Dandelions, like many plants, have different species. The Ohio State University’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) have begun to grow the Russian dandelion species, Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS). The TKS dandelion species has a milky-white substance that oozes from its roots that can be used to produce rubber.
Dandelions have always been aThe root substance could be used as a modifier to improve the strength of the plastic. The plastic would then be used for floor mats, interior trim and cup holders in the Ford vehicles. Ford researchers still need to assess the initial strength and quality of the material to see how it interacts with different plastics and how durable it is in the car before being utilized.
Additionally, Ford is also researching the ability to produce natural rubber from the guayule shrub, commonly found in the Southwestern United States. Synthetic rubber is not a sustainable resource so Ford is looking at ways to through the dandelions and guayule shrub to be able to have a natural alternative that is renewable for rubber.
Ford is consistently working on creating fuel-efficient vehicles that reduces the carbon footprint left behind by Ford vehicles. Ford’s “Reduce, reuse and recycle” commitment to a greener vehicle has paid off with numerous advancements including wheat straw-filled plastic, soy foam seat cushions, and recycled yarns on seat covers to name a few.
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