By Sharad Matade

As part of its sustainability efforts, Continental aims at using at least ten percent of natural rubber derived from Russian dandelion roots in its tyre and industrial rubber goods production in future.

“We have undertaken a huge research task to meet ten percent of our requirement of natural rubber from dandelion roots. It is a long-term process,” Dr Carla Recker, Head of Expertfield Materials Chemistry & Taraxagum, told Tyre Trends in an interview. “It will take decades to complement natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis with natural rubber from dandelion plants at an industrialised level. However, the company does not intend to replace NR from Hevea brasiliensis trees.”

According to Dr Carsten Venz, Site Manager at Taraxagum Lab Anklam, “Dandelion will be an additional source of natural rubber, not a replacement to rubber trees, in the coming years.”

Continental has been consequent on the cultivation and processing of Russian dandelion as an alternative source of raw material to the rubber tree in the tropics. Last year, the company officially opened its research and test laboratory named Taraxagum Lab Anklam in Anklam, Germany, a base for its future research into the cultivation and processing of Russian dandelion, within a year after the ground-breaking ceremony held in November 2017.

“The Taraxagum Lab Anklam is the latest key milestone of our project,” said Dr Recker.

The Taraxagum project is crucial for the company. “The natural rubber from dandelion is important to develop a new alternative and sustainable supply of the raw material” Dr Venz said.

On bicycle tyres

Though the lab was opened last year, Continental started working on the dandelion rubber project in 2011, and the company has already used rubber from dandelion roots in its passenger car tyres, truck tyres and industrial rubber goods. “The latest development on production-side is that we have industrialised bicycle tyres with rubber derived from dandelions. So, you can now buy bicycle tyres of Continental made of dandelion rubber in the market,” Dr Recker said. Continental showcased its first bicycle tyre with dandelion rubber at the Tour de France this year.

Currently, the Taraxagum lab is working on dandelion research, and over the next five to ten years, it will focus on the industrialisation of dandelion rubber and increase the share for the dandelion rubber in its products.

“Continental sees the Russian dandelion as one element of our commitment for sustainable natural rubber as detailed in our Sustainable Natural Rubber Sourcing Policy published in October 2018. At least for us, the Russian dandelion is the most promising alternative source for natural rubber. There might be different sources (to get natural rubber), but that does not fit for us. The Russian dandelion can be grown in different climate zones unlike natural rubber from heave brasiliensis trees which need tropical climates to grow. Rubber trees and the Russian dandelion have the same characteristics, the same chemical structure and the same properties. It is just two plants producing the same material,” says Dr Recker. The advantage of dandelion rubber over rubber from trees is that the former has a generation succession of just three months as compared to seven years for the latter.

Since the dandelion plants can be cultivated in Northern and Western Europe, which makes transportation routes to the European production sites much shorter and contributes to the sustainable use of existing resources, thinks Continental.

However, the major challenge will be the 100 percent replacement of rubber made from trees with dandelion rubber. Dr Recker thinks, yes, technically, dandelion can replace tree rubber by 100 percent, but the more significant challenge will be the industrialisation of dandelion rubber to the level of rubber trees. “We are at a research stage. The amount of dandelion available globally is not enough to replace natural rubber commercially. To create that biological system to industrialise the natural rubber from the dandelion will take some time and we will have to be more patient,” says Dr Recker.

Research is a time and capital consuming task. Synthetic rubber is also coming into tyre production in a more significant way, but the crude oil derived commodity has historically been volatile, and even oil-producing nations are diversifying their businesses citing falling productions and growing focus on cleaner options.

Dandelion rubber is not new to the tyre industry; however, the industry does not seem much keen on dandelion plants as an alternative source for natural rubber. “Not everybody (tyre company) is willing to invest in the early research of dandelion rubber and setting up the entire bio-economy. You have to establish a full value chain from breeding to the production of natural rubber from dandelion plants, which is does not exist yet and not every market player is willing to invest in such a long-term process,” explains Dr Recker.

Since Continental sees dandelion a sustaining resource for natural rubber in the future, it has made a substantial investment for the project. It has already poured in 35 million euros for the project. “Though many of our peers are investing in other resources to get natural rubber, I think we are quite unique investing like the way we are to explore alternative resources for natural rubber,” says Dr Venz.

Over 90 percent of natural rubber derives from South East Asia, a tropical region suitable for natural rubber trees. However, erratic climate behaviour is hitting production of natural rubber in this region. Natural rubber producers are also exploring other areas to grow natural rubber trees. According to Dr Recker, the research project has yet to ascertain the survival scope of the Russian dandelion in changing climates. “I believe that Dandelion will grow in all climate zones,” says Dr Recker.

Yield ratio

As of now, Continental also does not have comparable yield ratios between natural rubber from dandelion and hevea brasiliensis. “We are working on determining the output of natural rubber per acre from both resources,” says Dr Venz. “Usually, between 1 and 1.8 ton per hectare per year is produced from rubber trees, and around the same amount of production per hectare we are expecting from dandelion plants,” estimates Dr Recker.

As part of the value chain creation, the company is focusing on breeding for seed production and harvesting, root production and harvesting, and the extraction process. According to the company, growers also need some time to understand and get hands-on to harvest dandelion plants. Every year climate conditions will determine a different impact on the plants. “We will need to see how the crops will react in different climate and harvesting seasons. We are building a network of farmers in North East Germany from whom we learn and whom we can teach what we have learned,” added Dr Recker.

Fundamental design and development of tires for the mobility of the future will be unchanged; however, tires will be expected to be high performance and eco-friendly. According to Continental executives, for the mobility of the future, natural rubber will remain the core ingredient and dandelion will be one of the sustainable options to provide natural rubber. “Rubber be will be used in future to make high-performance tires, and we are exploring the option to have a sustainable source for natural rubber,” adds Dr Recker.

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has expanded its international network with the addition of the Thailand Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (TATMA) as its ninth Affiliate Member. This strategic integration marks a significant enlargement of TIP’s operational footprint into Southeast Asia, a critical hub for global tyre production.

Affiliate Members play a vital role in advancing TIP’s core objective of identifying and addressing pressing environmental, social and governance challenges throughout the tyre lifecycle. By contributing crucial regional intelligence, these members bolster TIP’s capacity to observe and interpret evolving industry dynamics, particularly within the burgeoning Southeast Asian market.

The inclusion of TATMA is particularly strategic given Thailand’s status as the second-largest tyre exporter worldwide. The nation is currently fostering a circular economy framework across its tyre sector, presenting substantial opportunities for collaborative research with TIP. This partnership will facilitate a vital exchange of expertise, especially concerning end-of-life tyre management and sustainable circularity practices, while TATMA also oversees local trade, quality standards and environmental compliance.

TIP’s affiliate network comprises trade associations selected for their regional economic impact and ESG relevance. This coalition includes representatives from Australia, India, United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, Korea, Canada and United States, collectively ensuring a comprehensive global perspective on tyre industry sustainability.

Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director, TIP, said, “We are pleased to welcome TATMA to our network. The tyre trade associations’ local insights inform our global sustainability-related activities. Through our expanding and diverse membership, we are strengthening our shared vision of a sustainable tyre value chain.”

Keeratisuda Khakhong, Secretary General, TATMA, said, “We recognise TIP as the global platform for addressing key ESG challenges facing the tyre industry, particularly in the areas of tyre and road wear particles, ELT and sustainable raw materials. Through this partnership, we look forward to active knowledge exchange, sharing best practices and engaging with global affiliates to support the tyre industry towards a more sustainable future.”

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RuLa-BRW, a partner in the AZuR network, has introduced the Berliner BUS400 Premium HL EV, a hot-retreaded tyre engineered specifically for the operational realities of electric city buses. The launch addresses a critical facet of the mobility transition, shifting focus from powertrain emissions to the sustainability of vehicle components. This new offering expands upon the established Berliner BUS400 profile, targeting the distinct mechanical stresses imposed by battery-electric public transport.

Electric buses present unique challenges for tyre design, including substantial weight increases from traction batteries, elevated starting torque and the relentless stop-and-go cycles inherent to urban routes. These factors place considerably greater strain on tyres compared to those used in conventional diesel or gas-powered buses. The BUS400 Premium HL EV has been developed to withstand these rigorous conditions while maintaining performance and safety standards.

The tyre features a robust carcass construction paired with a specialised rubber compound formulated for electric bus traffic, according to RuLa-BRW. This combination is designed to deliver extended mileage, consistent driving stability and cost-effective operation within demanding city environments. The development underscores a commitment to the circular economy, demonstrating how modern retreading techniques can repurpose premium tyre casings multiple times, significantly prolonging their useful life and conserving raw materials.

For public transport operators, the synergy of electromobility and tyre retreading offers tangible operational and environmental benefits. The new tyre enables fleets to reduce new tyre purchases while maximising the service life of existing casings, complementing the zero-emission operation of their vehicles. This innovation highlights that the mobility revolution extends beyond drive systems to encompass the full lifecycle of components, reinforcing the retreading industry’s role in sustainable transport solutions.

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) has expanded its partnership roster with the addition of Machine-Vision.io, a Reutlingen-based innovator that secured first place in the AZuR startup competition LOOP THE TYRE 2026. The company develops artificial intelligence-powered systems for the automated assessment, classification and sorting of used and scrap tyres. Its technology employs advanced image processing, laser scanners and machine learning to detect manufacturer details, tyre type, dimensions, production dates, tread depth, wear patterns and structural damage, delivering objective and reproducible condition reports.

Manual inspection remains the industry norm, with outcomes often shaped by individual employee experience. Machine-Vision.io digitises this workflow, introducing standardised and verifiable quality evaluation capable of handling high-volume tyre inventories. The generated data enables businesses to route suitable tyres towards reuse or retreading operations while directing non-compliant units to appropriate recycling pathways. This systematic approach improves material flow efficiency and strengthens high-grade recycling loops.

Beyond automated evaluation, the startup provides web-based solutions for tyre inventory management and marketing. Test outcomes, stock quantities and quality classifications are captured digitally and can be synchronised with online marketplaces. Such integration enhances transparency across the supply chain and simplifies the matching of tyres with their most suitable next-use applications.

Through its two-year partnership within the AZuR network, Machine-Vision.io will collaborate with companies, researchers and other stakeholders along the entire value chain to advance the tyre circular economy. The initiative illustrates how digitalisation and objective data can support informed decision-making, potentially increasing the supply of retreadable casings and fostering the continued development of sustainable material cycles.

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Tana Oy has announced the appointment of AB Equipment as its new authorised distributor for the New Zealand market, a strategic move that bolsters the Finnish manufacturer’s footprint across the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration is designed to elevate local service capabilities and ensure that New Zealand-based operators receive responsive, on-the-ground support.

AB Equipment, a nationally recognised provider with deep expertise in material handling, construction, forestry and municipal machinery, will now carry Tana’s complete range of landfill compactors and recycling equipment. Leveraging its extensive countrywide service infrastructure and technical proficiency, the distributor is well-equipped to manage customer needs from initial commissioning through to long-term maintenance and repairs.

Within Tana’s global sales network, authorised distributors are instrumental in delivering region-specific knowledge and comprehensive lifecycle care. This latest agreement reinforces that commitment, promising New Zealand customers enhanced reliability and sustained operational value from their Tana machines while further solidifying the brand’s international service standards.

Gerd Schreier, VP Sales and Marketing, Tana Oy, said, “Expanding our distributor network with strong local partners is a key part of our growth strategy. AB Equipment’s deep market knowledge and nationwide coverage make them an excellent fit to represent Tana in New Zealand. Together, we can better support waste management operators with efficient and sustainable solutions.”

Peter Dudson, CEO, AB Equipment, said, “With over a century of experience in heavy equipment and a strong focus on customer support, we are excited to bring Tana’s solutions to the New Zealand market. Tana’s technology aligns well with the needs of our customers, particularly in improving efficiency and supporting more sustainable waste management practices.”

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