Abstract: An embodiment of a conveyor belt is disclosed. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt comprises: a middle region having embedded steel cords extending along a longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt; and side regions disposed laterally on either side of the middle region. Each side region has embedded non-steel reinforcing members extending along a longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt. The non-steel reinforcing members have a lower elastic modulus than the steel cords to allow the side regions to absorb in-use stress(es) induced by edge tension through elastic deformation. Related methods of forming a conveyor belt and use of same are also disclosed. A related conveyor belt system is also disclosed.