Green Hive: A Sustainable and Innovative Tire Design

Revolutionizing the Concept of Tires

The Green Hive tire sets itself apart from traditional tires by introducing a unique concept of continuous tread replacement. Unlike conventional tires that are discarded when the tread wears out, the Green Hive tire allows users to refill the tread part, extending the tire's lifespan indefinitely. By inserting a refillable tread compound into the wheel, users can reproduce tread blocks as needed, reducing the need for raw materials and minimizing tire waste.

One of the key features of the Green Hive tire is its hexagonal tread block design, inspired by the structure of a beehive. This design maximizes the tire's intensity and stability, providing outstanding shock-absorbing abilities and ensuring a smooth and safe ride. The use of a hexagon structure enhances the tire's sturdiness, making it a reliable choice for various road conditions.

The Green Hive tire utilizes thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for its replaceable tread compound. TPE combines the flexibility of rubber with the formability of plastic, allowing for easy replacement and customization. The tire's body consists of a sidewall and an all-in-one wheel, while an internal steel mold heats the inserted tread compound, creating the hexagonal tread blocks on the tire's surface.

With specifications including a height of 556mm, a width of 191mm, and a weight of 19.0kg, the Green Hive tire is designed to fit 15-inch wheels. It features tubeless and run-flat technology, ensuring safety and convenience for drivers. The tire's main body is constructed using a hexagon hole type heating mold, further enhancing its durability and performance.

The Green Hive tire, developed by Seung-il Choi, Tae-nyun Kim, Hyo-joong Kim, and Jae-woon Jung, was created between June 2012 and November 2014 at Nexen Tire Corp. in South Korea. The tire design faced the challenge of reimagining the lifespan of tires and finding a sustainable solution to reduce waste. By allowing users to continuously replace the tread blocks, the Green Hive tire maintains its initial performance and reduces the environmental impact of tire disposal.

The innovative design of the Green Hive tire has been recognized with the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in the Futuristic Design category in 2015. This award celebrates designs that showcase outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. The Green Hive tire's combination of technical excellence, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal has captivated the industry and introduced a new era of tire design.