Three-way MoU to examine feasibility of Russian synthetic rubber for Pirelli plants

Pirelli intends to supply its tyre factories in the Asia Pacific region with synthetic rubber produced in Russia. The tyre maker has signed a three-party Memorandum of Understanding related to this project. This new MoU facilitates the continuation of plans set out by MoUs signed between Pirelli and Russian petroleum company Rosneft in May and October 2014.

Through their cooperation during the past year, Pirelli and Rosneft have identified and chosen Polish chemical raw materials manufacturer Synthos as their technological partner for a joint project to produce synthetic rubbers, including Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR), in the Russian port city of Nakhodka. According to the terms of the newly-signed MoU, feasibility studies will now be carried out, including a study of plant engineering designs and operational requirements, market studies, capital investments and operating costs estimates.

The three companies have also stated their intention to use the FEPCO (Far East Petrochemical Company) petrochemical complex in Nakhodka for the production of synthetic rubber. This complex is one of Rosneft’s largest projects ever; the company incorporated FEPCO in 2011 to realise its construction.

Synthetic rubber eventually produced in Nakhodka will be suited for use in ‘green’ or ‘eco’ tyres, comments Pirelli.