Executives at the two firms say they share a common vision of lessening industry impact on the environment by applying renewable raw materials in the supply chain. Joe McAuliffe, a Genencor research scientist, recently handed four containers of the clear liquid to Dave Benko, Goodyear's director of materials research and development. "This is a historical moment, after substantial research on this technology," notes Rich LaDuca, senior director of business development at Genencor. "It signifies a new era in biochemicals. We're excited to be ushering in a future where tires and many other products will be produced with renewable materials."