This independent Material Research Center will revolutionize the rubber and elastomer industry by accelerating the transition to sustainable, bio-based materials and smart manufacturing.
Black Donuts Inc. announced the grand opening of InTire Labs in Tampere, Finland, marking a pivotal moment in the company's unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation within the rubber and elastomer sectors. This cutting-edge facility, officially operational as of June 16, 2025, is set to serve as a beacon of advanced research and development for the global tire industry.
InTire Labs emerges as a fully independent Material Research Center, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation. Located in the heart of Finland, it will operate as an open, collaborative, and joint R&D platform. Its primary mission is to research, analyze, and rigorously test sustainable bio-based materials for tire manufacturing. This collaborative approach extends its services to tire manufacturers, raw material suppliers, and rubber product developers of all sizes worldwide, fostering an ecosystem of shared knowledge and accelerated progress.
The core objective of InTire Labs is to significantly reduce the industry's reliance on fossil-based raw materials in rubber compounds. By focusing on environmentally friendly bio-based, renewable, recycled, and recyclable alternatives, the lab aims to mitigate the environmental impact of tire production. A critical research goal is to address the pressing issue of microplastic emissions from tire wear. InTire Labs will specifically concentrate on replacing traditional tread rubber raw materials with more biodegradable options, contributing directly to cleaner ecosystems.
Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, InTire Labs boasts modern pilot-scale mixing and curing machinery, Mooney viscometers, advanced aging and thermal analysis chambers, and comprehensive testing technologies. This robust infrastructure allows the lab to support the entire lifecycle of innovation, from initial compound formulation and development to thorough performance validation. Beyond material development, the center is strategically focusing on advancing intelligent manufacturing through research in several key areas. These include the integration of smart sensors into rubber products for enhanced monitoring, the implementation of Smart MES systems to digitalize and optimize R&D processes, and remote monitoring capabilities for energy use and equipment performance, driving efficiency and sustainability.
Furthermore, InTire Labs will delve into traceability and recycling strategies to bolster circular economies within the industry. The lab will also explore innovative pyrolysis and post-treatment methods to produce high-quality recycled materials locally.
