PRAGUE, Czech Republic—Agricultural tire specialist Mitas A.S. is planning to test a farm tire made using rubber derived from Taraxacum koksaghyz (Kazakh dandelion).
Mitas said it plans to mix the dandelion-derived rubber with rubber tree latex in the compound of a prototype tire. The tire maker is involved in the Drive4EU project researching
the possibilities of using rubber from the Kazakh dandelion.
“We are examining different ways to use natural and renewable materials to produce our tires,” said Andrew Mabin, Mitas' sales and marketing director. “Our research and development department is actively seeking new ways of improving our manufacturing process, which includes researching new raw materials or substitutes. We are one of several tire manufacturers researching the benefits of the Kazakh dandelion in producing a more sustainable rubber for our tires.”
Mitas makes and sells agricultural tires under three brand names—its own Mitas and Cultor, and Continental under license—along with a range of Mitas-branded industrial and motor--- cycle tires.