Old Tires. New Adventures.
What looks like black sand at first glance is actually the starting point for new cycling apparel and outdoor gear. Behind it all is a cycle that shows how end-of-life materials can be transformed back into valuable raw materials.
Our products with materials made from recycled scrap tires:
"We want to be pioneers when it comes to building a circular economy for our functional clothing. Reducing the need for primary fossil resources is a big step in this."
New Recycling Opportunities Through Pyrolysis
A key component of this cycle is Schwalbe’s take-back system. Together with a Europe-wide network of bicycle dealers, the tire manufacturer ensures that used bicycle tires are collected and sent for recycling. This keeps valuable raw materials in the cycle instead of being incinerated or landfilled.
The collected tires are then recycled by Pyrum Innovations AG. Using an innovative pyrolysis process, the used tires are broken down into their constituent parts and processed into new raw materials. One of these is pyrolysis oil, which can be used as an alternative to fossil-based raw materials in plastics production. This process opens up new possibilities for the circular economy, as materials can be reused repeatedly while maintaining consistent quality.
Used Tires, BASF, and the Mass Balance Method
In collaboration with BASF, the pyrolysis oil extracted from used tires is incorporated into the production of polyamide through a certified mass balance method. This results in a high-quality material that meets the demanding requirements for functional clothing and gear.
This is exactly where VAUDE comes in. We are the first outdoor company to use this innovative recycling process for select products. The recycled polyamide is used to make durable pants, jackets, and backpacks—products made from a material that would normally be considered waste. These materials have been used in the first VAUDE products since 2022.
Functional outdoor products made from used tires for year-round use
Particularly noteworthy is the collaboration across the entire value chain: Schwalbe organizes the collection of tires, Pyrum handles the recycling, BASF processes the raw materials, and VAUDE brings the material back into the everyday lives of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Step by step, a worn-out bicycle tire is transformed into new outdoor gear. This is an example of how a circular economy can work when companies break new ground to reduce the use of fossil-based raw materials.
