Sailun sets sights on 100% sustainable material usage by 2050

Yuan Zhongxue, director of the National Engineering Research Center for Rubber and Tire and honorary chairman of the Sailun Group, announced Sailun Group’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) during the recent 2024 China Rubber Conference. The SDGs aim to progressively increase the utilisation of sustainable materials in tyre production, targeting 40 per cent by 2030 and striving for 100 per cent by 2050. Additionally, Sailun aims to reduce per tyre energy consumption and carbon emissions by 30 per cent, compared to 2022 levels, by 2030.

At the heart of this initiative lies Sailun Group’s commitment to sustainable material applications in tyre manufacturing. At the 2024 China Rubber Conference’s specialised forum, Sailun unveiled two high-content sustainable material tyres: a passenger car radial (PCR) boasting 75 per cent sustainable material content, and a truck and bus radial (TBR) featuring 80 per cent sustainable material content. Both tyres meet Grade A specifications under EU labelling regulations, boasting rolling resistance coefficients of 6.0 and 3.8, respectively.

Advancements in materials, compounds & construction

These tyres are the result of innovative advancements in materials, compounds, and construction design. Key components include butadiene rubber synthesised from waste oil pyrolysis, carbon black derived from waste tyre pyrolysis oil, and silica produced using the carbonic acid method. Additionally, zinc oxide sourced from recovered zinc and steel cords and bead wires crafted from recycled steel contribute to the sustainable profile. Polyester cords, crucial for tyre reinforcement, are made from recycled PET. Furthermore, Sailun Group pioneers the use of plant-based rayon and PA56 as alternatives to traditional polyester and nylon cords, further enhancing eco-friendliness.

Looking ahead, Sailun Group says it remains committed to providing environmentally conscious tyre solutions, facilitating green mobility and contributing to a sustainable future.