Alternative biomanufacturing routes for natural and synthetic rubber

• Wider availability of sustainable sources of natural and bio-based synthetic rubber, enhancing European industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy across multiple sectors.
• Competitive, robust production routes for natural and synthetic rubber with superior environmental performance, resource efficiency and overall sustainability.
• Novel biomanufactured rubber alternatives meeting market requirements for targeted final applications, offering a drop-in or improved substitute to conventional natural and fossil-based synthetic rubber.

Proposals must: 1. Broaden sustainable sources of natural rubber and generate bio-based alternatives to fossil-based synthetic rubber for the EU bio-based industry. 2. Select and characterise rubber-yielding organisms or systems amenable to high-efficiency biomanufacturing; plant-based routes must implement low indirect land-use change (ILUC) solutions. 3. Deploy advanced biotechnologies to maximize yields of isoprenoid/elastomer precursors. 4. Develop and optimise EU/AC-based production, extraction and processing workflows to achieve high molecular weight and quality. 5. Demonstrate end-product suitability in relevant application sectors (automotive, construction, industrial, healthcare, consumer goods). 6. Address environmental aspects: lower the footprint of rubber production, enhance resource efficiency and prevent microplastics. 7. Ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products) and strategic autonomy for critical raw materials. 8. Align and build upon previous R&I outcomes, and engage global partners, including those from the Global South.