In the field of synthetic rubber, Qingdao has made a significant breakthrough by filling the gap in cis-isoprene rubber and successfully developing trans-isoprene rubber, which exhibits unique rubber-plastic dual properties. These innovations have now entered the stage of industrialization, marking a major step forward for the tire industry.
The National Rubber and Tyre Engineering Technology Research Center, led by Wang Mengxi, has developed a new surface material for tires. These tires have met the EU’s Class B standards in both fuel efficiency and wet grip performance, making them the first Chinese tires to receive double-B certification under the EU Tire Label Law. Now, these advanced tires are being produced on a large scale by companies in Qingdao, showcasing China's growing influence in green tire technology.
When we think about pollution, we often picture chemical plants, steel mills, or paper factories. But have you ever considered the environmental impact of tires? Modern tires, which are used worldwide, can be just as harmful to the environment as traditional sources of pollution. In 2012, the EU introduced a tire labeling law to promote greener, more environmentally friendly tires, similar to energy efficiency labels on home appliances.
According to data, 18% of global CO₂ emissions come from road traffic, with 24% of that directly linked to tire-related emissions. Additionally, up to 20–30% of a car’s fuel consumption is influenced by tire performance. With this in mind, governments and manufacturers around the world are increasingly focused on developing eco-friendly tires that reduce rolling resistance and improve wear resistance—key factors in making tires more sustainable.
Wang Mengyu, chief scientist at the National Rubber and Tyre Engineering Technology Research Center, explained that reducing rolling resistance helps save fuel and lower carbon emissions. “A 10% reduction in rolling resistance can save 0.16 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and cut CO₂ emissions by 200–300 grams,†he said. If all of China’s 483 million tires had such improvements, the annual reduction in CO₂ could reach nearly 250 million tons.
Beyond environmental concerns, tire wear also poses health risks. Wang Mengxi once learned that tire particles contribute to increased asthma rates, as tiny fragments released during use can become airborne and affect air quality. His team calculated that a single car traveling 68 kilometers daily could raise PM2.5 levels in a 30,000-square-meter building to 50. This highlights the need for better tire materials that minimize wear and pollution.
The key ingredients in these new materials include silica, silane coupling agents, and dissolving rubber. While the basic components may be similar globally, the exact formulation is what makes the difference. “It’s like traditional Chinese medicine—different combinations for different conditions,†Wang Mengqi explained. By tailoring formulas for various applications, his team has created innovative materials that balance performance and sustainability.
However, achieving low rolling resistance without sacrificing wear resistance remains a challenge. This so-called “devil triangle†of tire performance is difficult to balance. Wang Mengxi believes that true green tires must not compromise on durability. His team continues to work on breaking this barrier, aiming to create tires that are both eco-friendly and long-lasting.
Qingdao’s advancements in tire materials are already showing results. Companies producing cis- and trans-isoprene rubber have moved into full-scale production, with plans to expand capacity significantly. One company has even signed a supply contract with Goodyear for trans-isoprene rubber, which will be used in high-performance tires.
Tires certified with the EU’s double-B rating are now in production at Race Wheels, and with many Chinese manufacturers subject to EU labeling rules, these products are expected to gain a larger market share. As the source of these groundbreaking materials, the National Rubber and Tire Engineering Research Center Material Research Institute has also been designated as a key public technology platform, supported by a 50-million-yuan investment from the local government.
With continued innovation and support, Qingdao is well-positioned to become a leading hub for green tire research and development. The future of the tire industry looks brighter than ever, driven by material breakthroughs and a commitment to sustainability.
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