Bridgestone has developed an airless (non-pneumatic) tyre that could prove to be a viable and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional tyres in the future.

Airless tyres have a lower impact on the environment than today’s conventional tyres, but previously such concept tyres have been impractical to produce for the mass market. Bridgestone developed this technology with the aim of practical implementation.

With a unique structure of spokes stretching along the inner sides of the tyres supporting the weight of the vehicle, there is no need to periodically refill the tyres with air, meaning that they require less maintenance. At the same time the worry of punctures is eliminated. In addition, the spoke structure within the tyre is made from reusable thermoplastic resin, and along with the rubber in the tread portion, the materials used in the tyres are 100% recyclable. As a result, the tyres set a new standard in terms of environmental friendliness, safety and comfort.

Bridgestone is pursuing this technological development with the aim of achieving a “cradle to cradle” process, that proactively maximizes the cyclical use of resources from worn tyres into new tyres and the use of recyclable resources.

“Bridgestone is investing considerable resources to help to reduce the impact of motoring on the environment and the new airless tyre is a good example of this strategy,” says Colm Conyngham, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Bridgestone Ireland “While this is a development project, Bridgestone is hopeful that the airless tyre will be used by Irish motorists in the future,” he added.