USA-based manufacturer Goodyear recently announced the release of a demonstration tire produced using 70% sustainable-material content. The tire contains 13 ingredients across nine different tire components, including three different carbon blacks, which are traditionally made by burning petroleum products. The various kinds of carbon black that have been used are derived from methane, carbon dioxide, and plant-based oil. The company’s plan sets an example of using different types of petroleum products instead of burning them. The components have been especially utilised for compound reinforcement in order to increase the tire’s service life.
One of the greatest innovations by the company is the use of soybean oil to help keep the tire’s rubber compound pliable when subjected to changing temperatures. As a bio-based product, it reduces the tire maker’s use of petroleum-based alternatives. The tire also benefits from a variety of silica produced from rice husk ash. The by-product of rice processing is normally put into landfills but has now been used to produce high-quality silica to improve grip levels and to reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, the polyester used has been produced from recycled plastic waste by turning the polyester back into its base chemicals. This is then reformed and used to manufacture technical grade polyester for use within tire cords.
Goodyear demonstrated solid performance indicators, which reflected that the components used essentially deliver stronger and better tire performance. The tire is a large step forward for the company as it seeks to achieve its goal of producing a tire made using 100% sustainable materials by 2030. Unveiling a tire with 70% sustainable material content only shows the progress it has made towards achieving its ultimate goal.
“We set an ambitious goal in 2020 to create a tire made 100% from sustainable materials in 10 years, and our scientists and engineers have made great progress toward that goal,” said Chris Helsel, senior vice president, global operations, and chief technology officer. “This is an exciting achievement that demonstrates our commitment to increasing the use of sustainable materials in our tires.”
Goodyear has also launched a procurement policy into place to help farmers, processors, and the rest of its supply chain to foster sustainable practices to harvest soybeans. This move is a vital part of the company’s goal that is aiming to have a supply chain free from deforestation. Various other companies like Bridgestone have also invested in new tools in supply chain sustainability improvements. Regarding Goodyear’s sustainable tire, the company further elaborated that the testing of the prototype shows that it has quality performance.
