Bridgestone and Dow Partner on Tire Sealant Technology

Nashville, TENN.  – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) and Dow have partnered to develop B-SEALS, a recyclable, silicone-based tire sealant technology. The extended mobility solution will be introduced at the upcoming 2022 Silicone Expo in Detroit (June 21-23), and represents more than four years of joint research and development between the two companies.

B-SEALS technology provides excellent sealant performance in the event of a puncture without compromising sustainability. Unlike conventional sealants that are difficult to separate from tires, this silicone-based sealant can be efficiently removed after application, promoting tire repairability and potentially extending the amount of time a tire is in service. Because it’s removable and recyclable, B-SEALS sealant technology also supports end-of-life tire recycling and enables tire material circularity.

Approximately, one-third of all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. are not equipped with a spare tire, leading to increased demand for extended mobility solutions such as self-sealing and run-flat tire technologies. Bridgestone will initially offer tires with B-SEALS sealant technology to original equipment manufacturers looking to reduce vehicle weight and improve overall efficiency as more electric vehicles come to market.

“We envision a future where tires are the ultimate enablers of sustainable mobility,” said Nizar Trigui, Chief Technology Officer and Group President, Solutions Businesses, Bridgestone Americas. “Not only will tires be able to self-seal following a puncture, but we are also developing technologies that will relay real-time tire health information to a driver or fleet manager so that they can make more informed vehicle maintenance decisions. Our collaboration with Dow demonstrates how we’re using innovation and collaboration to make mobility safer, more efficient and more sustainable.”

“Dow is delighted to commercialize the world’s first silicone self-sealing tire solution to better provide passengers with safety, durability, comfort, and sustainability benefits,” said Charlie Zimmer, Global Business Director of Dow Performance Silicones & Specialty Materials. “As a global materials science leader, we look forward to a strong collaboration with Bridgestone to enable sustainable mobility through our novel tire solution — advancing our collective journey to a carbon-neutral world.”

The introduction of B-SEALS silicone-based tire sealant is the latest example of how Bridgestone is working to deliver its 2050 sustainability commitments of carbon neutrality and tires made from 100% renewable materials. In April, the company announced a partnership with LanzaTech to convert end-of-life tires into new materials, including sustainable ethanol, while also exploring processes to create sustainable synthetic rubber that does not rely on chemicals derived from oil. Bridgestone also continues to advance its R&D initiative aimed at diversifying the world’s natural rubber supply by commercializing use of guayule natural rubber in tires by 2030.
Bridgestone’s collaboration with Dow to develop B-SEALS sealant technology aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, which establishes eight values starting with the letter “E” to solidify Bridgestone’s commitment to a more sustainable world. B-SEALS sealant supports the “Extension”, “Ecology” and “Ease” values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tires and rubber, building on its expertise to provide solutions for safe and sustainable mobility. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Bridgestone Americas employs more than 50,000 people across its worldwide operations. Bridgestone offers a diverse product portfolio of premium tires and advanced solutions backed by innovative technologies, improving the way people around the world move, live, work and play.

About DOW:
Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines global breadth; asset integration and scale; focused innovation and materials science expertise; leading business positions; and environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership to achieve profitable growth and deliver a sustainable future. The Company's ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world. Dow's portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones

businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated, science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Dow operates 104 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $55 billion in 2021. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.dow.com or follow @DowNewsroom on Twitter.