Nokian Tyres launched the FAST RACE, BIG CHANGE sustainable tyre innovation challenge last year to find new solutions for more sustainable tyres. The challenge was open for all businesses, students and researchers. Source: Timberbiz
Nokian Tyres received almost 50 applications from 18 different countries, and from them a team of experts chose four finalists. At the finals event held in Lapland, the jury awarded Reselo AB from Sweden with the winning place. Reselo’s innovative renewable rubber made from residue birch bark convinced the judges with its versatility and future potential.
In addition to Reselo the other finalists were Microwave solutions GmbH from Switzerland, Universal Matter Inc. from Canada and a simulation modelling expert from Italy
Reselo’s renewable rubber utilizes birch bark sourced from the residue of the global pulp, paper and plywood industry. According to Reselo, a single mill creates 100,000 tons of birch bark residue on average every year, and the forest industry in Finland and Sweden alone produce enough raw material for 200,000 tons of Reselo’s unique rubber.
The biorefinery concept Reselo uses is also designed to minimize the environmental impact of the material.
“We were really impressed with the capabilities and versatility of the material. It was also important for us that the material was produced from the side stream of other industries. The company and the team itself are highly dedicated. We want to be part of their success story, and we believe that Reselo will be one of the steppingstones towards our own goal of having 50% of the raw materials in our tires renewable or recycled by 2030,” Teemu Soini, Head of Innovation & Development from Nokian Tyres said.
As the winner of the FAST RACE, BIG CHANGE Reselo received a monetary prize as well as the opportunity to explore a business or development partnership with Nokian Tyres.
“I am amazed and pleased that we won. The cooperation with Nokian Tyres will be a fantastic opportunity for us. It is a confirmation for our invention and the material itself. Our journey together is just beginning but the early results are promising. We hope that our renewable rubber can one day be part of a Nokian Tyres tyre,” Henrik Otendal, CEO and one of the founders of Reselo said.
