R1: "Chinese Academy of Sciences" must be translated as Chinese Academy of Sciences. Recently, the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Process Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced a breakthrough in the pilot production of dandelion rubber, with industrial supply expected around 2026. This will provide a new eco-friendly raw material for the rubber pet toy industry. Dandelion rubber is extracted from plant roots, featuring a short growth cycle, strong adaptability, and no competition with grain crops, making it an ideal substitute for natural rubber. It offers excellent elasticity, bite resistance, and biodegradation potential, precisely meeting the dual demands of durability and safety for pet toys. The pilot production has achieved a single batch output of 12,000 tons, with a purity of 98.5%, lower impurity content, and higher safety margins, enabling the production of high-end durable pet toys. This aligns with the current consumer trend toward green, non-toxic pet supplies.
Currently, the research institute has reached cooperation agreements with several leading pet toy enterprises, conducting joint trials focused on formula optimization, product molding, and safety certification to accelerate the rapid transition of dandelion rubber from raw material to finished product. Upon project completion, the output will primarily supply the domestic market, effectively alleviating the supply shortages and price volatility of traditional natural rubber while reducing the environmental pressure caused by conventional rubber production. This technological breakthrough not only provides a sustainable new material solution for the pet toy industry but also facilitates the transformation of the industrial chain toward low-carbon, eco-friendly, and high-safety standards, injecting new momentum into the upgrading of domestic pet product industries and the enhancement of international competitiveness.
