PanAridus will join Cooper Tire & Rubber Co and its consortium partners on a previously-announced $6.9 million Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) grant toward development of guayule plant-based polymers for use in tyre manufacturing. This news comes ahead of International Mining’s February article on haul roads, tyres and tyre management. Cooper Tire, PanAridus, and other consortium partners, including Arizona State University (ASU) and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the USDA, are conducting research efforts aimed at developing enhanced manufacturing processes for the production of guayule solid rubber as a biomaterial for tyre applications, as well as evaluating the plant’s residual biomass for biofuel applications. The consortium members aim to harness biopolymers extracted from guayule as a replacement for petroleum-based synthetics and tropical-based natural rubber currently used in the manufacture of tyres.
Cooper Tire is leading the overall grant program along with developing all related tyre technology. PanAridus replaces Yulex Corp on the grant team, assuming Yulex’s responsibilities as the primary manufacturer of the material. PanAridus will take the lead in developing commercial processes to produce guayule natural rubber for the tyre industry. ARS is leading the genomic and agronomic development of guayule, while ASU is evaluating the sustainability impact these biomaterial and bioenergy industries have on the American Southwest, where guayule is grown.
“We are pleased to have PanAridus join our BRDI grant team,” said Chuck Yurkovich, Cooper’s Vice President of Global Research and Development. “PanAridus brings significant expertise related to guayule seed and agronomic technology that will be extremely beneficial as the consortium continues progress toward our objectives. Their expanding capability to produce guayule based natural rubber will provide a reliable source of materials for our tyre technology related programs. The co-operative spirit and passion for this initiative within PanAridus will be instrumental in development of commercial production processes and continued improvement of tyre grade guayule.”
Mike Fraley, Founder and CEO of PanAridus: “Our steadfast focus on guayule genetics and agronomics heightens the likelihood of success for our grant partners, all of whom understand the link between competing favourably on a cost basis in the commodity based marketplace and commercialisation.”
Combining the biosciences of genetics and selective breeding, PanAridus has unlocked the key to growing a higher yield of domestically grown guayule rubber per acre than from imported Hevea rubber–and even more inexpensively than synthetic rubber, which is made from petroleum. Its advanced seed varieties ensure a supply of guayule rubber for applications (like tyres), and its agronomic techniques give farmers a more certain and profitable crop.