Balkrishna Industries Limited (BKT), has entered into a joint research agreement with Kultevat, Inc., a leading US biotechnology company specialized in the cultivation and processing of TKS Dandelion as a renewable and sustainable alternative for natural rubber.

The purpose of the agreement is the development of new compounding methods based on TKS Rubber to be integrated into the tire manufacturing process. All studies, analyses, experimentation, and testing will be carried out at BKT´s recently inaugurated, modern Research and Development Center known as “Suresh Poddar Innovation Hub” stretching over an area of 25 acres within the company’s latest and largest production site in Bhuj, India.

The R&D Center was officially inaugurated last year with the announcement of a series of ambitious projects related to sustainable materials, including research into alternatives to natural and synthetic rubber as well as the development of high-performance compounds with nanomaterials and nanocomposites.

This major R&D project is part of the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation as well as fully in line with latest industry requirements and the European Commission’s recommendations concerning critical raw materials.