Arlanxeo invests millions in synthetic rubber production
Over the next three years, Arlanxeo will invest “mid double-digit million” euros to modernize its production sites in Triunfo, Brazil and La Wantzenau, France.
Raw Materials
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University award for Continental’s Taraxagum project
The Taraxagum research project into the use of rubber from Russian dandelions in tyres has led to Continental and Professor Dirk Prüfer from the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology being awarded the University of Münster’s Transfer Prize. Continental shares that the €10,000 prize was awarded for the successful transfer of expertise from biotechnology research to commercial application.
China Synthetic Rubber considering India location
Taiwan-based China Synthetic Rubber is considering investing 10 billion rupees (126 million euros; £110.9 million; US$146.8 million) in a carbon black manufacturing facility in Gujarat, India. According to the Financial Express, the company has identified potential locations in the chemicals and petrochemicals investment region for the proposed project.
Global carbon black market to grow 5.6% CAGR by 2023
The future of the global carbon black market looks good with the market expected to reach an estimated US$20.2 billion by 2023. This means that during the period between 2018 and 2023 the market will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6 per cent.
New polymer improves tyre abrasion resistance, durability
A world first has been claimed by Bridgestone Corporation with the development of a polymer that bonds rubber and resins at the molecular level. Bridgestone believes this High Strength Rubber (HSR) polymer will lead to tyres that require fewer raw materials to deliver the performance expected from them.
US tyre cord makers could close due to steel tariffs
In mid-June US president Donald Trump announced plans to impose 25 per cent tariffs on US$50 billion worth of Chinese goods. However, the above round of tariffs was actually an additional wave that followed as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing trade war with China. Steel is at the centre of this dispute, with President Trump suggesting that China is dumping steel in America. But now US tyre cord makers could close due to steel tariffs.
Bekaert closing Figline-Valdarno factory
Bekaert Group is closing its rubber reinforcement entity in Figline e Incisa Valdarno, Italy and cease all activities there.
Kordsa presents lightweighting concepts at Movin’On
At the Movin’On conference on future mobility held last month in Montreal, tyre cord and composite technology company Kordsa made a presentation that emphasized the need to lighten vehicles for efficient and sustainable mobility.
ExxonMobil opens Singapore butyl and resins plants
On 21 June 2018 ExxonMobil announced it had started production of hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin and halobutyl rubber at its integrated manufacturing complex in Singapore, the company’s largest integrated refining and petrochemical complex in the world. ExxonMobil’s new Escorez hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins plant will be the world’s largest with a capacity of 90,000 tonnes per year, and will meet long-term demand growth for hot-melt adhesives used in packaging or baby diapers. The new 140,000-tonnes-per-year butyl plant will produce premium halobutyl rubber used by manufacturers for tyres to better maintain inflation to improve fuel economy.
DuPont polymers to increase prices
Effective July 1, or as soon as contracts allow, DuPont Transportation & Advanced Polymers has announced that it will increase prices globally for the following products: DuPont Zytel and Zytel HTN.
Fischer-owner sells majority stake in tyre manufacturing machinery maker
Funds managed by Equistone Partners Europe have agreed to sell a majority stake in Karl Eugen Fischer, the world’s leading manufacturer of cord-cutting machines for the tyre industry. Equistone acquired Karl Eugen Fischer in August 2013 and is now selling its stake to DBAG Fund VII, managed by Deutsche Beteiligungs AG. Management will retain a shareholding in the company. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Michelin aiming for 80% sustainable materials in tyres by 2048
The Movin’On 2018 sustainable mobility summit took place at the end of May and the start of this month, and during the event organiser Michelin announced what it calls an “ambitious plan” – to ensure all of its tyres will be manufactured using 80 per cent sustainable materials within 30 years, and that 100 per cent of all tyres will be recycled.
Lehigh Technologies: European MRP production beginning this summer
According to Michelin, owner of Lehigh Technologies since October 2017, the Micronised Rubber Powders (MRP) production facility being set up by Lehigh Spain will begin operations in summer 2018. The plant, located in Murrillo del Fruto, Spain, is the product of a joint venture project between Lehigh Technologies and Hera Holding.
Arlanxeo announces price increase for Buna, X_Butyl
Prices for Arlanxeo Buna and X_Butyl products have risen from 1 May 2018, an increase that Arlanxeo says have been “driven by the overall market situation.” Customers have been individually contacted regarding the price increases.
Cabot increases rubber carbon black prices in North America
Effective 1 June 2018, Cabot Corporation is increasing prices for carbon black products sold by its Reinforcement Materials segment in North America. All Vulcan, Sterling, Regal, Spheron and Propel carbon black products will increase by $0.045/lb except for Vulcan XC-72, Vulcan XC-72 R and Sterling C carbon blacks. In addition, prices will increase by 4 per cent for Black Pearls, Monarch, CRX, Vulcan XC-72, Vulcan XC-72 R and Sterling C carbon black products.
