SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 2, 2024 – Pirelli, a global leader in tire manufacturing and renowned for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, has unveiled a groundbreaking achievement in the cycling industry with the launch of its P Zero Race TLR RS tire. This revolutionary tire is the first in the market to incorporate FSC-certified natural rubber, underscoring Pirelli's dedication to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification signifies that the natural rubber used in the P Zero Race TLR RS originates from responsibly managed plantations that adhere to rigorous standards for biodiversity conservation, social impact, and economic viability. This milestone not only sets a new benchmark for sustainability within the cycling industry but also reinforces Pirelli's commitment to driving positive change throughout its supply chain.
Produced at Pirelli's cutting-edge Bollate facility in Milan, the P Zero Race TLR RS is the inaugural model in a forthcoming series of tires that will bear the esteemed FSC certification. The tire's production process adheres to strict protocols, ensuring the complete segregation of FSC-certified materials from non-certified materials throughout every stage of manufacturing. To maintain transparency and traceability, Pirelli has implemented a robust monitoring system at the Bollate plant, enabling precise tracking of all materials utilized in FSC-certified products.
"Pirelli's decision to increasingly utilize FSC-certified natural rubber in our products reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility," said Piero Misani, Pirelli's Chief Technical Officer. "We believe that it is our duty to support the communities and workers in the regions where natural rubber is sourced, while also protecting the delicate ecosystems that provide this vital resource."
Engineered for competitive cycling, the P Zero Race TLR RS is a tubeless-ready tire designed to deliver exceptional performance. Pirelli asserts that the tire offers superior grip in all weather conditions, enhanced handling during braking, acceleration, and cornering, and significantly reduced rolling resistance. Through meticulous refinements to the tread thickness and fabric structure, Pirelli has achieved an 8% reduction in weight and a 16% reduction in average rolling resistance compared to the previous P Zero Race TLR model.
The P Zero Race TLR RS has already been adopted by the WorldTour team Lidl-Trek for professional races and grand tours, affirming its outstanding performance capabilities and suitability for the most demanding cycling environments.The tire is now available for purchase at select retailers worldwide and features a prominent logo on its sidewall that proudly displays its FSC-certified forest-origin components.
"Environmental and social responsibility are integral to Pirelli's core values," added Misani. "We are committed to delivering high-performance products that meet the needs of professional cyclists and discerning enthusiasts, without compromising on safety or sustainability. Our experience in Formula 1, where all tires now contain FSC-certified natural rubber, demonstrates that environmental consciousness can coexist with exceptional performance."
With the launch of the FSC-certified P Zero Race TLR RS tire, Pirelli solidifies its position as a leader in sustainable innovation within the cycling industry. This landmark achievement not only raises the bar for environmental responsibility but also showcases the company's dedication to creating a more sustainable future for both cyclists and the planet.