Stellantis, the multinational automotive giant, has filed a patent for an innovative and eco-friendly tyre compound that incorporates discarded eggshells. This groundbreaking development aims to replace traditional fillers like carbon black and silica with calcium oxide (CaO) extracted from eggshells, potentially improving both environmental sustainability and tyre performance.
A New Use for Eggshells
The patent, initially submitted in mid-2023 and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 23, 2024, details Stellantis’ plan to use calcium oxide derived from eggshells as a coupling agent in tyre production. This approach could significantly reduce waste by repurposing bio-waste while also minimising reliance on chemical-based materials.
Hen eggshells, which are over 90% calcium carbonate, can be transformed into calcium oxide through high-temperature processing. According to Stellantis, this innovative material could enhance a tyre’s rolling resistance, improve grip in wet conditions, and increase fuel efficiency by approximately 3%, while reducing rolling resistance by 20% compared to conventional tyres containing carbon black.
Environmental and Performance Benefits
The automotive industry has long faced challenges with tyre pollution. Conventional tyres contain synthetic and natural rubber, with carbon black acting as a key ingredient for durability and UV protection. However, carbon black is derived from soot, contributing to environmental pollution and human health risks. Studies suggest that tyre degradation generates more airborne pollution than vehicle exhaust emissions and is a leading source of microplastics in oceans and waterways.
By incorporating eggshell-derived calcium oxide into tyre compounds, Stellantis aims to offer a more sustainable alternative that could reduce the harmful impact of tyre production and usage. Removing eggshells from landfills also aligns with broader efforts to promote circular economy principles in automotive manufacturing.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the patent outlines the general extraction process—requiring eggshells to be heated to at least 900°C to break them down into calcium oxide—it does not disclose specific details regarding manufacturing costs, processing timelines, or potential visual differences in the final product. Whether the eggshell-enhanced tyres will retain their traditional black appearance or adopt a different hue remains unknown.
Stellantis’ latest patent underscores the automotive industry’s increasing focus on sustainable materials and green innovations. If successfully implemented, this new technology could redefine tyre manufacturing, offering a more eco-conscious alternative without compromising performance. As the industry awaits further developments, the prospect of driving on eggshells might soon become a reality—one that is both practical and beneficial for the planet.
