Green Revolution: How Old Bicycle Tires Become New Without Quality Loss

Achieving climate neutrality is a monumental task. A significant innovation on this path is a bicycle tire that is reborn from old ones.

The Challenge

Bicycle tires have traditionally been a classic disposable product, almost always ending up in incineration, leading to the loss of valuable raw materials. At the same time, the tire industry heavily relies on fossil resources like synthetic rubber, carbon black, and petroleum – a growing problem given dwindling resources and rising CO₂ costs. Moreover, circular economy initiatives often fail because recycled raw materials no longer possess the same quality, leading to downcycling.

The Innovation

Schwalbe has fundamentally reimagined its bestseller, the "Marathon." The "Green Marathon" is the first bicycle tire where recycled carbon black extensively replaces conventional, highly climate-damaging industrial carbon black. It also incorporates bio-based oils and completely eliminates synthetic rubber – representing the largest single CO₂ reduction lever. Crucially, there are no compromises in mileage, safety, or rolling resistance.

In Practice

The "Green Marathon" reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 41% compared to the standard model, consists of about 80% renewable and recycled materials, and costs only about one euro more. This pioneering technology now serves as a blueprint for other tire segments.

"Quickly Meet Premium Standards"

Felix Jahn, Schwalbe

"Green Marathon" and "Marathon" – what's the difference?
We are replacing industrial carbon black entirely with recycled carbon black derived from our own old tires for the first time. This closes the material loop at the material level – without downcycling and without any loss of quality.

Why did you start with your most important product, the "Marathon"?
It was coincidental. In 2019, we aimed to develop the most sustainable bicycle tire in the world and initially intended to start in the entry-level segment. However, our innovation leaps were so rapid that we quickly met premium standards. And when an opportunity for scaling presents itself, we seize it.

Is the tire industry's recycling process easier than, for example, for shoe manufacturers?
Yes, thanks to us, specialist dealers have now become a collection point for old tires and tubes. Such a comprehensive system has not yet been established for running shoes.