If you've been following this blog for a while, you are probably familiar with my penchant for ingenious ecological solutions made from unexpected materials. After dedicating an article to rice husk-derived silica, here I am talking to you about eggshells! Yes, this simple breakfast ingredient could offer a solution to reduce the environmental impact of your tires. At least, that's what a patent filed in the United States by Stellantis in 2023 and recently published in January suggests.
A renewable substitute
As is often the case with green innovations, the idea behind using eggshells is to replace certain filling materials with an easily accessible and renewable alternative. Stellantis' patent aims to reduce the use of silica and carbon black in tire manufacturing by replacing these materials with calcium oxide, more commonly known as lime. This molecule is relatively easy to extract from eggshells, which are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which also makes up, among other things, chalk.
When ground into powder, this material can replace the traditional materials used to strengthen tire rubber. Stellantis also suggests that its use could reduce the pollution generated by tires, particularly by lowering the emission of toxic fine particles. Of course, eggshells are also a relevant choice since they are a very common waste product in the food industry. By reusing them, we not only reduce waste but also transform a frequently overlooked product into a valuable resource.
Walking on eggshells...
Forgive the pun, but it’s quite justified. This news is surprising for several reasons. First, there is no indication that this solution has been studied from a logistical or economic perspective. It’s difficult, then, to know if such a plan could actually be viable in an increasingly competitive market. Additionally, the source of this patent is also surprising. Stellantis, the automaker in question, is not particularly known for its tires, nor for its particularly robust financial situation. It seems unlikely that this company will be the one to effectively deploy this ecological strategy.
However, well-established tire manufacturers like Goodyear or Michelin are increasingly looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It seems much more likely to me that one of these major companies will take up Stellantis’ idea as part of their own green initiative. In any case, innovations like this take time to make their way onto the market. So, you’ll need to keep an eye on this blog to know when the first "eggshell" tires will appear on Blackcircles.ca!
