The US Department of Defense, in partnership with Goodyear, bioMADE, and Farmed Materials, is working on using dandelion for its vehicle and aircraft tires as an alternative to natural rubber from the Hevea Tree.
The use of dandelion rubber is not new but has never been fully utilized. Now faced with issues like fungus threatening the Hevea tree, the impacts of climate change on the harvest, and the goal to find other sustainable and eco-friendly options, dandelion rubber is being pursued. A spring planting-harvesting cycle for 2022 is already in the works at a farm in Ohio.
The good news is that dandelions are found in many US states and can be harvested twice a year.
Goodyear is also thinking ahead toward commercial applications if all goes as planned.
Do you think other rubber and tire companies will follow this path? Please share your thoughts below.