Summary
- Bridgestone is working on sustainable tires made with synthetic rubber derived from sources other than virgin petroleum
- The global demand for rubber is intensifying, leading to sustainability problems in the tire industry
- Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are focusing on converting ethanol to butadiene for sustainable tires
- Bridgestone is collaborating with PNNL to design, build, and operate a pilot plant for the production of sustainable tires
- The project aims to assess the economic viability of deriving butadiene from ethanol conversion versus fossil fuel conversion
Article
The electric vehicle revolution has led to a focus on untangling the EV supply chain from fossil energy inputs, with tire manufacturer Bridgestone working on sustainable tires made from synthetic rubber derived from sources other than virgin petroleum. While natural rubber tires have been dominant, challenges such as disease, climate change, and deforestation have led to exploration of alternative sources like soybeans, guayule, and dandelions. However, these alternatives are not yet scaled up to meet demand. In the 20th century, tire manufacturers began using synthetic rubber made from petroleum, specifically butadiene, which raises concerns about supply chain issues when petroleum extraction declines.
To address the need for sustainable tires, researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are working on converting ethanol to butadiene as an alternative to natural rubber or petroleum-derived synthetic rubber. While corn ethanol is a common source, other biomass feedstocks like algae, food waste, and old tires can also be utilized. Developing an efficient catalyst for this conversion process is crucial, and the PNNL team has made progress in this area. Collaboration with Bridgestone and funding from the Energy Department are helping to move this project towards commercial development.
Bridgestone is partnering with PNNL in a project to design, build, and operate a pilot plant in Ohio to demonstrate the production of butadiene from ethanol. The goal is to assess the economic viability of this approach compared to fossil fuel conversion. The pilot plant is expected to provide key information on carbon emissions, commercial viability, and performance of the butadiene in tires. The project timeline includes designing the plant in 2024, starting construction in 2025, and operation beginning in 2026. The focus is on creating sustainable tires that reduce dependence on the fossil energy supply chain.
In addition to sustainable tires for electric vehicles, the broader impact of this project could lead to a cleaner supply chain for other petroleum-dependent products. By converting ethanol to butadiene, sourced from renewable resources, researchers are aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of tire production. The development of a more sustainable source of synthetic rubber could have far-reaching implications beyond just the tire industry. With the incoming administration’s support for fossil energy stakeholders, the success of this collaboration could demonstrate the potential for cleaner alternatives in various industries.
The innovative catalyst developed by the PNNL team is a key component in the conversion of ethanol to butadiene, offering a more efficient and cost-effective process compared to previous methods. With a high conversion rate and the ability to use aqueous ethanol without pre-preparation, this catalyst represents a significant advancement in sustainable tire production. As the project moves forward, the focus will be on commercial viability, performance testing, and evaluating the environmental impact of this new approach. By supporting research and development of sustainable technologies like this, US taxpayers can contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
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