?
Kategorie:Green Award
Platzierung:Gewinner
Thema der Einreichung:Schwalbe Schlauchrecycling
Das sagt die Jury
Fahrradhändler wissen oft nicht, wohin mit alten und kaputten Schläuchen. Schwalbe-Schläuche sind zu 100% recycelbar und können von den Händlern nun kostenfrei an den Hersteller zurückgegeben werden. Schon jetzt bestehen die fabrikneuen Schläuche von Schwalbe zu 20% aus recyceltem Material.
Product
What is it about?
Issue: Roadbike 07/2025
Category: 28 mm endurance tires
Ranking: Test winner for the Schwalbe One TLE
What the jury says
Roadbike magazine (07/25) named the Schwalbe One TLE the test winner in the 28mm endurance tire category. The magazine particularly highlighted its “easy installation, excellent puncture protection, and sporty-agile riding performance.”
What is it about?
Category: Innovations
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Aerothan inner tube
What the jury says
The jury was impressed by Schwalbe’s ‘Aerothan’ inner tube for both its sustainability and the new valve stem with Clik Valve. […] Made from pyrolysis oil recovered in Schwalbe’s tire recycling process, it replaces 91% of fossil-based materials. […] The new Aerothan tubes also feature aluminum threaded stems and are equipped with Clik Valve technology, which the jury praised for ease of use and as setting a new standard.
What is it about?
Category: Innovations
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Schwalbe Clik Valve
What the jury says
Thoughtful application of engineering and manufacturing to solve real problems and enhance performance, often in subtle yet significant ways.
What is it about?
Issue: Mountainbike 04/2025
Category: 16 race tires tested
Ranking: Racing Ray / Super Race and Rick XC test winners
Mountainbike magazine awarded the Schwalbe Racing Ray (Super Race, Addix Speed) an “outstanding” rating in its extensive XC tire test, while the Rick XC PRO (Speed) received a “very good” - securing a convincing test win. The Racing Ray was praised for its grip and traction, as well as excellent puncture and impact resistance, while the Rick XC was praised for its cornering stability, traction, and very good puncture protection.
What the jury says
Racing Ray - A front tire known for its strong grip and traction, the Ray has earned a reputation for rolling fast while remaining reasonably lightweight. Handling is very forgiving, even on roots. Excellent impact resistance, top marks in puncture testing.
Rick XC Pro - Schwalbe’s new high-performance tire isn't a lightweight, but it impresses with cornering stability—even in wet conditions. It provides plenty of traction, both when accelerating and braking. Puncture protection rates very good.
What is it about?
Issue: Mountainbike 01/2025
Category: Mud Tires
Ranking: Schwalbe Dirty Dan / Super Downhill / Ultrasoft / 29 x 2.35 test winner
Test win for Schwalbe’s Dirty Dan! Schwalbe’s mud specialist claimed first place in the “Super Downhill / Ultrasoft” category among mud tires. Mountainbike magazine's expert team (01/2025) noted that the Dirty Dan “excelled in puncture protection and also delivered top-tier rolling resistance.” Testers also gave high marks for grip and traction.
What the jury says
The very wide, heavy Dirty Dan excels in puncture protection and also delivers excellent rolling resistance. On the trail, it bites confidently into every line, handling roots as well as deep mud, and corners with ease-grip and traction are consistently excellent. Also great for strong touring riders.
What is it about?
Category: Most Innovative Product of the Year
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Schwalbe Radial Technology
What the jury says
Schwalbe took first place in the “Most Innovative Product of the Year” category with its new radial tire technology. This carcass construction ensures a more flexible tread. This results in a larger contact area with the ground, which is noticeable in the form of greater cushioning and more grip.
What is it about?
Category: Tire Brand of the Year
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Schwalbe
What the jury says
After a long time, there has been a change at the top of the rankings this year, with Schwalbe taking first place by a wide margin. Schwalbe has been working hard on its tire system over the past year with the new radial tires. Readers seem to like what they see – the results speak for themselves. Congratulations!
What is it about?
Category: Product of the Year
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Schwalbe Radial Casing Tires
What the jury says
Radial construction means the threads in the carcass cross laterally at a shallower angle. This lets the portion of the tire in contact with the ground, the contact patch, deform with less force, ultimately creating more grip. [...] On the trail, this gives the tire consistent grip and a supple feel.
What is it about?
Category: Innovations
Ranking: Winner
Submission topic: Clik Valve
What the jury says
The Schwalbe ClikValve sets new standards in bicycle valve technology and impresses with its outstanding, innovative design. [...] It's always a challenge to replace established standards, but ClikValve demonstrates that innovations can offer compelling advantages that challenge other systems.
Company
What is it about?
Category: Innovation competition for companies
Ranking: Top-100
Submission topic: Schwalbe's commitment to innovation
What the jury says
Schwalbe is one of the most innovative medium-sized companies in Germany and has been awarded the TOP 100 seal for 2023. The family-owned company scored particularly well in the categories “Top management promoting innovation” and “Innovation success” in the only independent German innovation award.
What is it about?
Category: Bicycle-friendly employer
Ranking: Gold
Submission topic: Measures for employees
What the jury says
Bicycle tire manufacturer Bohle has been awarded the gold seal as a “bicycle-friendly employer.” The audit report by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club (ADFC) is very positive: "The company and employer embrace cycling culture as a business model, at work, in their free time, and in the cycling community. Cycling is part of the corporate and everyday culture; this is very clear in all areas of activity and in numerous exemplary measures.
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