Rice husk ash (RHA) silica is derived from waste rice husks—an abundant byproduct of rice production. Traditionally landfilled or burned, these husks are now repurposed into a high-dispersibility silica suitable for use in tyre compounds.
Compared with conventional silica sourced from sand, RHA silica offers a lower carbon footprint and aligns with circular economy principles. Its use in tyre manufacturing contributes to reduced rolling resistance and improved wet grip, while helping manufacturers reduce dependence on energy-intensive raw materials.
Goodyear has integrated RHA silica into both the tread and carcass compounds of its EQMAX range—commercial tyres designed for efficiency and durability. According to the manufacturer, this sustainable compound contributes to:
■ Up to 6% reduction in rolling resistance
■ Up to 20% improvement in mileage
■ Lower heat generation during operation
This compound evolution enhances the performance of the EQMAX line, which already targets cost-efficient mileage and regulatory compliance in commercial fleets. The move builds on Goodyear’s earlier public goal, set in 2015, to double the use of RHA silica by 2021.
The EQMAX range now contains up to 55% sustainable materials, including bio-derived oils, recycled rubber, and RHA silica. This is part of Goodyear’s wider environmental ambition to develop a 100% sustainable-material tyre by 2030.
RHA silica has become a key ingredient in that effort, demonstrating how renewable resources can deliver both performance and environmental value. Its use also supports tyre manufacturers in meeting the EU’s sustainability targets and fleet customers’ carbon reduction demands.
Goodyear’s long-term adoption of rice husk ash silica shows that waste-to-resource strategies can achieve mainstream commercial deployment. As regulatory pressure mounts and raw material sourcing faces new scrutiny, materials like RHA silica will play an increasingly central role in tyre innovation, especially as manufacturers aim to balance cost, performance, and sustainability across product lines.
Tagged with: rice husk ash silica, Goodyear EQMAX, sustainable tyres, tyre materials, rolling resistance, circular economy, low-carbon tyre production
Sign up for our weekly briefing on key developments across the sector.
