From production to disposal, and innovation, the lifecycle of a tyre needs a ret

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India’s automotive industry is pivotal to the country’s ambitious pursuit of decarbonisation. With a target set to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, this is a crucial agenda. Although road transport contributes a modest 12 percent to India's overall Co2 emission as per Niti Ayog and the International Energy Agency, the per capita emissions in India are comparatively lower than those in emerging economies like Brazil, Indonesia, or Mexico. Still, the transport sector is responsible for 20 percent to 30 percent of urban air pollution. With the demand for mobility soaring and passenger car sales reaching record highs in FY2023-24, emissions from road transport could potentially double by 2050.

The government of India has taken many steps to control emission norms through stricter regulations and has further plans to improve fuel efficiency norms. To achieve better fuel efficiencies in automobiles, lower emission tyres, a critical auto component, have played a significant role in these ambitious plans. Tyres, while essential for vehicle operation, are resource-intensive to produce and pose significant environmental challenges. The manufacturing process of tyres involves substantial energy consumption and raw materials, contributing to their carbon footprint. The tyre industry is driven to adopt sustainability measures and each large manufacturer has undertaken many initiatives to reduce carbon footprint.

Once the tyres reach the end of life, disposal of these is yet another subject. Though in India there is no tyre dump or land refill, there are still a few applications that are not environmentally friendly. Hence, tyre manufacturers are now mandated by the government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) notification to take responsibility for their tyres’ environmental footprint over their entire lifecycle and not just the impact resulting from the production process. This includes the safe and environmentally responsible disposal of tyres.

However, EPR obligations only make tyre manufacturers accountable for their tyres. It does not address the problem of dumping, where used tyres worldwide are shipped to India for disposal. To address these external challenges, the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) has brought this to the attention of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change as well as the Central Pollution Control Board.

For durability and higher fuel efficiency, recommended tyre pressure is a must. In this direction, one of the most promising advancements is the development of smart tyres. These tyres equipped with sensors and wireless communication technology, help in significant improvement in tyre performance and longevity. Smart tyres continuously monitor various parameters such as tyre pressure, temperature, and air leaks in real time.

In addition to smart tyres, puncture guard tyre is yet another innovation aimed at extending tyre life. These tyres are designed to ensure that in case of a puncture in the tread area, the air does not leak and the puncture gets sealed leading to tyre structure remaining intact, extending tyre's usable life, thus further contributing to environmental sustainability.

By optimising rolling resistance in the tyres, any automobile reduces fuel consumption, hence reducing the environmental impact of vehicles and supporting sustainability goals. Several tyre manufacturers are leading the way in integrating sustainable practices into their operations.

These advancements in tyre technology and manufacturing are a testament to the industry's commitment to sustainability. However, achieving a greener future requires a concerted effort across the entire value chain and a societal shift towards sustainable practices. The integration of innovative tyre technologies and circular economy principles demonstrates that sustainability is not just an option but also a necessity for the automotive industry.

Tyres play a vital role in the automotive sector's quest to meet its sustainability goals. By embracing technological innovations and adopting circular economy practices, the industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact and contribute to India's broader decarbonisation targets. Sustainability is no longer a choice—it is an imperative that drives progress and shapes a greener future for all.