Breakthrough in synthetic rubber on show

Major breakthrough in synthetic rubber on show at Copenhagen

Goodyear unveiled the world’s first tyre made with BioIsoprene technology, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

BioIsoprene is a breakthrough bio-based potential alternative to the compound to replace petrochemically produced ingredients in the synthetic rubber manufacturing process.

Goodyear’s concept demonstration tyre is the result of a collaboration with leading biotechnology company Genencor, a division of Danisco.

“Goodyear’s first concept tyre manufactured with BioIsoprene shows the enormous progress we have made in finding a bio-based alternative to Isoprene, the petroleum-derived raw material used in our production process,” says Jesse Roeck, Director, Global Materials Science at Goodyear.

“The development of BioIsoprene could help us reduce industry impact on the environment by using renewable raw materials in the supply chain and making Goodyear less dependent on oil-derived products.”

Danisco and Goodyear have been collaborating on a research program for more than two years. Genencor plans to manufacture and supply Goodyear with BioIsopreneTM through a strategic supply arrangement and plans commercial supply by 2013.

A wide range of products incorporate traditional Isoprene, such as surgical gloves, golf balls and adhesives, as well as tyres so the potential for BioIsoprene™ is substantial.

ENDS

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