A process for producing a tire component is provided. The process comprises: (a) blending at least one cellulose ester, at least one non-nitrile primary elastomer, and at least 70 phr of one or more fillers to produce an elastomeric composition, wherein at least a portion of the blending occurs at a temperature exceeding the Tg of the cellulose ester, wherein the elastomeric composition exhibits a Mooney viscosity at 100° C. as measured according to ASTM D1646 of not more than 110 AU; and (b) forming the tire component with the elastomeric composition.