The trailer manufacturer Krone, one of the largest in Europe, has joined the Allianz Zukunft Reifen (AZuR) network to work together with the current 80 partners on one of the pressing challenges of our time: sustainability in the tire circular economy.
Krone already has business relationships with various AZuR partners, so membership in the network is the logical next step, according to those responsible. At the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Krone was the first trailer manufacturer to present its own retreaded tire, the Krone R:Tyre. AZuR network coordinator Christina Guth is pleased about the accession of one of Europe’s leading trailer manufacturers and hopes that “other vehicle manufacturers will follow Krone’s good example.”
Working together to create a sustainable and efficient circular economy for tires
Tires are not only one of the central wear components of trailers, but also the central element that connects the vehicle and the road. The influence of tires on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is significant. Thanks to digitalization and collaborative partnerships, new opportunities are now opening up to make the circular economy for tires sustainable and efficient.
“We are convinced that we can jointly advance sustainability in the transport industry through the AZuR network, its knowledge and through open and innovative exchange with partners. In this way, decisions can be made and solutions developed – for a more sustainable and economical transport industry,” says Krone Managing Director Ralf Faust.
Krone presents AZuR partnership and retreaded trailer tires at the IAA
The trailer manufacturer’s entry into the AZuR network was officially announced at the Krone trade fair stand at IAA Transportation 2024. At the IAA, Krone was also the first trailer manufacturer to present its own retreaded tire, the Krone R:Tyre. Compared to a new tire, this innovative tire saves two thirds of the raw materials, 60 percent CO2 emissions and 50 percent energy.
AZuR presented retreaded commercial vehicle tires (for all axles) to the transport and logistics industry in Hanover as an all-round convincing solution for reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs in road freight transport. Retreads are proven to offer the same quality, safety, mileage and performance as comparable new tires. They also have a significantly better ecological balance and achieve a better performance-cost ratio.
In order to significantly increase the retreading rate, attention must be paid to the quality of the casings during the production of new tires. A solution must be developed to efficiently identify retreadable old tires. The TH Köln is making a valuable contribution to this through a project workshop, which was presented at the AZuR stand at the IAA. The objective is to develop test criteria and analysis methods for the quick, reliable assessment of the retreadability of used tires.
Krone underlines its commitment to a sustainable transport industry
Karsten Küwen, Managing Director at ECR Solutions and Head of Service Excellence at Krone Trailer, adds: “We are already working successfully with various network partners to provide a holistic process from changing tires to marketing the retreaded tires, for example via our online website. Shop or through alternative recycling processes. Joining the AZuR network is the logical next step for us to develop even more advanced solutions.”
With this step, Krone underlines its commitment to a sustainable transport industry and a future-proof tire circular economy.
About Allianz Future Tires (AZuR)
AZuR has been committed to a sustainable tire circular economy across Europe since 2020. If possible, used tires should be 100 percent reused or recycled in order to avoid waste, reduce CO2 emissions, conserve natural resources and protect people and the environment. Over 80 AZuR partners from industry, trade and science cover all sectors of the sustainable circular economy of tires – from the sustainable production of new tires and the certified collection of used tires to the repair and retreading of passenger car and commercial vehicle tires, right through to the material and chemical recycling of the raw materials contained in old tires.
In interdisciplinary teamwork, new ways and solutions are developed for an ecologically and economically sensible tire cycle. The universities in the AZuR network are particularly important. With scientifically based studies and research, these provide valuable impulses to close the material cycle.
At TyreXpo Asia 2023 in Singapore, AZuR was awarded the Recircle Award in the Circular Economy category. In November 2023, AZuR received the “European Transport Prize for Sustainability 2024” for the study on the positive ecological balance of retreading.
You can find out more about AZuR here: https://azur-netzwerk.de
Source: AZuR network / CGW GmbH
