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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Titan International has broadened its Black Rock branded Styled Wheels collection by launching a new range of aluminium wheels aimed at truck, SUV and Jeep enthusiasts who prioritise function and purpose-driven design. This expansion strengthens Titan’s dedication to products that blend toughness, adaptable fitment and striking modern aesthetics. It also supports the company’s ongoing expansion within specialty and off-road vehicle segments.

Engineered for genuine on- and off-road use, these new wheels cater to drivers with an outdoor lifestyle who refuse to compromise between high level performance and cutting edge looks. The Black Rock aluminium lineup includes multiple series and comes in a variety of finishes such as Gloss Black, Satin Black, Bronze and Gloss Silver Full Mach. These finishes offer a balance of classic and contemporary styling.

Available diameters include 17, 18 and 20 inches, covering popular bolt patterns, offsets and backspacing configurations for today’s most common trucks, SUVs and Jeeps. Designed as a function forward wheel solution, the Black Rock aluminium wheels provide the rugged styling and fitment options off road enthusiasts demand, all while maintaining uncompromised quality and performance.

Ryan Fuller, Styled Wheels & High-Speed Trailer Product Manager at Titan, said, “Customers want wheels that look great, fit right and hold up to real use. This launch expands the Black Rock aluminium offering with fresh styles and finishes while staying true to what the brand is known for: purpose-inspired designs.”

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DUNLOP (company name: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.) has officially extended its exclusive tyre supplier and technical partnership with Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) for the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC). This renewed agreement will remain in force until the year 2031, continuing a collaboration that dates back to the very first season of the championship in 1996.

For nearly three decades, DUNLOP has worked alongside TWMR as the designated official tyre partner, helping to shape what is now Asia’s premier road racing series. Their joint efforts have consistently focused on delivering fair competition and world-class technical standards, ensuring that the championship remains a benchmark for motorcycle racing in the region.

Under the renewed contract, DUNLOP will supply high-performance racing tyres across all classes and provide comprehensive on-site technical support at every circuit. This long-term commitment reflects the deep trust between both organisations and their shared ambition to advance motorsports throughout Asia.

Ron Hogg, Promotion Director, TWMR, said, “I am delighted that we will be able to continue our partnership with DUNLOP through 2031. A collaboration spanning 30 years is a truly rare milestone and a testament to the unwavering passion both companies share for the development of motorsports in Asia. We are extremely proud of the strong relationship we have built over the years. As the championship continues to grow, we look forward to achieving even greater success together with DUNLOP for the future of motorsports in Asia.”

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Continental has responded to the changing landscape of modern gravel riding by adding a new 50 mm version of its Dubnital tyre to its product range. This tyre model first proved itself in fast paced cross country racing, where it became known for combining impressive rolling speed with dependable handling. Before this launch, gravel riders had already embraced the larger 55 mm Dubnital, and this slimmer 50 mm option now allows Continental to better serve those competing on increasingly aggressive and technical gravel courses.

Designed for surfaces ranging from dry to damp, including rocky trails, hardpack and medium loose dirt, the Dubnital 50 mm features a carefully arranged tread. Its smooth centre section keeps straight line riding efficient, while the raised shoulder knobs dig in to deliver strong braking traction and steady cornering when the ground turns rough or unpredictable. The tyre also incorporates Continental’s latest Tubeless Ready and hookless compatible designs, ensuring it works properly with current wheel systems without sacrificing the control or performance the Dubnital name stands for.

As gravel race routes become faster, rougher and more complex, this new 50 mm tyre is quickly becoming a top choice for cyclists seeking a genuine balance between speed, stability and toughness. For cross country and down country riding, the Dubnital remains a quick option for light mixed terrain and hardpack surfaces. But for gravel applications specifically, the 50 mm size unlocks a more aggressive setup, giving riders the confidence to handle tougher courses and unpredictable trail conditions.

Rosa Klöser, 2024 Life Time UNBOUND Gravel 200 winner and Continental Tires ambassador, said, “For me, the Dubnital 50 mm is one of the most anticipated tyres in gravel right now. Considering the clearance of most gravel bikes, adding a 50 mm Dubnital will make a lot of gravel fans very happy – including myself. The tyre inspires a huge amount of confidence, especially in corners where you can really maximise your speed thanks to its incredible grip and braking control. But what stands out for me is its versatility – it’s not just for technical gravel! It’s a fast, reliable all-rounder for riders who want extra comfort, grip and durability without sacrificing speed.”

Alexander Haenke, MTB and Gravel Product Manager, Continental Tires, said, “With the introduction of the Dubnital 50 mm, we are removing the boundaries between mountain biking and gravel once and for all. The Dubnital already surpassed its predecessor, the Race King, and now confidently straddles the line between the gravel and MTB segments. In this 50 mm dimension, it hits a distinct sweet spot for technically demanding off‑road races such as Traka, The Rift or Badlands. The Dubnital 50 mm delivers its well‑proven off‑road performance paired with low rolling resistance, high puncture protection and low weight — a trend born in the racing scene, now available to everyone.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has announced a standout performance for its ADVAN global flagship brand tyres during Round 3 of the 2026 Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) in Germany, which took place on 11 April 2026. A vehicle equipped with these tyres claimed the overall victory, while another ADVAN-shod car secured third place. The success of both entries was driven by the superior grip and durability of Yokohama Rubber’s racing tyres, which proved essential on one of the world’s most demanding circuits.

The winning car, the No. 77 BMW M4 GT3 EVO, was entered by BMW M Motorsport and operated by Schubert Motorsport. Featuring a striking Red in Black ADVAN livery, the car began the race from the front row. Following an early pit stop after lap six, it took the lead by the end of lap eight. From that point forward, the team maintained flawless control and a consistently fast pace, supported by well-timed pit stops, ultimately crossing the finish line roughly 21 seconds ahead of the runner up.

The third-place finisher was the No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3, entered by Haupt Racing Team. Despite starting from the 19th position, the car steadily advanced through the field to join the No. 77 BMW on the podium, highlighting the competitive edge provided by ADVAN tyres across different vehicles and teams.

The NLS is an annual endurance series held at the Nürburgring, featuring 10 races in 2026 with the final round scheduled for October. This year marks Yokohama Rubber’s first partnership with BMW M Motorsport in nearly 40 years, while the company continues its third consecutive season with Haupt Racing Team and maintains a longstanding collaboration with KONDO RACING. As the tyre partner for these three top teams, Yokohama Rubber is aiming for further NLS victories and has set its sights on an overall win at the upcoming Nürburgring 24 Hour Race in May.

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