Trelleborg is committed to reducing its own carbon footprint and those of its customers, and is investing considerable resources to do so. Trelleborg Wheel Systems undertakes intensive research and development work together with the main tractor original equipment manufacturers, prompting sustainability consultants such as PE International, as well as the top agricultural schools in Europe, to create solutions that make a difference.
A major breakthrough came with the launch of the TM Blue tyre concept to help farmers boost their productivity and at the same time reduce their environmental footprint.
“Cultivation accounts for more than 50 per cent of the carbon footprint in the production of wheat and other cereals, and is therefore an important focal area as both consumers and farmers look at ways to improve sustainability,” the marketing director of agricultural and forestry tyres at Trelleborg Wheel Systems, Lorenzo Ciferri, said. “With TM Blue, farmers get a higher yield and at the same time reduce their CO2 emissions.”
The TM Blue agricultural tyres till the soil in a gentle manner through low compaction, which allows the soil to return to its original state, resulting in lower plant loss and higher crop yields. This contributes to a six per cent reduction in the carbon footprint compared with using other premium-brand tyres.
The wide footprint area, up to 13 per cent wider than the market average, gives better flotation characteristics by distributing the load evenly across the footprint. The excellent traction capability of the TM Blue tyres reduces slippage, which in turn reduces work time and energy dissipation, resulting in lower fuel consumption. In just one week of tilling, the tyres can provide fuel consumption savings of 45 to 75 litres – and that adds up to cost savings for farmers as well.
In addition to the actual use of agricultural tyres, Trelleborg is studying other aspects in the life cycle of tyres, including raw materials, production, distribution and recycling.
In its life cycle analysis (LCA) the bulk of the carbon footprint of Trelleborg Wheel Systems – 60 per cent – can be attributed to raw materials.
“We’re improving the raw material phase through the eco-design of tyres, selecting the right suppliers and materials,” Mr Ciferri says.
In the production process, which accounts for 30 per cent of the carbon footprint, Trelleborg is analysing each step to see how it can be more environmentally friendly. Water recycling, projects to reduce energy consumption, using renewable sources of energy and eliminating waste are some of the solutions. Less than three per cent of waste material goes to landfill sites, and environmentally friendly extender oils are used throughout the production process to prevent the risk of environmental contamination.
The LCA shows that distribution accounts for just three to five per cent of the carbon footprint, but Trelleborg is addressing this area as well by manufacturing closer to its main markets. This will help reduce CO2 emissions caused by long-distance deliveries. Trelleborg’s first North American manufacturing facility dedicated to the manufacture of premium radial tyres for agricultural machinery has been built in South Carolina.
When it comes to the end of an agricultural tyre’s life cycle, Trelleborg estimates that an average of 40 to 45 per cent of tyre materials are recycled.
“This portion increases significantly year to year, and it can potentially double within the next decade,” Mr Ciferri says.
Looking to the future, he anticipates some big changes, especially when it comes to the use of raw materials.
“Two-thirds of our raw materials are based on fossil fuels, and we know this is going to have to change,” he adds. “We’re already working jointly with our key suppliers looking into ways to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels by replacing them with other materials, such as advanced bio-polymers to replace synthetic rubber.”
For more information visit: www.trelleborg.com.
