Schwalbe is a brand of the Ralf Bohle company. Family–owned since 1922, it is now managed by the third generation of the Bohle family. Headquartered in Germany with subsidiaries across Europe and North America and distribution in over 70 countries, Schwalbe is truly a global brand and is leading the way in environmental responsibility in their sector. Schwalbe has set ambitious CSR goals, including reducing their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 55% by 2030. With cradle-to-cradle design as their inspiration, Schwalbe is taking significant steps to reduce their environmental impact.  

IN THIS CASE STUDY

Challenges

1

Analyzing the carbon footprint of bike tires made with recycled and renewable raw materials compared to the fossil based benchmark

2

Identifying further improvement areas and hotspots across all production stages

3

Analyzing and optimizing the carbon footprint of all product categories across the entire life cycle

Solution

Sphera’s LCA for Experts software and Managed LCA Content

Schwalbe began their search for a solution to help them address the challenges associated with the creation of Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) comparisons and hotspot analysis. It became clear that Sphera’s LCA for Experts software and Managed LCA Content were the right fit for Schwalbe, and a first detailed cradle-to-gate carbon footprint study for Schwalbe was already established.

Results

“As pioneers in the bicycle industry, we aim to provide our customers with LCA data for all Schwalbe tires and tubes by 2025. To achieve this goal, we are working with Sphera’s Life Cycle Assessment software and combining Sphera databases with our own production and supplier data. As a blueprint, the CO2 footprint of the new Schwalbe Green Marathon bicycle tire was calculated and compared with its predecessor model. Building on this, we will further intensify our commitment to environmental responsibility and transparently communicate the ecological benefits of our products.”

— Sebastian Bogdahn, Environmental R&D Manager, Schwalbe – Ralf Bohle GmbH

1

Cradle-to-gate carbon footprint results for the “Green Marathon” bike tire compared to its predecessor model

2

Analysis of hot spots identified key contributors relevant to the environmental impacts of the tire manufacturing process

3

Scalable tool and data solution in place to extend to full life cycle, full product range and full LCA indicator set

What made this happen?

Our full suite of integrated LCA solutions, data, and consulting services can help your team meet your product sustainability goals.

LCA for Experts Software

Assess the environmental impacts of products, processes, and services throughout their entire life cycle with LCA software build on the world’s most robust LCA database.

Managed LCA Content

Our Managed LCA Content database offers over 20,000 process datasets that include 1,000 models. With access to datasets from over 60 industry associations that are modeled with Sphera’s Managed LCA Content, you gain a stronger foundation for your life cycle decisions.

Sustainability Consulting Services

Sphera’s Sustainability and ESG Consulting services, combined with industry-specific databases and easy-to-use software tools, help you establish an LCA program or drive your current program to the next level.

About Schwalbe

1922

founding year

70

countries
CASE STUDIES

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