Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • ITEC
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • War in Ukraine
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
    • 2022 International Silicone Conference
    • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
July 23, 2015 02:00 AM

Editorial: After years of research, NR alternatives are on horizon

Rubber & Plastics News Report
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    Work on alternatives to the natural rubber derived from Hevea trees has been going on for decades. But while most prior projects were done more in the name of research, the work going on now in the industry really looks as if it will lead to commercial production.

    Most of the research now centers on guayule and the so-called Russian dandelion. While some say there will be regular production of tires containing rubber from one of the two sources by the 2020s, others say it could come sooner.

    Given the unsuccessful history of several past projects, of course, many will take a wait-and-see approach. Work on guayule dates back to the early 20th century.

    As part of the Emergency Rubber Project at the start of World War II, the federal government planted guayule in California and Arizona. The war program created the synthetic rubber industry, but the government abandoned guayule after the war. The war effort also looked at dandelion rubber, with rubber from the plant produced in both the Soviet Union and the U.S., but it was cost-prohibitive.

    A grant from the Department of Defense in the early 1980s to the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona showed some promise, but yields were low, and the project had ended by late 1990.

    What's different this time around is that some of the major tire makers are putting considerable resources behind the projects. Bridgestone and Cooper Tire are involved in guayule projects, while Continental is targeting dandelion rubber, as is an Ohio State University project headed by Katrina Cornish, long involved in researching NR alternatives.

    A Bridgestone Americas executive explained in a talk earlier this year that NR sourcing as it currently exists is a chancy enterprise. It represents the firm's largest raw material purchase, but it has a poor business model.

    It's no sure bet any of these enterprises will succeed, but unlike at any time in the past, the commercialization of alternative sources of natural rubber is tantalizingly close.

    Related Articles
    Nothing like travel season
    Selling quality not always an easy proposition
    Auto companies, suppliers back to pre-recession norm
    Tire giants don't get full payback in global alliance
    Plant-level details show real impact of China tire duties
    Conti research project wins award
    Cornish puts hopes in dandelion project
    Fraley: Firm close to guayule success
    Prickly lettuce latest potential rubber plant
    NR production falls by 0.7% in first half
    Industrial rubber product demand to hit $24 billion in 2019
    Tire registration issue changes lobbying alliances
    California rubber sector still vibrant even with obstacles
    Sumitomo, Kultevat sign R&D alliance
    Report says SR market to eclipse $45 billion by 2023
    Hot, dry weather pattern may hamper NR output
    SIPH reports stable trading conditions in NR markets
    Cooper, PanAridus tout tires made from guayule
    ITC commissioners see data differently on China tire duties
    IRCo CEO warns of potential NR shortages
    Pirelli tests UHP tires derived from guayule
    Conti expanding dandelion rubber research
    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Stakes high as global NR industry urgently seeks alternate supply
    2
    EV owners struggle to find replacements for OE tires
    3
    Updated: Conti fined for compound mixer explosion, shears accident
    4
    Tokai Carbon CB Borger facility earns sustainability designation
    5
    Carbon black supply shortages force Europe to seek alternative sources
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Plastics News China
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • ITEC
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • War in Ukraine
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
        • 2022 International Silicone Conference
        • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION