German bicycle accessories brand Schwalbe is launching its next-generation Aerothan series of TPU bicycle innertubes. The company says these lightweight, German-made innertubes offer low rolling resistance, 80% better puncture resistance, and 20% greater puncture protection than standard Aerothan innertubes.
The new bicycle inner tubes are made from mass-balanced recycled TPU from BASF. Schwalbe has a long history of implementing projects for recycling bicycle tires. Essentially, the project began in 2020 with a joint research project between Schwalbe, Pyrum Innovations, and the Cologne University of Applied Sciences (TH Köln). A student interning at Schwalbe developed a unique new thermochemical process for recycling tires, breaking them down into reusable raw materials. The pyrolysis oil obtained from waste tires by Pyrum Innovations in its patented recycling process is now used in BASF's ChemCycling® project to produce "Ccycled®" thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for the new Aerothan series of TPU bicycle inner tubes, instead of using conventional crude oil as raw material.
Schwalbe says this process significantly improves the environmental performance of its TPU bicycle innertubes, now containing over 90% recycled material. These innertubes are 100% recyclable, and the company is currently developing its recycling logistics system.
By upgrading the valve stem and external threads of traditional innertubes from plastic to aluminum alloy, durability has been enhanced. Schwalbe claims this improvement improves structural stability and ease of use, while also offering greater compatibility.
The new products will be available in 39 sizes, including a thicker Plus version offering enhanced puncture protection. These more sustainable TPU bicycle innertubes will be available in the fall.
Tires, as essential automotive components, are fundamental to the development of the automotive industry. Based on their structural design, they are categorized into bias-ply and radial tires; based on the presence or absence of an inner tube, they are divided into tube-type and tubeless tires (also known as vacuum tires); and based on their intended use, they are categorized into automotive tires (including passenger car and light truck tires, as well as heavy-duty tires), off-highway tires, agricultural tires, industrial vehicle tires, rickshaw tires, motorcycle tires, and aircraft tires.