BioIsoprene Tires Presented by Goodyear

In the eve of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, tire manufacturer Goodyear announced it managed to create, together with Genencor, the first tire made with BioIsoprene technology, a solution which replaces the petrochemically produced ingredient in the manufacture of synthetic rubber with renewable biomass.

The first products achieved by using this technology will be heading to Copenhagen, with one tire to be displayed in the common departure area at the Copenhagen International Airport throughout December 21, when the conference ends, and another to be showcased at several special events across the city.

"Goodyear's first concept tire manufactured with BioIsoprene shows the enormous progress we have made in using a bio-based alternative to the petroleum-derived raw material isoprene in our production process," Jesse Roeck, Goodyear Global Materials Science director said in a release.

"The development of BioIsoprene could make Goodyear less dependent on oil-derived products. We share Genencor's vision of lessening industry impact on the environment by applying renewable raw materials in the supply chain."

BioIsoprene is seen as one of the best solutions to be used in the future not only in the tire industry, but also in just about all rubber products and adhesives. According to Genencor, industrial biotechnology manufacturer, the isoprene market will hit the 11 billion pounds per year mark by 2012.

"We're building advanced biorefineries of the future through strategic collaborations, such as our work with Goodyear and our joint venture DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol, as well as public-private partnerships," Philippe Lavielle, Genencor vice president added.