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!

Pirelli has launched the latest summer tyre for SUVs, the new Scorpion, representing a comprehensive evolution of a line first introduced in 1986 for high-driving-position vehicles like the legendary Lamborghini LM002. Today, the Scorpion name encompasses a broad family of products, including SUV, motorcycle and bicycle tyres. This newest iteration is engineered to deliver safety, comfort and lasting performance, specifically tailored to the demands of modern Sport Utility Vehicles.

The development process leveraged advanced virtual engineering, with Pirelli’s Milan-based R&D team evaluating over 20 technological variants of compounds and tread patterns using proprietary mileage-prediction tools. Driving simulators further optimised handling and dry performance before physical validation, which confirmed significant improvements over the preceding generation. This integrated design approach yielded a tyre that excels across key metrics. It has earned the TÜV institute’s Premium Quality Mark, ranking first in independent dry braking and wet handling tests while also leading in wet braking and straight-line aquaplaning. The entire launch range achieves the top European Class A rating for wet grip, along with Class A/B for acoustic comfort and Class B for rolling resistance, ensuring consistent performance across summer temperatures.

To address the unique challenges of SUVs, such as increased weight and a higher centre of gravity, Pirelli incorporated dedicated technical solutions. The tyre features a reinforced carcass and structure, wider central tread blocks and an optimised profile that promotes uniform pressure distribution and reduces shoulder deformation. This design promotes even wear, making it ideal for heavier vehicles. The updated tread compound, which shares innovative materials with the acclaimed latest-generation Cinturato for saloons, ensures stable performance, improved wet grip and excellent mileage. Furthermore, a new groove geometry in the tread pattern enhances both handling and noise comfort.

The new Scorpion is already offered in 16 sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches. It incorporates technologies like Elect, which can extend the range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles by up to 10 percent through solutions designed for their specific powertrain characteristics. Building on a legacy of over 300 homologations for the Scorpion summer range, this new generation, developed in collaboration with leading car manufacturers, already has more than 40 homologations in progress.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire has entered a significant global alliance by becoming a Global Partner of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This collaboration, formalised at a signing ceremony in London on 23 January 2026 with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Hankook Tire Europe’s President and COO, Jongho Park, aligns the company with the governing body’s vision for the future of mobility and motorsport. The partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability.

Central to this alliance are two key roles for Hankook. The company will serve as the Official Partner of the annual FIA Awards and the Official Partner of the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series from 2026 to 2028. This series, conducted with premier FIA World Championships like Formula E and Formula One, creates a global forum for industry leaders. It emphasises practical ‘track to road’ strategies, where advancements pioneered in motorsport directly influence broader automotive development.

Hankook’s commitment extends beyond sponsorship into tangible research and development. The company actively pursues sustainable transformation through AI-assisted development processes and strategic investments in electromobility, exemplified by its specialised iON tyre family for electric vehicles. A heightened use of certified renewable and recycled materials further underscores this direction.

The company views motorsport as a vital proving ground for its technology. Its position as the exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championship provides a direct conduit for testing new materials and technologies under extreme conditions. This integrated approach ensures that Hankook develops tyre solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern mobility, where tyres play a crucial role in the safety, efficiency and sustainability of both conventional vehicles and those utilising new drive concepts.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, FIA, said, “Sustainability and technological innovation are at the heart of our missions at the FIA, so I am delighted to welcome Hankook as a new partner. This new partnership with Hankook reflects the global growth of our FIA Global Partner Program, and through collaboration it will strengthen our work to make motorsport and mobility safer.”

Jongho Park, President & COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “The FIA and Hankook share the belief that technological innovation can only be effective on a sustained basis if it combines safety, fairness and responsibility. As Global Partner of the FIA, we want to use our expertise in technology and sustainable tyre development to drive the mobility of the future – in motorsport and beyond.”

Craig Edmondson, Chief Commercial Officer, FIA, said, “Through our expanding Global Partner Program, the FIA is working alongside leading international organisations that share our commitment to driving innovation, sustainability and safety across both motorsport and mobility. We are pleased to welcome Hankook into the FIA Global Partner Program. Together, we will continue to accelerate progress and shape a more sustainable, future‑focused mobility ecosystem.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The commencement of construction for Africa's largest car tyre plant marks a transformative industrial milestone for Morocco. Located in the Batouya Industrial Acceleration Zone within the commune of Ijjaou, Driouch province, this major venture is spearheaded by the Chinese group Shandong Yongsheng Rubber, according to Morocco World News. The project is being executed through the company’s local subsidiary, Goldensen Tyre Morocco, representing a substantial investment estimated at MAD 6.7 billion (approximately USD 739 million).

This facility, spanning approximately 52 hectares, is strategically positioned near the Nador West Med port. This advantageous location facilitates direct access to both European and African markets. Upon completion, the plant is projected to manufacture up to 18 million tyres annually, adhering to stringent international standards. Its operations are expected to generate 1,737 direct employment opportunities, alongside hundreds more indirect jobs during its construction and operational phases.

Moroccan officials, including the Minister Delegate for Investment, Karim Zidane, alongside regional representatives, celebrated the project's launch. They emphasised that this initiative signifies a decisive transition from planning to tangible action, underscoring the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between public institutions and committed investors. The project is viewed as a strategic industrial investment that aligns with national priorities, including industrial sector enhancement, sustainable job creation and the bolstering of productive capacities.

Further reinforcing its long-term value, the development will incorporate dedicated research and development units. These components are designed to foster technology transfer and support industrial innovation within the Moroccan economy. By strengthening the nation's integration into global value chains, the factory developed by Shandong Yongsheng Rubber and its subsidiary is poised to significantly elevate Morocco's industrial landscape and economic resilience.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

A new strategic partnership between Bridgestone and Kirkby Tyres is set to transform the availability and delivery of agricultural tyres throughout the UK. Kirkby Tyres, a celebrated wholesaler with over six decades in the industry, will now stock the entire Bridgestone and Firestone agricultural portfolio. This includes the acclaimed VT-TRACTOR, known for its soil-protective high flexion construction, the durable VX-TRACTOR, the newer VH-IND and VX-R TRACTOR models and the full Firestone line. The VX-R TRACTOR, for instance, is recognised for its stable performance across varying ground conditions and operator comfort.

The alliance prioritises the needs of end-users, including farmers, dealers and contractors, leveraging Kirkby Tyres’ formidable logistics and customer-centric philosophy. Operating from a substantial central facility in Liverpool, which features extensive covered warehousing, the company guarantees nationwide next-day delivery without mandating a minimum order. This capability ensures faster access and consistent year-round supply for customers.

Kirkby Tyres brings a distinguished reputation to this collaboration, having recently been named the UK's top tyre wholesaler by the National Tyre Distributors Association. Their proven expertise and reliable distribution network are central to this enhanced route to market, aiming to deliver products precisely where and when they are required.

David Almazan, Head of UK Region & Commercial Business Unit Director at Bridgestone, said, “This partnership is about putting farmers, our dealer network and contractors first. By working closely with Kirkby Tyres, we can ensure a more efficient access to our Bridgestone Agriculture products, backed by genuine expertise. Kirkby Tyres understands the realities of modern agriculture, and together we are perfectly positioned to support customers with premium tyre products that deliver performance, durability and confidence.”

Michael Rosenthal, Commercial Director, Kirkby Tyres, said, “Partnering with Bridgestone allows us to offer customers access to a historic premium brand and a complete agricultural tyre portfolio. By combining Bridgestone’s high-performance Agriculture tyres with our distribution expertise, we can help farmers reduce downtime and keep machines working when it matters most.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!