Green XLR Earth: GRI launches sustainable tractor tyre

GRI considers itself a “socially responsible producer of high-grade specialty tyres” that “strives to make a positive impact on our planet,” and is underlining these words with a new agricultural tyre range containing 37.5 per cent sustainable materials. The off-highway tyre specialist presents the new Green XLR Earth as the ”world’s first sustainable tyre series for the agriculture segment” and says it developed the tyre to “nurture and protect the environment” while delivering “superior functional properties.” The aim, GRI continues, is to “drive high performance and productivity for tractors across global markets.”

This new addition to the GRI agricultural portfolio is literally a green tyre – the manufacturer describes Green XLR Earth as being a “novel earthy green colour.” GRI utilises a high percentage of recycled carbon black in its production to reduce the carbon footprint. To ensure the natural rubber in the compound maintains more of its original performance-enhancing qualities the compound also incorporates soybean oil, which unlike petroleum-based oils is renewable and sustainable. An additional ingredient in the compound is “next-generation” HD Silica, a sustainable material that further improves tyre performance. Reclaimed rubber is another integral component; GRI sources this from end-of-life tyres through a green recycling process.

Soulful sustainability

“Innovation is in our DNA. Sustainability is in our souls,” states Prabhash Subasinghe, managing director of GRI. “True to our vision to move humanity towards making a positive impact on the planet, we believe that this trailblazing launch of one of the world’s first earth-friendly tyres will open a new era of high-grade agriculture tyres. It will set the stage for game-changer innovations that focus on reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses. The Green XLR Earth Series will help sustain our earth for future generations, scaling new heights to positively impact climate change. It will also enable farmers to do what they do best – planting, harvesting, and providing food while nurturing the earth.”

An emerging need that requires addressing

“Providing farmers with the ability to do what is important for their farm productivity and yield, while also presenting them with a unique opportunity to do what is best for the environment, was an emerging need that required urgent addressing,” adds Dr Mahesha Ranasoma, chief executive officer of GRI. “As a sustainability-driven organisation, GRI is positioned well to serve this need, as we drive green initiatives through a unique value chain presented through our hallmark Green X Circle. We are happy to have listened to that need and possess the capability to address it effectively through the launch of the Green XLR Earth series. We are confident that we will be able to re-affirm our continued commitment to sustainable tyre manufacturing as well as earth-friendly tyres for the benefit of our entire global eco-system.”

GRI globally debuted the Green XLR Earth series at the Farm Progress Show in Iowa, USA on 30 August 2022.