Tires Made Out of Soybeans

A few years ago the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company began working with the United Soybean Board to develop soy-based technology to improve tire performance. The result was a breakthrough in applying soybean oil in the tread compound of tires. The soybean oil compound replaces petroleum oil. Goodyear found that soybean oil improved tire flexibility at low temperatures which helped the rubber remain pliable in cold weather. That improved traction in rain and snow.

Goodyear also found that soybean oil mixes more easily with rubber compounds and reduces energy requirements. That improves tire manufacturing efficiency. " I believe that this type of win- win innovation will increasingly become the norm, rather than the exception, in the industry of the future," said Graham Heeps, editor, Tire Technology International.

I have read that just about anything that can be made from petroleum oil can also be made for soybean oil. This is another example. It is amazing when you think about all the things you can do and make with a soybean!