Tires and inner tubes consist of valuable raw materials Bicycle tires and inner tubes consist of valuable raw materials. This is why we’re rethinking their life cycles. With our take-back systems and recycling projects, we’re closing material loops and creating a basis for genuine circularity. Our aim is to develop products that can be reused – without any loss of quality.
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY – KEEPING RESOURCES IN THE LOOP
Schwalbe supports a consistent circular economy, in which materials are used for as long as possible and then recycled. Separation by type, high-quality further processing and the use of recycled materials generate new products from old tires and inner tubes. This is how we reduce waste, cut our carbon emissions and conserve valuable resources in a major step towards genuinely sustainable mobility.
THE RECYCLING PROCESS
Schwalbe’s closed recycling loop illustrates how new products are made from used bicycle tires and inner tubes. From collection to separation by material type to the recovery of valuable resources such as steel and rubber, the process ensures maximum reuse and is gentle on resources.
THE PROCESS
1. Collection
Bicycle shops collect all brands of used bicycle tire in the Schwalbe Recycling Box.
2. Transportation
The full boxes are transported from bicycle retailers located throughout Germany to our recycling partner Pyrum Innovations AG.
3. Shredding
The used tires are mechanically shredded in the plants at Pyrum Innovations AG and separated into rubber granulate, textile fiber and steel.
4. Pyrolysis/energy generation
The rubber granulate is broken down at a temperature of 700°C in an oxygen-free environment in the pyrolysis reactor, where it’s converted into the valuable secondary resources of gas, oil and what’s known as recovered carbon black (rCB). The gas produced is used to power the plant, making it self-sufficient in its energy supply.
5. Material recovery
The rCB and pyrolysis oil are used to make new Schwalbe products. This procedure consumes fewer valuable resources and cuts CO2e emissions.
IN FULL VIEW: THE FUTURE IN NUMBERS
One of our aims is to be transparent in all we do. Our recycling graphic visualises what’s otherwise normally hidden from sight: current return rates, recycling quotas and the amount of CO2 saved per annum.
These figures are more than just simple statistics and used to forecast how we intend to further expand our recycling volumes and material loops.
