Rubber for vehicle tyres almost exclusively derives from rubber trees, which are grown in South East Asia. Though diverse synthetic rubber materials have been developed, none can replace natural rubber in tyres. Due to the steady increase in natural rubber demand, forecasts see a serious supply deficit approaching soon.

Can Europe become independent from rubber import? There is an alternative source for natural rubber, Russian dandelion. Originally cultivated and exploited by the Soviets in the 1930/1940s, the plant has high chances to experience a revival. With its very modest growth requirements and good resistance towards drought and other climatic adversities, Russian dandelion is suitable for cultivation in Europe. A European Research Consortium, including “Joanneum Research, Graz”, one of the largest non-university research institutions in Austria, has been exploiting the potential of Russian Dandelion cultivation and rubber extraction. In the project “DRIVE4EU” team partners performed field experiments with different plant varieties, and extracted rubber materials from harvested roots. The first bicycle tyres were produced and successfully passed the quality check. Thorough life cycle analysis critically illuminates if and how large-scale cultivation and rubber production become ecologically and economically favourable.

For more information:

maria.hingsamer@joanneum.at

www.joanneum.at/life

www.drive4eu.eu

What could this mean for EcoInn and Danube Region Countries?

Principally, on the basis of DRIVE4EU outcomes, Russian Dandelion cultivation and rubber extraction should be feasible in all Danube region countries. “Hub” factories that process collected plant materials from neighbouring countries seem advisable from an economic perspective. For small farmers, cultivation of Russian Dandelion could become a valuable alternative to pastureland, especially as non-used parts of the plant still hold nutritious feedstuff.

Image source: Joanneum Research