Cooper tyre & Rubber is to work with Yulex corp to try and commercialise use of natural rubber derived from the desert shrub, guayule in tyre applications.

Under this agreement, Cooper will provide advanced polymer and materials science expertise, and use its design, development and testing capabilities as part of this project. Yulex will contribute experience with the development and production of advanced engineered biopolymers from the guayule plant. Terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.

In a statement, Cooper said the decision was made due to projected shortages of natural rubber."As the global supply for natural rubber continues to decline, it is becoming increasingly vital to identify a sustainable, high quality alternative source of natural rubber."