Tire manufacturer Schwalbe makes new bicycle tires from old ones

The Cologne University of Applied Sciences developed a recycling process in the project "Innovative Material Recovery Concept for Bicycle Tires in the Sense of a Closed-Loop Economy" with the bicycle tire manufacturer Schwalbe and Pyrum Innovations AG. Now, Schwalbe has managed to establish a closed loop through bicycle retailers in collaboration with its partners and the logistics company Emons. Old and defective used tires are collected in a recycling box provided by the tire manufacturer Schwalbe at the local dealer. The tires are taken to the recycling specialist Pyrum Innovations AG in Saarland, where they are shredded and then decomposed into secondary raw materials. During this recycling process, as Pascal Klein, a member of the board of Pyrum Innovations, proudly points out, no waste is generated.

Recycled tires save 80 percent CO₂

The world's unique process makes it possible to recycle bicycle tires holistically and completely. Used bicycle tires are processed in such a way that new tires are made from them. This recycling process saves up to 80 percent energy and, above all, reduces the emission of the greenhouse gas CO₂ by up to 80 percent.

ZEG recycles with

Europe's largest two-wheel purchasing group (ZEG) has now announced its participation in the recycling project.

"As the largest association of bicycle retailers in Europe, we feel it is our duty to drive forward the topic of sustainability in the bicycle industry together with our member companies. The recycling system of our close partner Schwalbe is exemplary and we are very happy to support it. We aim to contribute our part to climate protection and a better world for tomorrow together with as many members as possible," said Fred Schierenbeck, ZEG Board Member.

"The Schwalbe recycling system is a huge step towards a sustainable circular economy. It conserves resources, contributes to climate protection, and fulfills our ecological responsibility. And the best part: ZEG, as Europe's largest association of specialist retailers, can also make a visible contribution by participating, which makes us very happy as a long-standing partner of the ZEG Group," said Nico Simons, Managing Director of Schwalbe, Ralf Bohle GmbH.