YANTAI, China — Chinese tire manufacturer Linglong Group Co. Ltd. has collaborated with Beijing University of Chemical Technology to produce a polyurethane tire through 3D printing technology.

The company claims this is China’s first polyurethane tire that was made using this technology.

According to Linglong, the process uses a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material that has lower heat and rolling resistance compared to traditional rubber tread.

Linglong Group Co. Ltd. images Linglong collaborated with Beijing University of Chemical Technology to produce a polyurethane tire through 3D printing technology.

The tire maker also said the tires are “green” products that use energy-saving, low-carbon materials.

The process uses TPU materials, which are said to have lower heat- and rolling-resistance compared to traditional rubber tread. Linglong said it is working with universities to develop new sources for tires including dandelions and graphene.

Linglong said it would “continue to promote technological progress and structural adjustment, to accelerate the development of green tire with high performance and quality.”