Goodyear selling tyres with Monolith pyrolysis carbon black

Some 18 months after establishing a partnership with Monolith, Goodyear is launching a tyre containing the pyrolysis specialist’s carbon black. Owners of electric vehicles in North America can now fit the Goodyear ElectricDrive GT, a size 235/40R19 all-season tyre. This is the first tyre to feature this type of carbon black produced by Monolith.

The strength and resistance to tears and abrasion that is so essential to tyre compounds typically comes from carbon black produced by the combustion of fossil fuel oils. Monolith’s plasma-based process takes advantage of renewable electricity to perform methane pyrolysis and results in the output of only carbon and hydrogen, with no combustion required. Methane pyrolysis allows for the splitting of the methane molecule into the constituent carbon and hydrogen elements.

Sustainability without compromise

“At Goodyear, we are continually looking at and working with our supply base to understand and discover new innovations and technologies to use in our products,” says Chris Helsel, senior vice president Global Operations, and chief technology officer. “The use of carbon black produced by methane pyrolysis is an example of how we are collaborating with our suppliers, like Monolith, to utilise sustainable materials in our consumer products, without compromising on performance and safety.”

“Working with innovative partners to incorporate sustainable ingredients is at the core of what we do, and Goodyear has been at the forefront of that mission,” adds Rob Hanson, co-founder and chief executive officer, Monolith. “We’re thrilled for the tyre made with Monolith carbon black to launch and excited for the continued product research and development in this industry-leading partnership.”

New products, new materials

With the launch of ElectricDrive GT, Goodyear says it and Monolith are “taking the next step on a journey toward zero-emissions carbon black in tyre manufacturing.” The tyre maker plans to explore expanding the use of carbon black that Monolith produces via methane pyrolysis across additional product lines in the coming years. Goodyear also intends to continue investigating with Monolith the potential use of new technologies, such as carbon black produced from methane derived from waste sources. Monolith first entered into a collaboration agreement with Goodyear in December 2021.

Goodyear defines sustainable materials as those that are bio-based, renewable or recycled, or materials that may be produced using or contributing to other sustainable practices for resource conservation and/or emissions reductions, including mass-balance materials.

About ElectricDrive GT

Introducing the new tyre, Goodyear reports that ElectricDrive GT “delivers long-lasting tread wear and a quiet ride for EV drivers and passengers.” It features Goodyear’s SoundComfort Technology, which acts as a built-in sound barrier that helps reduce road noise.