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!

Nynas is expanding its commitment to responsible business practices in 2026 through active engagement with two United Nations Global Compact development programmes. The company has joined the Business and Human Rights programme alongside the SDG Innovation for Young Professionals programme, reflecting a dual focus on ethical operations and sustainability-driven progress. Both programmes provide access to expert guidance, practical methodologies and cross-sector collaboration opportunities with peers across Sweden, enabling continuous refinement of practices throughout the value chain.

Within the Business and Human Rights programme, Nynas is working to establish a more systematic approach to human rights due diligence. This involves examining both internal operations and supplier relationships to ensure respect for human rights becomes an integrated aspect of everyday business processes. The framework is aligned with established international standards, particularly the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and reinforces ongoing work in responsible sourcing and maintaining transparent commercial conduct.

The SDG Innovation programme offers a different but complementary dimension, bringing together young professionals from various industries to tackle sustainability challenges through collaborative problem-solving. Participants develop, test and refine concrete ideas that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals while simultaneously generating business value. For Nynas, the outcomes support broader innovation efforts and help identify practical pathways towards reducing environmental footprint and strengthening customer offerings.

These engagements form an integral component of Nynas’ overarching sustainability strategy. The knowledge and tools acquired will enhance risk management capabilities, embed responsible practices more deeply across operations and stimulate innovation aligned with global priorities. Working alongside the UN Global Compact Network Sweden, Nynas seeks to transform these insights into tangible actions, collaborating closely with customers, suppliers and partners to advance sustainability in meaningful and measurable ways.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone Americas has announced a significant evolution for the 2026 INDYCAR season, as Firestone Racing will equip the series with Firehawk race tyres featuring the company's global ENLITEN Technology. This integration of sustainability-focused innovations begins immediately with this weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, impacting both the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the INDY NXT by Firestone support series.

This development arrives as the Firestone brand marks its 125th anniversary, a legacy deeply intertwined with motorsport. Firestone’s competitive pedigree was established in the early 1900s and solidified when Ray Harroun secured victory at the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 using Firestone tyres. Racing continues to serve as a critical proving ground, driving advancements in materials and technology that ultimately benefit tyre development for everyday consumers.

For the 2026 season, the Firestone Race Tire Engineering (RTE) team will produce approximately 37,000 Firehawk ENLITEN race tyres. Over 32,000 of these are destined for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, requiring 60 distinct specifications to handle the unique challenges of ovals, road courses and temporary street circuits across an 18-race calendar. An additional 5,000 tyres, spanning 18 specifications, will support the INDY NXT by Firestone series, providing a developmental platform for rising drivers on a 17-race schedule that closely mirrors the premier series.

The ENLITEN Technology integrated into these race tyres represents a commitment to enhanced sustainability without compromising performance. The Firestone Firehawk primary and alternate compounds now incorporate key components such as renewable soybean oil, which replaces traditional petroleum-based oils. They also utilise recycled steel for the bead wire and recycled carbon black derived from end-of-life tyres, improving resource efficiency and material circularity while meeting the extreme demands of open-wheel racing.

This move builds on several years of sustainability initiatives by Firestone Racing. Previous efforts have included the successful use of guayule-derived natural rubber in sidewalls on street circuits, as well as incorporating materials from hard-to-recycle plastics and palm oil waste residue. The 2026 Firehawk tyres also continue the use of ISCC PLUS-certified monomers from palm oil processing waste. Concurrently, Firestone is advancing end-of-life recycling, with nearly all race tyres from the series being repurposed into products like playground surfaces and flooring.

All Firestone Firehawk race tyres are produced at the Bridgestone Advanced Tyre Production Center in Akron, Ohio, a facility opened in 2022 that represents a new chapter in the brand’s history. The engineering team works in close collaboration with the nearby Bridgestone Americas Technology Center, ensuring that insights gained from the racetrack directly inform and enhance the development of tyres across the company’s entire portfolio.

Lisa Boggs, Director, Bridgestone Americas Motorsports, said, "Firestone Racing serves as a mobile lab to test and prove new technologies under the most extreme conditions. The integration of ENLITEN Technology is the next step in our commitment to no compromises and sustainably focused technology through the use of cutting-edge materials."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone Americas is preparing to introduce three new off-the-road tyres at the upcoming CONEXPO-CONAGG exhibition, showcasing advancements in durability, load capacity and application versatility across its Bridgestone and Firestone brands. The company’s booth will feature these latest innovations – the Bridgestone MasterCore V-Steel M-Traction Deep (VMTD), the Bridgestone V-Steel Rock Deep Ultra (VRDU) and the Firestone Multi Block T – alongside a broader selection of premium intelligent tyres engineered for equipment ranging from cranes and graders to haulers and loaders.

The Bridgestone MasterCore VMTD, a 27.00R49 tyre developed for 100-tonne haul trucks, represents the expansion of the company’s proprietary MasterCore technology into large-scale quarry applications. This new tyre features a traction-oriented tread pattern that delivers a 14 percent increase in tread depth compared to the conventional Bridgestone VMTP tyre, enhancing performance on difficult terrain. Its durable sidewall construction and narrow tread grooves contribute to a 10 percent extension in tyre life, while the MasterCore platform enables a 10 percent increase in load capacity and a two percent improvement in tonne-mile per hour and tonne-kilometre per hour metrics over the previous generation. With this launch, Bridgestone now offers two distinct tread patterns in the 27.00R49 segment, the other being the rock-patterned MasterCore VRDU introduced in mid-2025. The MasterCore VMTD will be available to fleets beginning in June, offered in four compound formulations including standard, cut resistant, ultra-cut resistant and heat-resistant options.

Also debuting at the show is a new three-star VRDU tyre in the 24.00R35 size, engineered with a rock tread pattern specifically for rigid dump trucks operating in quarry environments. This marks the company’s second three-star product in the large tyre segment and extends the hauling benefits of larger VRDU sizes to more compact applications. The tyre incorporates a stronger cord, enhanced casing structure and refined tread design that together yield a 15 percent increase in TMPH and TKPH compared to its predecessor. The new casing construction also provides more than an eight percent gain in load capacity relative to the two-star Bridgestone VRQP tyre. Its tread pattern incorporates slopes and centre grooves that improve wear characteristics while minimising heat generation during operation. This new VRDU size is scheduled for availability in 2027 and will replace the Bridgestone VRQP tyre in the company’s portfolio.

The Firestone brand introduces the Multi Block T radial tyre, designed for articulated dump trucks and wheel loaders, marking a new chapter in the brand’s 125-year legacy of durable products. This model replaces the Versabuilt AP and delivers a 10 percent improvement in cut resistance through strategically placed tie bars, robust steel cord construction and advanced compound formulations. The tyre features a 10 percent deeper tread depth combined with a new block design incorporating biting edges for reliable grip on challenging terrain. Its multi-star rating and non-directional pattern enhance application versatility and simplify tyre management, contributing to reduced operational costs. The Firestone Multi Block T will be available this summer in five sizes including 17.5R25, 20.5R25, 23.5R25, 26.5R25 and 29.5R25.

CONEXPO-CONAGG stands as the largest construction exhibition in United States, taking place from 3 through 7 March at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Bridgestone Americas will be exhibiting at booth 41633 in the West Hall.

Rob Seibert, President – Off the Road, Bridgestone Americas, said, "These three new tyres underscore our relentless focus on delivering premium products that help our customers operate more efficiently. Each tyre is engineered to deliver optimal performance in the most demanding environments, extending tyre life, reducing downtime and lowering total cost of ownership, helping our customers move more with less."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Citira has taken another significant step towards becoming the leading tyre management provider in Northern Europe by acquiring Dekkservice Kvinesdal, marking its first service point acquisition in Norway. The well-regarded tyre shop has built a strong reputation since its establishment in 2000, serving both passenger car and heavy vehicle customers with consistent high-quality service and personal relationships.

Under the new arrangement, Dekkservice Kvinesdal will maintain its operations with the same team at the same location, ensuring continuity for its valued customers. The team will continue managing daily operations while gaining access to Citira's resources for continued development. Ivar Røyseland will become a co-owner of Citira as part of this strategic partnership that combines local expertise with broader organisational support.

David Boman, CEO, Citira, said, “It is a pleasure to welcome Ivar and the Dekkservice team to Citira. They have established a well-run tyre shop with a longstanding reputation in the industry as a trusted tyre service point, which has truly impressed us. The combination of strong expertise and local customer relationships makes them an ideal partner, and we are proud that they have chosen to join us. This marks an important first step as we pursue our ambition to build a nation-wide service network in Norway.”

Røyseland said, “When we started Dekkservice Kvinesdal, our goal was to build a tyre shop that customers could trust for timely and high-quality service. After more than 25 years, I am incredibly proud of the relationships we have built with customers and the team we have become. Joining Citira will now allow us to focus fully on further developing the business while leveraging the resources of a larger organisation, and it is exciting to do so as their first service point in Norway.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!