Goodyear & DuPont to show prototype BioIsoprene tyre

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Geneva, Switzerland -- Goodyear and DuPont Industrial Biosciences are working together to develop BioIsoprene, a bio-based alternative for petroleum-derived isoprene, which can be used for the production of synthetic rubber.

The two companies have demonstrated proof of the technology through the production of a prototype tyre made with BioIsoprene monomer. The tyre will be on display on the Goodyear Dunlop stand at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show, 8-18 March.

“Finding a replacement for oil-derived materials is the right thing to do from a business standpoint, but it's also the right thing to do for the environment,” said Jean-Claude Kihn, chief technical officer for Goodyear. “Since synthetic rubber is a critical component to our products and many others, we are very excited to be working on this renewable alternative with DuPont.”

The two companies first signed on to the collaboration in 2008. In May of 2011, DuPont acquired Danisco and its Genencor division which has spearheaded the research and development activities around the BioIsoprene product.

The two companies have invested jointly for more than four years to validate the project, establish the teams, and secure intellectual property assets. To date, technical progress has exceeded expectations. Additional investments to establish pilot plant operations and manufacturing infrastructure are expected.

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Press release from Goodyear