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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Ralson has reached a production volume of one million units for its truck and bus radial tyres. This accomplishment arrives only three years after the brand’s entry into the American market and roughly five years following construction work on its dedicated TBR facility, which began during the most severe period of the pandemic.

Demand from commercial fleets operating in over 70nations has fuelled the brand’s rise. Users have consistently rated the TBR product line as delivering high-end performance at a cost-effective price. To support this customer base, Ralson currently maintains two American warehouses in Savannah and Newark, enabling replenishment within two to three days for dealers and fleets across the country.

The tyre lineup meets United States fleet engineering standards and comes with a competitive seven-year, three-retread warranty. Products cover long-haul, regional and vocational uses. Following the one millionth tyre, Ralson plans a large capital investment to more than double its TBR output. The expansion will increase warehousing, partner programmes and dealer support across North America.

Brian Sheehey, President, Ralson Tire North America, said, “The first million was about conviction – in the product, the process and the people who built it. We started this plant when the world was standing still. We earned every mile since. The next million will be about acceleration: deeper dealer partnerships, broader SKU coverage and continuing to give fleets a reason to choose us on every spec sheet.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Giti Tire heads into the 2026 Nürburgring 24-Hour race from 14 to 17 May with a clear engineering mission, placing its tyres at the very centre of a live high-performance trial. The company treats the gruelling event not merely as a competition but as a decade‑long research platform where extreme track demands directly inform the durability and safety of everyday road tyres. What Giti learns on the Green Hell’s asphalt directly shapes its ultra‑high‑performance road tyres, enhancing handling precision and driver confidence worldwide.

The notorious Nordschleife, a 25‑kilometre maze of blind crests, 170 corners and volatile weather, serves as Giti’s primary outdoor laboratory. Unlike controlled indoor simulations, this circuit forces tyres to endure rapid temperature swings, sudden rain and sustained high‑speed loads, generating performance data that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

During the 24 hours of nonstop racing, Giti’s engineers systematically track how their compounds behave under relentless stress. They measure grip falloff, structural fatigue, wet‑weather response and heat dissipation lap after lap, turning every hour of darkness and every sudden shower into a learning opportunity for future tyre families.

Beyond technology, Giti has built a visible partnership with WS Racing and its all‑female ‘Girls Only – Ready to Rock the Green Hell’ campaign. The 2026 entry fields Carrie Schreiner, Janina Schall and Fabienne Wohlwend in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, while a separate Toyota Supra in the VT2‑RWD class continues developing emerging talents through the Girls Only Talent Pool.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental has introduced a specialised tyre lineup for motorhomes as the camper season begins, addressing the unique technical demands of recreational vehicles. The company’s VanContact Camper tyre family includes two distinct models: the VanContact Ultra Camper for summer conditions and the VanContact A/S Ultra Camper as an all‑season alternative. Both products are engineered to handle the heavy weights, uneven axle loads, and long idle periods that typically challenge motorhome tyres.

Positioned as the flagship of the series, the VanContact A/S Ultra Camper targets users seeking maximum year‑round flexibility without the need for seasonal tyre changes. This all‑season tyre delivers reliable traction across diverse weather conditions while offering high mileage and efficient rolling performance. It is designed to serve equally well for spring season starts and continuous use throughout the year, making it a versatile solution for frequent travellers.

The reinforced carcass structure and high‑quality belt materials of the VanContact A/S Ultra Camper meet the Camping Pneu standard, which provides higher load capacities than conventional van tyres. From a technical perspective, Continental employs a robust tread design with thick rubber blocks, a protective abrasion rib, and stable sidewalls. A functional tread and sipe pattern, combined with an advanced rubber compound, promote even wear, low rolling resistance and dependable grip on changing road surfaces and in variable weather.

Alongside the all‑season version, the summer‑specific VanContact Ultra Camper remains available for warm‑weather optimisation. Continental emphasises that tyre condition at season start is critical, as extended inactivity, temperature swings and pressure fluctuations can compromise performance. The VanContact Camper family is positioned as a high‑durability solution for a safe and flexible start to the camping season and beyond.

Nicolas Jackisch, Product Manager – Van Tyres, Continental, said, “With the VanContact Camper tyre family, we take into account the load profiles and usage conditions of the motorhome segment. The VanContact A/S Ultra Camper stands for flexible all‑season performance and year‑round use, while the VanContact Ultra Camper is optimised for operation in warm temperatures. Both tyres are designed to deliver high load capacity, stability and safety.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire, in collaboration with Al Dobowi Tyre company, the official distributor of Hankook in UAE since 1978 under Al Dobowi Group, has announced a new sponsorship agreement with the Gulf County Championship, a community-based cricket league in the United Arab Emirates.

Starting from the 2026 season, Hankook will serve as a Division Sponsor for the league, which ranks among the UAE’s leading community cricket events. The championship features roughly 200 matches over three months, drawing more than 800 players across multiple divisions and primarily engaging the country’s South Asian community, where cricket holds strong cultural significance.

Through on-site branding and digital exposure via YouTube and social media, Hankook aims to boost brand awareness and customer engagement. Interactive programmes and promotional activities are planned to drive consumer conversion. Stellar Sports & Events organises the league.

Dae-hee Yun, Managing Director UAE, said, "This initiative marks an important step in expanding our customer and partner base across the UAE. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to further strengthen our sales competitiveness in the local market while reinforcing our premium brand positioning."

Waqas Faisal, General Manager, Al Dobowi Tyre Company, said, "Marking 50 years of presence in the UAE, this partnership is a significant milestone for Al Dobowi Group as the official distributor of Hankook Tires. Cricket plays a vital role in bringing communities together across the country, and the collaboration provides a strong platform for engaging with the local cricket community and strengthening our presence across the UAE, delivering results both on and off the field."

Rony James, General Manager, Stellar Sports & Events, said, "We are delighted to welcome Hankook Tire and Al Dobowi Group as key partners for the Gulf County Championship. This collaboration reflects the growing scale and professionalism of community cricket in the UAE. Our focus is to create a platform that delivers competitive cricket and meaningful brand engagement for our partners through on-ground and digital experiences."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!