AKRON—Sourcing domestic natural rubber has become a matter of national defense, and Goodyear is partnering with the Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force and other entities to make such U.S.-based stock a reality.
Goodyear's collaboration with DOD, the USAF Research Lab, BioMADE and Farmed Materials Inc. will help get dandelion-sourced domestic natural rubber to market more quickly.
"Global demand for natural rubber continues to grow, and it remains a key raw material for the tire industry," said Chris Helsel, senior vice president of Global Operations and chief technology officer for Goodyear. "This is a critical time to develop a domestic source of natural rubber, which may help mitigate future supply chain challenges."