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.

The objective of the commitment: develop new policies – in particular for the control of CO2 emissions – as a response to the urgency of the question of climate change.

The basic structure of the agreement envisages:

• A maximum limit of global emissions and a long term procedure for the reduction of all gas sourced emissions of greenhouse effect for the period 2013-2050.
• Immediate commitment by the industrialised countries for the ‘de-carbonisation’ of the economy
• Intervention by the developing countries to delineate a plan for the reduction of emissions.

The Copenhagen Communiqué will be presented at the next United Nations Conference on the climate due to take place from 7 December. Pirelli Tyre and Parts, together with ENEL and Telecom, is among the Italian signatories of the paper, a testimony to the Group’s commitment to a sustainable environment.

In 2007, Pirelli Tyres had already adhered to the Bali Communiqué on the occasion of the United Nations Conference there on climatic change, together with 150 other international companies, a document for concrete strategic development through joint intervention of governments for an exhaustive world agreement on the climate.