Tag: raw materials
Asahi Kasei opens ASEAN HQ
On 1 August 2019 synthetic rubber manufacturer Asahi Kasei began operating Asahi Kasei Asia Pacific Co., Ltd. (AKAP), a new regional headquarters for business in the ASEAN region based in Thailand.
IRSG and FTA collaborate
The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) and the Forests, Trees and Agroforestry research program of the CGIAR (FTA) led by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) have decided to collaborate on issues related to the sustainability of natural rubber production in order to support sustainable development of the natural rubber economy.
IRSG and GPSNR sign MoU
The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) and the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to detail and define efforts to increase cooperation between the two bodies.
Birla Carbon North America increases prices
Effective 1 September 2019, Birla Carbon will increase specialty carbon black prices in North America by 9 per cent. All shipments made on or after this date are subject to the price increase.
Eastman celebrates Crystex insoluble sulphur 75th anniversary
This year Eastman Crystex celebrates its 75th year. The Crystex story began in 1944 when Stauffer Chemical Company filed a patent for its insoluble sulphur product. The name Crystex evolved from “No Crystals” and “Crystals-X” as a literal explanation of the product function and benefit to tyre makers. The brand grew, and high thermal stability grades were introduced. In a short time, Crystex became known for providing robust properties that tyremakers needed as they innovated and operated in more challenging production environments.
Synthomer acquisition values Omnova at £654 million
Essex-based Synthomer plc, one of the world's major suppliers of aqueous polymers, has agreed to buy Omnova Solutions Inc., which develops, manufactures and markets polymers, dispersions, elastomers and other speciality chemicals, at a price of US$10.15 per Omnova share. The acquisition values Omnova's entire issued and to be issued share capital at US$473 million (approximately £375 million), with an implied enterprise value of US$824 million (approximately £654 million). The move is now subject to regulatory approval. This is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2019 or the first quarter of 2020.
IRSG welcomes new Thai member
The IRSG has welcomed a new member, the Plastics Institute of Thailand. The Plastics Institute of Thailand is the eighth specialised network institution under the foundation development industry, ministry of industry approved by a cabinet resolution on 16 November 2010. Its goals are: Technology and management development; increasing marketing capabilities; and creating a plastic industry database.
Kordsa inaugurates new polyester yarn in Turkey
Operations have started at the recently-completed 3,500 square metre polyester line built at the Kordsa plant in Izmit, Turkey. Kordsa’s Tire Reinforcement business unit commenced work on the additional line in December 2017, and 100 million Turkish lira (£13.3 million) has been invested to provide an additional 7,000 tonnes of polyester yarn capacity. The project was carried out as part of plans announced in 2016 to invest $30 million in further capacity for Korda’s plants in Turkey and Indonesia.
Hexpol growth driven by compounding and exports
Almost 10 years after Hexpol embarked on a prolonged growth-by-acquisition strategy, here Tyres & Accessories examines the company’s overall progress as well as the particular example of UK-based Hexpol Group member, retreading compound supply specialist Berwin Polymers.
2 Hexpol management changes during first quarter
During the first quarter of 2019, Hexpol announced a couple of senior management changes. Most recently, at the end of February, Karin Gunnarsson decided to leave her position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Investor Relations Manager at the Hexpol Group in pursuit of “new challenges”:
Top natural rubber produces cutting exports by 240,000 tons
On 6 March, the International Tripartite Rubber Council (ITRC) announced plans to reduce rubber exports by 240,000 tons for the next four months.
Evonik’s new truck tyre silica
Evonik reports that it has developed a new silica that it says is particularly suitable for use in truck and bus (TBR) tyres. In contrast to passenger car tyres, TBR tyres use mainly natural rubber, which, in combination with silane, places special requirements on the silica. With Evonik’s latest silica/silane development, fuel savings could be as high 8 per cent, the company said, which cuts costs and is better for the environment.
Trinseo presents new synthetic rubber solution
Trinseo, the global plastics, latex binder, and synthetic rubber manufacturer, is introducing a new grade of multifunctionalized S-SBR called Sprintan 918S, at the Tire Technology Expo from March 5-7 in Hanover, Germany.
BKT carbon black plant opening end of March
On 8 February 2019 Balkrishna Industries’ (BKT) confirmed that the first phase of its new carbon black plant will be commissioned by 31 March 2019.
Lehigh win Circular Economy award in Davos
Lehigh Technologies has won the Young Global Leaders Award for Circular Economy SME (small to medium-sized enterprise) for The Circulars 2019, the 5th iteration of the award, in Davos at the World Economic Forum on 21 January 2019.