Mr Holden travelled to Akron, Ohio, to talk to the researchers behind the newest environmental tyre from Goodyear, the Assurance Fuel Max. He interviewed Jean-Claude Kihn, Goodyear’s Chief Technology Officer, who explained some of the innovative features of the Fuel Max tyre and the BioIsoprene compound.

Also interviewed was an analyst at Popular Science Magazine as to why this product is one of the 100 most innovative products of the year, as well as how synthetic rubber is helping to make us less dependent on oil-derived products.

Over 500 automotive and industry experts participated in the event, which took place in Cologne, Germany, following the 10th Tyre Technology Expo, Europe’s leading international tyre design and tyre manufacturing exhibition and conference. The winners were chosen by a panel of 17 internationally renowned industry experts.

The award winning concept tyre with BioIsoprene represents a breakthrough alternative to a petrochemically produced ingredient in the manufacture of synthetic rubber with renewable biomass. The tyres made with BioIsoprene, which are the result of a collaboration between Genencor, a division of Danisco, and Goodyear, reconfirms Goodyear’s longstanding industry leadership in developing innovative tyre technologies.

The Tyre Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence were presented in five categories, in which Goodyear was officially short-listed for three awards: ‘Tyre Manufacturer of the Year’ for its overall performance and developments over the past 12 months, ‘Tyre Technology of the Year’ for its DuraPlus Technology and the ‘Environmental Achievement of the Year award’ for the Biolsoprene concept tyre.

“These nominations and the award win confirm Goodyear’s continued commitment to developing innovative and more environmentally friendly tyre technologies,” said Jean-Pierre Jeusette, Goodyear director of Tire Technology Consumer Tires for Europe, Middle East and Africa, who accepted the award on behalf of Goodyear.

BioIsoprene ^TM is a breakthrough bio-based alternative ingredient used in the manufacture of synthetic rubber, derived from renewable raw materials. It has the potential to replace petrochemically produced ingredients in the synthetic rubber manufacturing process.

Goodyear’s concept demonstration tyre is the result of a collaboration with leading biotechnology company Genencor, a division of Danisco. This revolutionary development could help make Goodyear less dependent on oil-derived products.

“Goodyear’s first concept tyre manufactured with BioIsoprene ^TM shows the enormous progress we have made in finding a bio-based alternative to Isoprene, the petroleum-derived raw material used in our production process,” says Jesse Roeck, Director, Global Materials Science at Goodyear.

“The development of BioIsoprene ^TM could help us reduce industry impact on the environment by using renewable raw materials in the supply chain and making Goodyear less dependent on oil-derived products.”

Danisco and Goodyear have been collaborating on a research program for more than two years. Genencor plans to manufacture and supply Goodyear with BioIsoprene ^TM through a strategic supply arrangement.

“We are literally rolling out an important milestone in our collaboration with Goodyear on a breakthrough biochemical,” says Tom Knutzen, CEO of Danisco.

“BioIsoprene ^TM is an excellent example of Danisco’s leadership in industrial biotechnology through our Genencor division, and represents a significant development within the biochemical and rubber industries.”

“Given the range of products which incorporate the use of traditional Isoprene, such as surgical gloves, golf balls and adhesives, as well as tyres, the potential for BioIsoprene ^TM product is substantial.”

The Goodyear concept tyre will make appearances at several special events during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen throughout the month.

Genencor and Goodyear have collaborated on designing an integrated production system for BioIsoprene™ product, and are on schedule to meet both technological and commercial milestones within the agreement. Commercial availability of the product is planned for 2013.