Michelin is highlighting two sustainable innovations during the annual Movin’On Summit, unveiling the prototype for a sustainable tire and even a new generation of sails for merchant ships, says an article published in TruckNews.
46% sustainable materials
The prototype racing tire contains 46% sustainable materials and is being fitted to the GreenGT Mission H24 hydrogen-powered car for endurance racing.
The tire includes a higher amount of natural rubber, but also the recycled carbon black from end-of-life tires, Michelin says.
Other bio-sourced or recycled materials draw from orange and lemon rinds, sunflower oil, pine resin, and recycled steel from aluminum cans.
Michelin previous commitment
Michelin previously committed to manufacturing all its tires with 100% sustainable materials by 2050.
By 2030, the group has a target of having 40% sustainable material in its tires.
While several prototypes have introduced sustainable materials into the vision for future tires, this example also promises on-track performance
Global Sustainable Mobility
“Mobility, and movement in the broadest sense of the term, are inherent to life and a source of progress,” says Michelin managing chairman Florent Menegaux.
“The two innovative solutions we are presenting at this year’s global sustainable mobility summit offer tangible, real-world proof of our determination to make mobility increasingly sustainable.”
Wing Sail Mobility project
The announcement comes alongside a look at the Wing Sail Mobility (WISAMO) project that includes an automated, telescopic, inflatable wing sail system that can be fitted to merchant ships and pleasure craft.
It’s a collaboration between Michelin’s research and development team and a pair of Swiss inventors.
The inflatable wing sail captures the wind, and promises to improve a ship’s fuel efficiency of up to 20%.
Added Advantage – WISAMO system
“The advantage of wind propulsion is that wind energy is clean, free, universal and totally non-controversial,” said skipper and project ambassador Michel Desjoyaux.
The WISAMO system is to be fitted on a merchant ship in 2022. Michelin added that the production will follow the completion of a trial.
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Source: TruckNews
