Bridgestone studies guayule rubber

Bridgestone has announced its participation in the Japanese Fukuoka Biocommuniy project, aimed at increasing the productivity of guayule in obtaining natural rubber from this shrub, which can be used in the tire industry.

Fukuoka Biocommunity is a government regional project focused on the development of biotechnology technologies, and Bridgestone notes that "Kurume Research Park and the Fukuoka authorities are working together to create new industries and businesses using biotechnology". The goal is to create a biotechnology industry hub in the city of Kurume - the "birthplace" of Bridgestone - by attracting various companies and research institutions.

Project participants are engaged, among other things, in new promising agricultural crops, and Bridgestone will study the possibilities of producing natural rubber from guayule grown in arid regions, together with Kyushu University. It is reported that the partners intend to develop new ways to increase the amount of rubber obtained from guayule.

Currently, Bridgestone is already growing guayule on its farm in Arizona (USA), which has been invested with around $100 million.