Wednesday, December 07, 2011 Gone with the Wind
 Bridgestone has developed an airless concept tire that could prove to be a viable and more environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional tires in the future.
Airless tires have a lesser impact on the environment than today’s conventional tires, but previously such concept tires 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 tires supporting the weight of the vehicle, there is no need to periodically refill the tires with air, meaning that the tires require less maintenance. At the same time, the worry of punctures is eliminated.
The “spokes” are made from reusable thermoplastic resin, and the materials used in the tires are 100% recyclable. As a result, the tires 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 tires into new tires and the use of recyclable resources.
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