Effetto Mariposa Launches a Plant-Based Tire Sealant Made From Olives - Across the Pond Beaver
We often think of olives skewered on cocktail sticks at fancy parties or floating in James Bond's martinis but we'd never have imagined they were a potential ingredient for tire sealant. Effetto Mariposa is hoping to change that and has just launched the world's first plant-based tire sealant made from olive stones.
Effetto Mariposa has spent the last two years developing a potentially innovative product that goes beyond the normal claims biodegradability. The Vegetalex is made using a mixture of finely ground olive stones and cellulose fibers bound together by xanthan gum, creating a completely plant-based formula with no microplastics, rubber particles and aramid fibers which can be found in other sealants. These materials, despite holding claims of biodegradability, can stay in the environment for very long periods with the potential for large amounts of damage for the planet and its inhabitants.
While developing the sealant, Effetto Mariposa's two main aims were to create a product that would be better for the environment and to last longer than more traditional sealants. Effetto Mariposa currently claims its formula will fill holes & cuts up to 5mm in diameter and can last in a tire without being changed for over six months in normal conditions with a minimum lifespan of three months in hotter and drier conditions.
 | Being able to ‘forget’ about tyre sealant is the dream of tubeless tyre users. Especially those of us who don’t ride too often, wondering whether the sealant is still liquid inside our tyres (or not) is a worry that can spoil the pleasure of a ride. |
With the sealant being made entirely from plants and natural ingredients, it won't contain ammonia or other aggressive chemicals and is easier to clean up when it is spilt on other surfaces. It is also safe for people with natural rubber allergies. Effetto Mariposa says it can be cleaned with just a brush and soapy water even after it has dried and the sealant will work with CO2
Vegetalex is available now in 1000ml bottles for $30 / 25€, you can find out more here.
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95 Comments
Not sure what part of the olive Effetto is using here. I suppose in the creation of olive oil, there must be a good lot of waste. Maybe it is this residue which Effetto uses? Somehow I don't expect it to be the oil that should seal tires. If so, I don't want it anywhere near my brakes when it burps!
But I guess I could use you method of testing and just imagine stuff.
Stop acting like you have some secret facts Mr. Industry insider. If you have some facts, evidence, explanation of why caffelatex is so inferior state it. Saying "im in the industry" doesn't mean anything.
I'm in the industry too dumbass.
It goes in and what Ever’s left when I put on a new tyre comes out.
Now seriously good stuff cause never liked to touch this liquid with my hands... I allways felt it was really toxic and you kinda absorb it with your skin... So please make a 100% extra virgin for us!
Good to see a practical use for olives.
I love pineapple though. Which is the real god in fruit form.
Which i suppose would make tangerines at christmas some sort of archangel? I'm not particularly well versed in divine heirarchy/employment structure i'm afraid.
Although until then i will have to remain in my opinion that they are 'grapes seduced by evil'.
I joke, of course. I would never accuse olives of malicious intent.
More concerning is that my comment about not liking olives received almost as many downvotes as a homophobic slur by someone else. I never realised that people felt that strongly about it.
There's the cliche about roadies and coffee culture/snobbery. It must be deli foods for MTBers.
The Big S ought to start advertising the SWATbox feature as a safe place for keeping stuffed vine leaves or cured meats. Seems people would go nuts for it. Pine nuts, presumably.