GRI launches sustainable radial ag tire

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka—Specialty tire maker Global Rubber Industries (Pvt.) Ltd. (GRI) has begun production of the Green XLR Earth radial agriculture tire, which it is calling one of the world's first sustainable tire series for the agricultural segment.

The Green XLR Earth uses 37.5 percent sustainable materials, while being constructed to deliver superior function, performance and productivity for tractors globally.

The tire is designed in an earthy green color, and GRI said it is made with a high percentage of recycled carbon black to reduce its carbon footprint. It also incorporates renewable and sustainable soybean oil, which ensures that natural rubber maintains more of its original qualities to enhance the tire's overall performance.

The tire contains next-generation HD silica, a sustainable material that improves tire performance. GRI said reclaimed rubber is another component, sourced from end-of-life tires through a green recycling process and used to enhance the tire's sustainable attributes and minimize its carbon footprint.

GRI Managing Director Prabhash Subasinghe said innovation and sustainability is part of GRI's DNA.

"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 tires will open a new era of high-grade agriculture tires," Ranasoma said. "It will set the stage for game changer innovations that focus on reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases."

GRI CEO Mahesha Ranasoma said providing farmers with the ability to increase productivity and yield, while doing what is best for the environment "was an emerging need that required urgent addressing. As a sustainability driven organization, 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."

The Green XLR Earth Series will be on display at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, Aug. 30-Sept. 6.