Bridgestone and Three Universities Launch Genetic Analysis Project for Sustainable Natural Rubber
Bridgestone Corporation has partnered with Universitas Indonesia, Yokohama City University, and Maebashi Institute of Technology to develop marker-assisted selection technology for para rubber trees, aiming to stabilize…
2026
2012
What Happened
Bridgestone Corporation announced a joint research project with three universities to genetically analyze para rubber trees. The collaboration aims to create marker-assisted selection technology, enabling early identification of high-yielding, stable trees. This approach could shorten the decades-long breeding cycle and improve natural rubber productivity on finite land.
“By co-creating with stakeholders across the natural rubber industry and promoting the sustainable use of natural rubber, Bridgestone strives to achieve the corporate commitment of 'Ecology: Committed to advancing sustainable tire technologies and solutions that preserve the environment for future generations' described in its Bridgestone E8 Commitment.”
“In this project, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), will play a key role in supporting the scientific framework of the project by leveraging its expertise in molecular biology and genetic data acquisition. This collaboration is such an important foundation in strengthening FMIPA UI's academic contribution in impactful global research.”
Why this matters
Natural rubber, essential for tires, faces supply risks from climate change and disease; this research could boost productivity without expanding farmland, supporting sustainable mobility.
Terms in This Story
- Marker-assisted selection
- A breeding approach that uses DNA markers to predict future traits and select promising individuals at the seedling stage; it does not involve genetic modification (non-GMO).
- Para rubber tree
- The Hevea brasiliensis tree, the primary source of natural rubber, which grows in regions near the equator.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.