Around a year after the start of a pioneering project on the Indonesian island of Java, in which agriculture and forestry are combined, Schwalbe draws a positive interim conclusion.

The family-owned company is pleased with the great progress made by the 7,500 rubber trees whose seedlings were planted around nine months ago. These trees provide the most important raw material for bicycle tyres – natural rubber.

Schwalbe launched the agroforestry project together with Fair Rubber e.V. and local farmers from the Yayasan Adil Makmur Sejahter Cikulur cooperative, through which Schwalbe purchases fairly traded natural rubber.

It is not only rubber trees that are planted there, but also crops such as eggplants and bananas. This benefits people, nature and the climate.

The project is being scientifically supported by the Indonesian Rubber Research Institute (IRRI).

The innovative “test plantations” are designed to be close to nature and are based on the vegetation of natural forests. This creates a diverse, species-rich environment that comes remarkably close to the conditions of an original forest and thus represents a clear positive alternative to conventional monoculture systems.

This method protects the rubber trees from parasitic leaf diseases and crop failures and preserves the natural ecosystem. The combination of high biodiversity and sustainable cultivation creates a long-term stable sources of income for the local community, while at the same time strengthening soil health and the resilience of the environment.

Felix Jahn, head of CSR at Schwalbe, says: “We have launched a truly pioneering project in Java, and we are delighted with its success to date. Environmentally friendly cultivation methods help to reduce the risk of deforestation, preserve biodiversity and maintain the ecological functions of the forests through efficient use.”

Natural rubber and Fair Rubber

Schwalbe’s commitment to fairly traded natural rubber is also reflected in its product range: It now uses around one-third of fair rubber in its production in the year 2024.

At the same time, the company is working together with Fair Rubber e.V. to further expand the system. For every kilo of raw material, Schwalbe pays a premium of 0.50 euros directly to certified small farmers and rubber tappers. This premium corresponds to over a quarter of the current world market price and directly supports the livelihoods of local communities.

Schwalbe‘s G-One R line gets its third member with the launch of the G-One RX, which is said to focus on delivering the best possible off-road performance.

The new G-One RX has been designed and optimised for off-road, especially on rocky and muddy terrain, where enormous amounts of grip are required.

The tyre retains the boomerang design tread pattern of the G-One R for low rolling resistance and grip on steep climbs. However, the knobs are more pronounced and the focus on off-road surfaces is particularly evident in the tread detail:

— Paired outer blocks ensure maximum cornering traction. The concept originates from the cyclo-cross sector, where Schwalbe has already successfully implemented it on the X-One R.

— The intermediate area is open to ensure the best grip on steep climbs and good self-cleaning even in muddy conditions

Schwalbe‘s development team uses a newly developed carcass construction for the R-Line. Schwalbe also relies on “an innovative turn-up construction with three carcass plies on the sidewall for outstanding puncture and cut protection”.

The improved and widened V-Guard puncture protection belt is said to “provide increased protection under the tread”, whilst another new feature is the “arrangement of the individual plies, which (the brand claims) has further reduced rolling resistance”.

The result: even more puncture protection with the same weight. Together with the further optimized and faster Addix Race rubber compound, the G-One RX aims to make a performance-optimised statement.

Complete R line gets an update

At the same time, the other two tyres in Schwalbe‘s G-One R line also receive the new rubber compound and carcass construction. The range of sizes and colours is also being expanded once again.

The new R PRO line will be available with Schwalbe ́s popular transparent sidewall and, for the first time, with a black sidewall across all models.

The brand’s signature blue colour, found on its professional athletes’ blue chafer tyres, is now part of the all-new PRO label. Here, the “Schwalbe PRO” line represents tyres that “stand for exceptional performance”.

Schwalbe’s G-One R line:

• G-One RX: Focus on the best possible off-road performance with more grip in difficult conditions.
• G-One RS: The best choice for asphalt and hard gravel with a full focus on maximum speed.
• G-One R: All-rounder, fast on asphalt, but also good off-road.

For information on trade wholesale suppliers, please contact Schwalbe via email at Info@schwalbe.co.uk.

Eight cycling companies – Accell, Canyon, Quality Bicycle Products, Rose, Schindelhauer, Schwalbe, Scott, and Trek – have launched a free Climate Action Training Course for the cycling industry to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the industry’s global supply chains.

The majority of a cycling company’s environmental footprint typically stems from its supply chain – up to 95% of carbon emissions occur during the extraction, sourcing, and production of bicycle materials and components.

To tackle these emissions and support their business partners, companies have come together to co-develop a Climate Action Training Course.

The online training is tailored to suppliers of cycling hard goods and is available in English now, with Mandarin and Vietnamese available from mid-November onwards.

Aimed at top management and technical mid-management, the free course is designed to raise awareness about the crucial role manufacturing sites play in reducing emissions and to equip them with helpful resources.

The training provides foundational knowledge on measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, how to set reduction targets and monitor progress, as well as relevant case studies of potential solutions to drive down emissions.

This course is open to the entire cycling industry, and all brands are encouraged to use the training as a tool to support their own climate action efforts, as well as those of their business partners.

It is available as a free online self-paced course and as a tutor-guided option for groups.

More information and access to the course can be found on: shiftcyclingculture.com.

This initiative is co-facilitated by Shift Cycling Culture and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), aiming to create a blueprint for future collaborative projects within the industry.

The training was developed with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), as part of their efforts to help companies fulfil due diligence obligations for fair supply chains, in line with the principles of a Just Transition.

Schwalbe has published its third CSR report under the title “We are recyclists”.

In it, the family-owned company transparently presents the progress it has made on its path to social and ecological responsibility.

Schwalbe focuses in particular on the promotion of the circular economy, the consistent increase in environmentally friendly attributes in all Schwalbe products and the expansion of its diverse commitment to social justice.

The most important figures from 2023 at a glance:

– 76% of annual sales were generated with environmentally friendly products (produced from fair rubber, recycled and/or renewable raw materials)

– Two million bicycle inner tubes recycled worldwide and 550,000 bicycle tires recycled (in August 2024, the million mark was reached cumulatively)

– 37% reduction in CO2 emissions in production (Scope 1, 2 & 3) since 2018. Tube recycling alone saved 5,683 tons of CO2eq in 2023.

– Five projects supported by the Children’s Council

Frank Bohle, CEO of Schwalbe, comments:: “As a pioneer of the circular economy, we want to continuously increase the proportion of environmentally friendly attributes in our products.

“In 2023, 76% of annual sales were already generated by products made with fair rubber, recycled and/or renewable raw materials.

“Our goal is to continuously reduce our environmental impact through the transition to a circular economy and to actively promote the bicycle as the environmentally friendly means of transportation of the future.”

A highlight of 2023 was the launch of the Green Marathon – the world’s first tyre made from used tyres from the Schwalbe Recycling System, among other things.

Schwalbe now uses recycled carbon black (rCB) in 70% of all tyres, which is a direct product of the recycling process and replaces carbon black made from crude oil.

Schwalbe also made progress with its Fair Rubber project.

The proportion of tires with fairly traded natural rubber has increased enormously. In the long term, Schwalbe is pursuing the goal of sourcing 100% fair rubber.

In addition to local communities and fair working conditions, this commitment also promotes the issue of biodiversity.

The certified natural rubber comes from jungle plantations.

Unlike monocultures, this type of plantation preserves the high natural biodiversity of the rainforest.

The topic of biodiversity has always played a central role at Schwalbe – for almost 15 years, the family-owned company has supported the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, which is committed to the survival of the animals on Borneo and the protection of their natural rainforest habitat.

In 2023, the Schwalbe Employees’ Children’s Advisory Board was able to support a total of five projects.

It enables children to decide independently in a democratic process on funding for children’s aid projects.

Both local initiatives and international projects are supported.

Schwalbe’s tyre recycling programme has reached a significant milestone.

Since the introduction of the holistic and, to date, unique recycling system, one million bicycle tyres have been collected, recycled and returned to the cycle of reclaimed material going back into new products.

In tangible terms, this means that they are used to manufacture new tyres. The circle is closed.

Schwalbe presented the tyre recycling programme at Eurobike in 2022, developed together with Pyrums Innovations AG and the Technical University of Cologne.

Numerous specialist retailers across Germany have subsequently been connected to the system.

To date, it is possible to hand in old bike tyres at more than 1,800 participating retailers.

Depending on the store, a small fee is charged.

Schwalbe already uses recycled carbon black (rCB) in 70% of its product range – including the Pick Up, Green Marathon, Tacky Chan, G-One RX and Pro One models.

Only tyres with the Addix Ultra Soft rubber compound and Active Line tyres do not yet use rCB.

Schwalbe says this is not yet possible without compromising on quality.

The rCB is a direct by-product from the Schwalbe recycling system and replaces carbon black that is 100% fossil fuel based.

In this way, 80% CO2 equivalent is saved.

The rCB comes directly from Pyrum Innovations AG, the company where the actual recycling process takes place in Saarland.

End consumers do not directly notice the use of rCB, as neither the design and performance nor the price of the tyres change as a result.

Nevertheless, the circular economy and therefore the environment benefit from the purchase decision.

The Schwalbe Recycling System had already recycled 940,000 tyres by the end of April, with the German brand currently working on expanding the recycling process to other countries.

Schwalbe has developed two MTB radial tyres for the first time, Albert and Shredda.

According to the German brand, the two models are set to turn the MTB world “on its head”.

The basis is the completely new design of the carcass. The carcass threads, which traditionally run diagonally across the tyre at a 45° angle in normal bicycle tyres, are arranged at a much more obtuse angle in both models.

This technology, which was developed in the Downhill World Cup, opens up a new dimension in the function of the tyre.

First and foremost, the arrangement ensures that the carcass material overlaps shorter and with less tension.

As a result, the tyre deforms more selectively and can react more flexibly and adapt to unevenness without sacrificing safety.

On the other hand, the radial tyres offer a claimed increase of 30% more contact area than conventional tyres at the same air pressure. If the air pressure is increased by 50%, the contact area is still 15% larger and the tyre retains its flexible properties.

The increased contact area and more flexible response is designed provide more grip, more damping, more safety and more comfort.

Each tyre absorbs impacts better and uses the suspension travel more effectively. This applies to both mountain bikes and e-MTBs.

With the exception of the Addix Ultra Soft rubber compound, the radial tyres are manufactured with recycled carbon black (rCB).

The rCB is a direct product from the Schwalbe recycling system and replaces 100% fossil-based carbon black.

In his way, 80% CO₂ equivalents are saved – without compromising the quality and performance of the tyres.

Albert

When developing the Albert, Schwalbe‘s developers used the findings from the development of the Tacky Chan.

The shoulder lugs from the Tacky Chan were adopted to ensure extended braking edges, durability and good transferability of lateral forces. Overall, the tyre is more closed and rounder.

Carl Kämper, product management and development of MTB at Schwalbe, explained: “We have much more rubber on the ground and several lugs that are constantly in contact with the ground.

“In combination with the larger contact area of the radial tyres, this gives you exceptional control when riding, whether braking or accelerating. The tyre adapts extremely well.“

Shredda

Schwalbe’s Shredda tyre comes in a front and rear version and was specially developed for technically demanding trails with the e-MTB.

The front tyre scores with the greatest tread depth that Schwalbe has ever produced: 10mm on the shoulder and 8mm in the middle.

Visually, the tyre is reminiscent of a motocross tyre.

While the centre lugs stand like pyramids on the tyre, the angled shoulder lugs deform and close when riding.

Robert Mennen, MTB product manager at Schwalbe, added: “When developing Shredda, the goal was to master technical trails. The long lugs transfer the steering forces even on steep uphill sections.

“This is why the profile of the tyre looks so powerful, the focus here is clearly on function. The tread depth of the Shredda Rear is slightly lower – the extreme protrusion of the many lugs is noticeable here.

“Individual lugs are reinforced with bridges to guarantee even more stability and durability. With the shovelling effect of the many lugs, we get the power on the ground – both when braking and accelerating.“

UK RRPs for both Albert and Shredda are still TBC at the time of writing.

Schwalbe has presented “a revolution” for bicycle valves with the Schwalbe Clik Valve (SCV).

The product has the potential to become the new industry standard in the medium term thanks to it tackling a problem which has stood for more than 100 years.

John Quintana‘s aim when he invented the system was for his children to be able to inflate their own
bicycle tyres.

He was annoyed by the fact that it was simply too complicated for them with the “old” valves (both technically and for reasons of space on the children‘s bike).

Quintana tried out prototypes of the click system with his children, who became enthusiastic testers.

In contrast to Presta, Dunlop or Schrader valves, inflating bicycle tyres is made easier by the SCV thanks to an intuitive click system.

The associated pump head can be clicked onto the valve with little force and removed again easily after successful inflating. The entire operation is possible with just two fingers.

According to Schwalbe, there is no longer any risk of air loss, and signs of wear on the pump head are a thing of the past.

This is because the function of the pump head remains constant (with other pumps it deteriorates with time/use).

For tubeless use, the Schwalbe Clik Valve offers another additional advantage, as the air flow rate is
50% higher compared to the previously used SV valve.

As a first step, Schwalbe offers conversion kits for all existing valves and most pumps.

The conversion kit includes the pump head adapter or pump head (depending on your choice) as well as a newly-designed dust cap.

As a leading manufacturer of bicycle accessories, SKS will already be offering its own pump at Eurobike.

Other pump manufacturers will follow.

Schwalbe will also soon be producing its first tubes with the new Clik Valve.

One year after the launch of the Green Marathon, the world’s first tyre made partly from used tyres, Schwalbe is converting large parts of its range to circular tyres.

From now on, 70% of all Schwalbe tyres will be made with recycled carbon black (rCB).

The rCB is a direct product of the Schwalbe recycling system and replaces 100% fossil-based carbon black.

In this way, 80% CO₂eq is saved.

The rCB comes directly from Pyrum Innovations AG, the company where the actual recycling process takes place in Saarland.

Felix Jahn, head of corporate social responsibility, commented: “This is another milestone on our path of ecological responsibility.

“Through intensive research and development work, we have succeeded in switching to the use of rCB without having to compromise on the quality and performance of the tyres. This is always our top priority when using recycled materials.”

Thanks to the widespread use of rCB, Schwalbe’s high-end tyres for road bikes, gravel bikes, mountain bikes as well as city and cargo bikes are now also becoming circular tyres.

Only tyres with the Addix Ultra Soft rubber compound and Active Line tyres do not yet use rCB. Schwalbe says this is not yet possible without compromising on quality.

For the remaining tyres in the Schwalbe range, where rCB use is not yet possible, research is continuing.

End consumers are not directly aware of the use of rCB, as neither the design and application nor the price of the tyres change as a result.

Nevertheless, the circular economy and therefore the environment benefit from their purchase decision.

The Schwalbe Recycling System had already recycled 940,000 tyres by the end of April.

Used tyres can be returned to more than 1,800 participating specialist dealers in Germany.

Schwalbe is currently working on expanding the recycling process to other countries.

Schwalbe is continuing to roll out its tube recycling programme. With immediate effect, customers in France and Italy can also return used bicycle inner tubes to specialist retailers.

These are sent back to Schwalbe in bundles, recycled using a devulcanization process developed in-house and used for the production of new products.

Today, every Schwalbe standard inner tube already contains around 20% recycled raw material.

The energy balance of the recycling process, including all transportation routes, is extremely positive. Compared to the production of the same amount of new butyl, 80% energy is saved.

Since the start of the tube recycling programme in 2015, more than 10 million tubes have already been recycled.

The addition of France and Italy brings the number of participating countries to 10 (Germany, Austria, the UK, Benelux, the USA, Liechtenstein and Switzerland) – with more in the pipeline.

Participation in the programme is free of charge for all bicycle dealers.

The process is also reasonably simple.

First, old bicycle inner tubes – regardless of brand – are collected in boxes.

Dealers can then log into the UPS portal with their Schwalbe ID, print out the free shipping label and attach it to the tube package.

The parcel can then be handed in at the UPS store, to the UPS couriers or a collection can be arranged.

Schwalbe tube recycling was awarded the Eurobike Green Award 2015, the Green Concept Award 2020 and the German Sustainability Award 2021.

Read more: The top five jobs in the bike trade this week – 8th March

In September last year, BikeBiz editor Daniel Blackham sat down with Felix Jahn, corporate social responsibility manager at Schwalbe, on the German brand’s efforts to tackle its own ecological impact head on.

Schwalbe also produces a comprehensive CSR report annually.

The latest edition outlines a number of ambitious targets as the company pursues the goal of “minimising its negative impact on the climate and nature while making positive contributions”.

Schwalbe has taken the Green Marathon to the next level in terms of environmental friendliness and increased the proportion of recycled and renewable materials from 70% to 80%.

The basis for this is recycled nylon, which is used in the carcass of the tyre and completely replaces petroleum-based nylon.

The material used under the name Seawastex comes from fishing nets that are no longer usable and have been thrown away. Taiwanese carcass manufacturer Formosa Taffeta collects these in Taiwan both from fisheries and from the sea to produce Seawastex.

Felix Jahn, head of the CSR department at Schwalbe, explained: “The carcass makes up around 10% of the weight of the Green Marathon. This has enabled us to increase the proportion of recycled and renewable materials in the tyre to 80% just six months after launching the Green Marathon.

“In this way, we are reducing our dependence on petroleum-based materials such as new nylon and also reducing CO2eq emissions. In the medium term, we will steadily increase the proportion of Seawastex in Schwalbe tyres.”

The discarded fishing nets are collected and cleaned. They are then chemically recycled into raw material – Caprolactam – and spun into new nylon yarn.

Formosa Taffeta uses this to weave the new Seawastex carcass – with the same quality characteristics as those with conventional nylon.

As the entire process, from collection and recycling to the production of new material, takes place in Taiwan, transportation emissions are kept to a minimum.

Overall, Seawastex saves 49% CO2eq emissions compared to conventional nylon carcasses.

Edward Lung, Formosa Taffeta, said: “We are delighted that Seawastex is being used in the manufacture of Schwalbe’s Green Marathon. It makes us proud to be part of this circular tyre. Using Seawastex helps to conserve resources, preserve marine life and keep our oceans cleaner.”

The Green Marathon saves a total of 41% CO2eq compared to its predecessor model.

It is not only made from recycled nylon, but also from many other environmentally friendly materials, including:

• Recycled carbon black from recycling partner Pyrum Innovations AG (direct product of the Schwalbe Recycling System)
• Fair Rubber (fairly traded natural rubber from certified tappers)
• Silica from rice husk ash
• Recycled rubber
• Bead core wire made from recycled steel
• No new synthetic rubber used