The rather inconspicuous appearance of the Russian dandelion does not suggest that it could play an important role in the automotive industry in the future.
Researchers have discovered that the roots and milky sap of this plant contain a high-molecular rubber or latex sap, the same basic rubber material that used to come from the rainforest.
The first machines for the extraction of rubber from dandelion roots have now been installed in the Continental laboratory in Anklam and extraction is scheduled to begin in late autumn.
Then the sustainable alternative to rubber from the rainforest should be ready for series production.
The advantages are obvious: dandelions are not as complex as rubber trees and can therefore be grown in many more areas, which in turn saves a lot of CO2 during transport. The plan is for the technology to be ready for series production in three to eight years.
Source: autoservicepraxis.de
