USA-based manufacturer Goodyear has announced the release of a demonstration tire produced using 70% sustainable-material content.
The tire features 13 ingredients across nine different components, including three types of carbon black which have been produced from methane, carbon dioxide and plant-based oil instead of burning differing types of petroleum products. These have been utilized for compound reinforcement and to increase the tire’s service life.
Another innovation is the use of soybean oil to help keep the tire’s rubber compound pliable when subjected to changing temperatures, and as a bio-based product, it reduces the tire maker’s use of petroleum-based alternatives. In addition to the soybean oil, the tire benefits from a variety of silica produced from rice husk ash. The byproduct of rice processing is normally put into landfill but has now been used to produce a high-quality silica to improve grip levels and to reduce fuel consumption.
Lastly, polyester 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 says that performance indicators show the components deliver strong overall 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.
“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,” commented 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.”
