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 introduced the Radial Trail A/T, a new all-terrain high-speed trailer (HST) tyre described as the first true product of its kind in the industry. Unlike conventional trailer tyres that are often adapted from older light truck designs, this model has been engineered entirely from the ground up as a dedicated trailer tyre capable of performing reliably across diverse environments. Alongside this launch, Titan has announced a speed-rating upgrade to its established Radial Trail HD tyre.

The new Radial Trail A/T tyre’s field-tested design incorporates an aggressive tread pattern for enhanced traction on gravel, mud, grass and uneven backroads. The tyre also features a centre tread bridge that lowers rolling resistance to support better fuel efficiency and towing stability. Shoulder tread bridges promote even wear and extend the tyre’s lifespan while reducing road noise, and an open shoulder configuration helps dissipate heat and shed debris. Alternating scoops improve control on soft surfaces such as sand and mud, and extended tread elements along with a rim guard offer added protection against scuffs and impacts. The Radial Trail A/T is currently available in size ST235/75R15 LRE, with four additional sizes expected to roll out over the summer.

Now carrying an N speed rating, which allows for operation at speeds up to 87 mph (approximately 140 kmph), the updated Radial Trail HD tyre incorporates heat-resistant engineering to deliver reliable performance under demanding conditions while surpassing Department of Transportation standards. The enhanced Radial Trail HD tyres are available for order immediately.

Both product releases reflect Titan’s continued focus on advancing trailer tyre technology through purpose-built solutions. Whether used for long highway journeys or off-road exploration, these tyres aim to provide drivers with improved traction, durability, and dependability. Together, they represent the company’s broader effort to support trailer owners with greater confidence and peace of mind on the road.

Ryan Fuller, High Speed Trailer Product Manager, Titan Specialty Division, said, “Titan is setting a new standard in high-speed trailer tyre performance. The Radial Trail A/T is the first trailer tyre truly engineered for all-terrain conditions, not adapted from outdated moulds. Combined with the enhancements to the Radial Trail HD, we’re giving our customers unmatched confidence whether they’re hauling down highways or navigating rugged backroads.”

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Continental has once again been recognised as ‘Tire Manufacturer of the Year’ at the latest edition of Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, marking the fifth time it has received this prestigious honour. The independent jury acknowledged the company's groundbreaking tyre technologies, innovative measurement approaches and continuous production process enhancements for establishing new industry standards. Additionally, Continental received the ‘Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing’ award for its substantial progress in reducing water consumption during tyre production.

During the 3 March ceremony in Hannover, the jury specifically highlighted several key developments from Continental's 2025 initiatives. The company advanced sustainability through the adoption of renewable synthetic rubber components, including pyrolysis oil recovered from end-of-life tyres and recycled cooking oil. A collaborative effort with the Technical University of Braunschweig yielded an innovative method for detecting tyre wear particles using a specialised vacuum system positioned behind drive wheels, equipped with sensitive particle sensors capable of identifying even microscopic airborne debris from various vehicle locations.

The VanContact A/S Eco received special recognition as the first van tyre to achieve the highest ‘A’ rating across all three EU tire label categories – rolling resistance, wet grip and rolling noise. Continental's partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit promoting responsible natural rubber sourcing in Indonesia also earned jury commendation.

Between 2020 and 2025, Continental successfully reduced water withdrawal per metric tonne of product by over 10 percent across all production facilities, conserving an impressive 197 million litres of water. This achievement resulted from implementing advanced filtration and membrane technologies that enable approximately 90 percent of wastewater to be treated and reused. The company maintains a comprehensive water management approach, systematically refining processes related to heating, cooling and sanitation. External validation of these efforts came through a ‘B’ rating from the independent organisation CDP for Continental's 2025 water management practices.

Edwin Goudswaard, Head of Research and Development at Continental Tires, said, “Tyres are our passion. We are committed to optimising them and making our manufacturing processes even more advanced and resource-efficient. Our greatest strength is our global team, working together closely to develop highly creative and innovative solutions. The jury honoured this very special commitment. And I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all our colleagues for their remarkable dedication.”

Henning Mühlenstedt, Head of Future Technologies and Sustainable Infrastructure at Continental Tires, said, “Water is a valuable resource. Our continued progress in reducing consumption at our plants demonstrates how effective our approach is.”

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The Tyre Recovery Association has confirmed that its 2026 TRA Briefing Day will take place on 15 September 2026 at the Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry. The event, themed Giving REAL Meaning to the Circular Economy, will provide essential insights into the challenges and opportunities currently facing end-of-life tyre recycling both in the UK and globally.

Now an annual fixture, the Briefing Day aims to bring together industry professionals to discuss key developments in the sector. Attendance is free of charge for TRA members, media representatives, industry partners and regulators. For all other participants, a fee of GBP 70 plus VAT will apply, which includes access to a buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance by contacting the TRA office via post, telephone, email or through the association’s website. The event promises to deliver valuable updates and analysis for all those involved in the tyre recovery and recycling industry.

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Hankook has confirmed its partnership for the 2026 Convoy Truck Shows, stepping in as an infield partner for the series, which runs in tandem with the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC). These events offer a distinctive fusion of high-octane track action and the immersive atmosphere of a large-scale truck gathering. This renewed involvement deepens Hankook’s footprint at some of the most eagerly awaited dates on the UK motorsport and haulage calendar.

The season’s schedule commences with Convoy on the Plain on 16–17 May, followed by Convoy Cymru on 20–21 June. The flagship gathering, Convoy in the Park, will round off the summer season on 8–9 August. Attendees can look forward to a full agenda of British truck racing, breathtaking stunt performances, live entertainment and attractions for all ages, alongside a remarkable display of working vehicles, custom rigs and pristine show trucks. Mirroring its sponsorship of the Devon Truck Show, Hankook’s partnership with the Convoy series supports its wider mission to generate substantial donations for local charitable causes and community groups, positioning it as an event with purpose beyond spectacle.

At each of these shows, Hankook will spotlight its cutting-edge range of commercial and consumer tyres. Key exhibits will feature the SmartFlex AH51 for steer axles and the SmartFlex DH51 for drives, both engineered for long-haul and regional use and prized for superior traction and extended durability. Also on show will be the SmartFlex TH31 trailer tyre, the Vantra Transit summer tyre for commercial vans and several models from the Laufenn portfolio, such as the LZ22 all-weather drive tyre, the LF21 all-position tyre and the robust LF95 trailer tyre.

Rounding out the display are the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre and the iON evo SUV, a cutting-edge summer tyre purpose-built for electric vehicles, underlining Hankook’s forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility. Through its involvement in the Convoy Truck Shows, Hankook reinforces its dedication to the haulage industry by engaging directly with drivers, fleet operators and enthusiasts, showcasing tyre innovations focused on safety, efficiency and peak performance, all while actively contributing to valuable community initiatives.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "We’re thrilled to have Hankook Tyre UK return as an official sponsor of the Convoy Truck Shows. After the success of last year’s collaboration, continuing the partnership was an easy decision for us. Hankook’s commitment to the industry and to our events adds real value across the board – from contributing to the scale and quality of the events to elevating the atmosphere and experience for our audience. We’re proud to be building on this relationship as the Convoy series continues to grow.”

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