Goodyear is researching the possibility of using BioIsoprene to manufacture tires. The new material from Genencor is described as a revolutionary technology providing an alternative to petrochemically derived isoprene, a key intermediate for synthetic rubber production.
“We believe it’s important to look at alternative renewable raw materials in our production processes,” reports Jesse Roeck, director of global materials science at Goodyear. “We chose to work with Genencor based on our strategy of ‘open innovation’ and because they are one of the leaders in industrial biotechnology.”
Executives at the two firms say they share a common vision of lessening industry impact on the environment by applying renewable raw materials in the supply chain.
Joe McAuliffe, a Genencor research scientist, recently handed four containers of the clear liquid to Dave Benko, Goodyear’s director of materials research and development.
“This is a historical moment, after substantial research on this technology,” notes Rich LaDuca, senior director of business development at Genencor. “It signifies a new era in biochemicals. We’re excited to be ushering in a future where tires and many other products will be produced with renewable materials.”
BioIsoprene is derived from renewable raw materials, representing a significant development within the biochemical and rubber industries, according to the officials involved in the Goodyear/Genencor collaboration. Aside from synthetic rubber for tire production, traditional isoprene is used for creating a wide range of products, such as surgical gloves, golf balls and adhesives. Thus, they say, the potential for BioIsoprene is substantial.
“This is one more step toward a new era where biorefineries will take in biomass and turn out a number of valuable materials, from biofuels and other biochemicals to bioplastics,” explains Philippe Lavielle, Genencor’s executive vice president of business development. “It signals that we’re not just breaking boundaries in technology, but providing real-world alternatives and solutions to the biobased economy.”
The project’s goals include reaching significant technical milestones by 2010, commissioning the first large-scale manufacturing plant by 2012, and making the first commercial sales by 2013.
For more information, visit www.genencor.com/bioisoprene and www.goodyear.com.
