Retyre arrived at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey not to chase medals, but to promote a more sustainable ride—launching bio-based, recyclable tyres tailored for children’s bikes, e-bikes, and strollers.
“We’re focusing on where the big volume is for now; we don’t have the marketing to sell in the high-end market,” said Jason Rico, Retyre’s North American sales manager.
Innovation Over Performance
While much of the Sea Otter Classic spotlighted high-end upgrades, Retyre took a strategic detour, showcasing a recyclable tyre solution tailored for OEMs and mass-market applications. Designed for segments like kids’ bikes, urban e-bikes, and strollers, the tyres are manufactured with bio-based elastomers via injection moulding.
Their fully recyclable, petroleum-free composition supports both environmental goals and scalable production. “The tyres are actually non-toxic, should you accidentally eat one,” said Jason Rico.
Engineered for Sustainability
Retyre is aiming to close the loop on tyre production. Its tyres, produced through a low-emissions manufacturing method, reportedly generate 65–82% less greenhouse gas than traditional processes.
Designed to be fully recyclable, the tyres can be remade into new products—addressing a critical flaw in conventional vulcanised rubber, which resists full material recovery. This approach puts the company in line with growing industrial interest in circular lifecycle models.
Proven Product, Expanding Market Footprint
Retyre, established in 2015, has gained traction among OEMs with its recyclable tyres, already serving major names like Thule. While it has a prototype in the performance cycling space, the company is not prioritising that segment. While it has developed a super-light tyre for road bikes, the performance market is not a current priority.
The company continues to invest in product categories where its sustainable, injection-moulded materials provide a competitive edge. A new U.S. manufacturing facility is planned for 2026.
U.S. Production Facility Coming in 2026
Retyre is preparing for a larger North American push with plans to open a manufacturing facility in the U.S. by 2026. The plant, expected to be located in the Midwest, will span 1,000 square metres (10,700 square feet) and is projected to produce approximately 1.2 million tyres annually.
“Our model is centred on localised production,” Rico explained. “By manufacturing close to where the customer needs the product, we can set up factories in just a few months with relatively low capital investment. This gives us the advantage of offering localised manufacturing for our customers, improving responsiveness and reducing lead times.”
Shifts Toward Sustainable Manufacturing
The Sea Otter Classic is no longer just about showcasing cutting-edge race equipment. Companies like Retyre are leveraging the event to highlight sustainability-first technologies aimed at OEM adoption. The brand’s circular design model and emphasis on localised, low-emission production showcase a wider shift toward scalable, eco-conscious innovation within the cycling supply chain.
Conclusion
Retyre is taking a volume-first, sustainability-driven approach to tyre manufacturing that sets it apart in a legacy industry. A U.S. facility in development reflects the brand’s intent to expand beyond Europe and support a more localised production model.
Its fully recyclable, non-toxic tyre concept could challenge how tyres are made, distributed, and retired in a world increasingly focused on emissions and material recovery.