Tire raw materials are undergoing unprecedented changes due to innovations in sustainability and the mobility sector, according to a new report from Smithers, The Future of Tire Raw Materials to 2030. The in-depth market study is now available and forecasts a CAGR of 3.7% in tire raw materials volume to 2030 to meet changing tire requirements from OEMs and other industry influences. Additionally, tire raw materials will grow in volume from 58,706 tonnes in 2025 to 70,584 tonnes in 2030, according to the new research. The report examines this growth as well as changing trends in raw materials use, availability, pricing trends, traceability, regulatory policies and more.

Industry challenges

Priority challenges facing the tire raw materials industry solutions for resolving the flat tire issue, adoption of the circular economy and removing substances of high concern (SHC), and the search for stronger, lighter tires and more silent tires to accommodate electric vehicles.

Circular economy

The automotive, tire, and raw material industries are focusing on the transition from a linear to a circular economy to mitigate waste and address resource scarcity and support a clean and healthy planet. This transformation follows the continuous use of resources, waste elimination, and the integration of recycled and renewable materials. The shift is not only optimizing but sometimes replacing certain raw materials, according to industry expert and report author N. Omar Meneghelli. 

Tire industry stakeholders are developing effective methods for recycling and reusing tire materials, innovative applications for recycled tire rubber addressing the challenges of tire disposal and environmental impact, especially the impact of tire microplastics, which is detailed in the report.

Sustainability and regulatory goals

Sustainability and regulatory goals are moving targets that require tire makers to continuously adapt their processes and materials. 

Achieving the ambitious regulatory targets will drive significant changes, particularly in the dynamic raw materials markets. This goes hand in hand with the reduction of environmental impact: (e.g., carbon footprint, water usage) by tire and raw materials companies. 

With increased use of recycled/renewable materials based as a part of circular economic initiatives, 2025 is a pivotal year with stricter Euro 7 emissions standards and carbon footprint goals of -20% CO2 green house gases and deforestation implementation by year end. 

Adherence to these regulations will shape the industry's product development and manufacturing processes for years to come. Additionally, 2035 is the target date for regulatory requirements for zero-emission vehicles equipped with stronger and lighter tires made from more advanced raw materials.  

Key materials

The drive for ever lower rolling resistance, industry sustainability and the move toward electric vehicles is supporting growth in tire raw materials including the following:

• Elastomers are present in all tire components. Manufacturers are constantly developing new versions to meet the specific new tire formulations / demands focusing on durability, efficiency, performance, and sustainability.
• Natural rubber is the most used material in tires, and its evolving definition now includes responsible sourcing: traceability, respecting human rights, and avoiding deforestation. There are several organizations auditing responsible sourcing using specially designed programs, apps, and lot tracing, starting at the farm.
• Synthetic rubber plays a crucial role in the tire industry, offering a range of benefits and properties that complement and sometimes surpass natural rubber. Green tire adoption is based on tread formulation based on synthetic elastomers and higher filler loadings that increase durability and abrasion resistance resulting in a more sustainable tire.