These substances are not subject to any particular classification, they are molecules of the family of polyphenols and polyaldehydes and can be found in our daily lives. Polyphenols are widely occurring in plants and have a role of natural antioxidants; some molecules from the family of polyaldehydes (or aldehydes) are used in perfumery.

This innovation is the result of ten years of research and development of our teams and relies on forty patent families. It concretizes the know-how of our teams in the field of high-tech materials, ensuring the Group a differentiation of its products, as well as its components.

Our resin is free of isocyanates. Sometimes, isocyanates can be find in adherisation systems of PET and aramid.

However, we do not want to increase their use because, in our opinion, this molecule has no future.

This is one of our challenges for the next few years. We have ongoing research programs to develop an upstream industry that allows us to have these monomers bio-sourced on an industrial level. We are actively working on this topic.

In the short term, a petro-sourced supply will allow the deployment of the technology.

Yes, tests with several types of fiber have been made.

On polyester, nylon and aramid / nylon hybrid, we went through passenger car and light truck tests. The results are in line with our expectations.

Rayon and aramid have been tested in laboratory. The new adhesive system on these 2 types of fiber gives satisfactory adhesion levels.

The industrial applications of this new resin go beyond the tire sector. In wood processing, the manufacture of insulation materials or friction materials, this innovation will also bring progress in terms of health and hygiene. Our goal is to make this technology available beyond the tire industry to contribute to a more sustainable industry for future generations. This is a new area of activity for Michelin and commercialization will require specific skills and efforts. By creating a dedicated entity like ResiCare, Michelin wants to give this project every chance of success.

Giving licenses for free may seem appealing - although this is only a few percent of the total cost - but most importantly, deploying new industrial technology is not just about having a patent. Supply chain, processes, quality control ... changes are sensitive in the area of adhesion. They require proven technological support and control.

Technical exploration from an available patent is complicated. The know-how provided by ResiCare will allow each interested industrialist to benefit from a quick and efficient adaptation of his process.

The manufacture of the resin, which is the basis of the glue, will require new facilities because it is currently made from powders, unlike current resins based on liquids. We must therefore invest in new facilities. But ResiCare will be able to offer manufacturing module solutions to all textile converters.

Today, studies show that the cost of the new glue is higher than that of the conventional glue. Even if the price of glue represents only a few cents in the manufacture of the tire, we make every effort to achieve a competitive cost.