Stellantis has patented tyres with eggshells added to them
Stellantis (FCA US) has patented in the US a new tyre formula that uses food waste instead of traditional fillers. In particular, calcium oxide (CaO) derived from eggshells. This approach is designed to reduce the environmental impact of dust emissions from tyre wear.
Here's What We Know
Tyre treads usually contain fillers such as carbon black and silica. They improve wear resistance, grip and rolling resistance. But when tyres wear out, these materials are released into the air as fine dust, affecting the environment and human health. A 2023 study confirmed that tyre dust is one of the main causes of air pollution from PM2.5 particles.
In its patent, Stellantis describes a process to produce CaO from eggshells, which are 95 per cent calcium carbonate (CaCO3). First, the shell is cleaned with acetone, then heated to over 900°C, which produces CaO. It is then ground to a particle size that can be used as a replacement for traditional tyre fillers.
Stellantis has yet to say whether this development will reach mass production, but the company is not the only one looking for eco-friendly tyre solutions. Bridgestone, Michelin and Goodyear are already experimenting with natural rubber from shrubs and recycled materials.
So far, the idea of eggshell tyres sounds unusual, but if it does improve environmental performance without losing performance, who knows - maybe we'll all be driving 'omelette' tyres in the future.
Source: Mopar Insiders
