Apollo-Vredestein Banden N.V., a subsidiary of India’s Apollo Tyres, has made prototype tyres using natural rubber sourced from Russian dandelions and guayule.
The development is part of the firm’s involvement in the EU-Pearls project, which is developing two alternatives for natural rubber from the rubber tree (hevea brasiliensis).
This week, Apollo Vredestein produced tires made using natural rubber from both the Russian dandelion and from guayule. The natural rubber from these alternatives is being processed to contribute to the production of various types of the Quatrac Lite, size 155/65 R14.
Although first impressions look promising, the tyres with the alternative natural rubbers will first undergo extensive testing over the coming months before being taken into production, Apollo Vredestein said.
The EU-Pearls project is financed by the European Commission FP7 KBBE Program. The research results will be presented Sept. 24-25 during the closing conference in Wageningen, Netherlands.
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