Zeon Corporation and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. have joined forces to advance the production of sustainable butadiene, a crucial synthetic rubber feedstock, as part of a broader industry shift towards greener alternatives. Their project, "Development of Carbon Resource Recycling-Type Synthetic Rubber Core Chemicals Manufacturing Technology," has been selected as a Green Innovation Fund project by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
The initiative represents a significant step in the decarbonisation of the rubber and tyre industries, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by developing technology for producing butadiene from bioethanol and other plant-based renewable sources.
Butadiene is a key raw material in synthetic rubber production, which is widely used in tyre manufacturing and other industrial applications. The move towards renewable butadiene production aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, create green jobs, and develop sustainable supply chains in the chemical and rubber industries.
Zeon and Yokohama Rubber's project aims to:
Develop high-efficiency technology to produce butadiene from bioethanol.
Reduce dependence on petroleum-derived raw materials, contributing to global decarbonisation goals.
Enhance sustainability in tyre production by ensuring a greener supply of synthetic rubber.
The push for bio-based butadiene production is gaining momentum, with several key developments in the industry:
IFPEN's Pilot Plant (France, 2024): In January 2024, IFPEN (French Institute of Petroleum and New Energies) launched a scale-up pilot plant for bio-based butadiene production, producing several metric tons since July.
PNNL’s Thermocatalytic Innovation: The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed a patented thermocatalytic-based process for converting ethanol into butadiene, with higher carbon efficiency and improved catalyst longevity compared to traditional methods used since World War II.
Michelin, IFPEN & Axens Industrial Plant: In France, Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens inaugurated the first industrial-scale demonstrator plant producing bio-butadiene from bioethanol, marking a major milestone in commercialising this technology.
The collaboration between Zeon and Yokohama Rubber could revolutionise synthetic rubber production, paving the way for greener tyres and reducing the tyre industry’s reliance on fossil-based butadiene.
Sustainability Gains: By using bioethanol as a raw material, tyre manufacturers can significantly lower their carbon footprint.
Supply Chain Resilience: Shifting away from petroleum-based butadiene helps mitigate supply risks and price volatility associated with fossil fuel dependency.
Circular Economy Integration: The development of carbon recycling-type technologies contributes to a more sustainable, closed-loop system for synthetic rubber production.
As the tyre and synthetic rubber industries face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, projects like Zeon and Yokohama Rubber’s NEDO-backed initiative offer a promising solution. The potential commercialisation of bio-based butadiene could lead to wider adoption across the industry, supporting global sustainability targets.
With major industry players investing in renewable butadiene, the transition towards low-carbon tyre manufacturing is accelerating. If successful, this project will place Zeon and Yokohama Rubber at the forefront of synthetic rubber innovation, helping shape the future of sustainable mobility.
What is Zeon and Yokohama Rubber’s project about?
They are developing technology to produce butadiene from renewable sources, reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials.
Why is this important?
Butadiene is a key component in synthetic rubber, essential for tyre production. A bio-based alternative supports decarbonisation efforts and supply chain resilience.
Who is funding the project?
Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has selected the initiative as a Green Innovation Fund project.
Are other companies working on sustainable butadiene?
Yes. IFPEN, Michelin, Axens, and PNNL have made significant progress in bio-based butadiene production.
How could this impact the tyre industry?
It could lead to greener tyres, reduced carbon footprints, and greater sustainability in synthetic rubber production.
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