Goodyear targets sustainable materials with Monolith collaboration

Akron, Ohio – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has signed a collaboration agreement and letter of intent with Monolith Materials for the development and potential use of carbon black produced from methane and/or biomethane in the production of tires. 

Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Monolith has developed a plasma-based methane pyrolysis process, through which it manufactures ‘green carbon black’ as well as hydrogen.

The new collaboration, Goodyear said in a 9 Dec statement, will help advance the tire maker’s work to identify and use more sustainable materials.

“Our collaboration with Monolith is one example of how we are using sustainable materials in quality products that deliver a better future,” said Chris Helsel, SVP global operations and chief technology officer. 

Carbon black is a key ingredient in tires, providing compounds with strength, improved tear resistance, and increased abrasion resistance. 

A typical consumer tire is made of 15-20% carbon black by weight. Traditional carbon black comes from the combustion of residual oil or coal tar oil.

A life cycle assessment completed for Monolith by a third party shows the plasma-based process should result in environmental benefits across the life cycle, including a reduction in carbon emissions, compared to traditionally produced carbon black.

In addition, the life cycle assessment shows that the technology has the potential for a carbon-neutral to carbon-negative impact, based on increased utilisation of biomethane feedstock versus natural gas in the future.