Nynas to Supply Lanxess Rubber Production Following DAE Ban

To maintain its production of synthetic rubber after its utilisation of DAE oils ceases, Lanxess AG will enter into a strategic co-operation with Swedish oil producer Nynas. Lanxess will end the use of DAE oils in its synthetic rubber production as of December 1, 2009, ahead of next year’s European and Japanese bans on the substance.

“Our customers know that we are a reliable partner focusing on innovation, quality and guarantee of supply,” said Christoph Kalla, head of marketing for the PBR unit. “Thus we need a co-operation partner like Nynas that is globally oriented with a long-term strategy and has the flexibility to make quick decisions.”

The widely used DAE oils are processing oils with a high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content. They are considered to have a negative impact on the environment and human health. An environmentally friendlier substitute for DAE is provided either by TDAE oils or naphthenic oils.

Per Dahlstedt, vice president of the Nynas Group and head of Naphthenics, expects the tyre industry to face major structural changes due to the legal directive: “About a million metric tons of aromatic extract will have to be replaced per year. This is a highly demanding challenge for tyre producers. Our naphthenic products are excellent alternatives from a technical point of view.”

Nynas globally supplies oil specialties without any restrictions. The products are specifically developed for tyre production. From a technical viewpoint they are an equivalent alternative to TDAE oils. Furthermore, Nynas has a team of experts solely concentrating on the development and marketing of oils for the tyre industry. “Nynas’ professional know-how in combination with the rubber competence of Lanxess provides tailor-made products and optimal service quality for our customers,” said Kalla.

Lanxess began the switch to using environmentally friendly oils at its European rubber sites in 2006, and all are now completely DAE free. At the Brazilian Lanxess Elastomeros do Brazil subsidiary, a logistics network will be established in the near future to ensure a smooth transition to naphthenic oils.