Regulations and Government
Dandelion-derived Rubber Promising for Aircraft Tires
Goodyear is joining a U.S. Department of Defense-led project to test a dandelion species as a natural rubber source for aircraft tires.
The roots of Taraxacum kok-saghyz, a species of dandelion known as TK, have proven to be a valuable alternative to natural rubber trees. (Photo: Farmed Materials)
The roots of Taraxacum kok-saghyz, a species of dandelion known as TK, have proven to be a valuable alternative to natural rubber trees. (Photo: Farmed Materials)

Goodyear is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Air Force Research Lab, BioMade, and Farmed Materials to commercialize natural rubber made from Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TK), a species of dandelion. The DOD has classified natural rubber as a strategic raw material due to its use in military, aircraft, and truck tires.