Tourists driving to Yellowstone National Park’s famous geyser. “Old Faithful,”They can also travel by tire after they get out of their cars. Old Faithful boasts a flexible, porous walkway that is mainly made of recycled materials. Michelin tires. K.B. manufactured the Flexi Pave, a pavement surface. K.B. Industries’ Flexi-Pave pavement surface is more friendly to the environment than asphalt. The permeable composite material, which allows for erosion control and preservation groundwater flow patterns, makes it softer than asphalt. It is resistant to heat and cold and doesn’t leach oil into the surroundings.

“The material used to create KBI’s Flexi-Pave is completely benign and therefore can be used safely with the delicate aquifers here in Yellowstone,”Kevin Bagnall (CEO and founder of KBI), released a statement. The Old Faithful Walkway Project is 6,400 square feet in area and contains 900 Michelin tires. “The path allows 3,000 gallons of groundwater to pass per square foot. It also is designed to diffuse the water’s force, helping prevent erosion,”Bagnall stated.

“The Old Faithful Walkway Project is a great example of what a difference a company devoted to sustainability can make in the world’s first national park,”Karen Bates Kress (president of the Yellowstone Park Foundation), released a statement. “We are fortunate to have a corporate partner as farsighted, public-spirited and generous as Michelin,”She added. Michelin actually flew in a team from all over the country to complete the walkway’s construction. The company sponsored a contest that selected 10 volunteers to take part in the project.

Michelin is a major corporate sponsor to the Yellowstone Park Foundation. The park’s goal is to cut operating expenses and reduce its use of raw material. Michelin regularly donates tires and assists in maintaining thousands of Yellowstone National Park vehicles. These include patrol cars and garbage trucks as well as snow plows and load-hauling tractor caravans. To reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption, the tires use the latest green tire technology.

“Helping build and provide material for this new pathway is very much in line with Michelin’s goal of working with the Yellowstone Park Foundation,”Leesa Owens is the director of community relations at Michelin.

Visit this page to learn more about Michelin tires www.michelin.com.