Smithers is expanding its Distribution Testing laboratory in Leatherhead, UK, to meet growing demand. Construction is currently underway, with completion expected by the last quarter of 2026.

The expanded facility will deliver a 55% increase in total footprint, adding an additional 3,800 sq ft of conditioned laboratory space and will further enhance testing capacity. The investment reflects increasing demand across sectors including e-commerce, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, as products move through more demanding distribution environments.

Zeon Corporation has launched a new data management system dedicated to elastomer research and development. As the company’s first subscription-based service, the platform enables centralized management and use of R&D data related to rubber products, helping customers improve efficiency and accelerate innovation. During the initial rollout, Zeon will prioritize customers in Japan before gradually expanding availability to additional markets.

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is announcing a change in leadership: On July 1, 2026, Dr. Alexander Rozmán assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He succeeds Dr. Matthias Sckuhr, who is joining the Management Board of the Freudenberg Group where he will assume responsibility for Engineering, Data and Artificial Intelligence at Group level.

As PFAS regulations tighten worldwide, manufacturers face growing pressure to evaluate materials used in critical applications. While fluorinated polymers are not expected to face immediate bans, many could be phased out over time, requiring companies to balance compliance with long-term product performance. Datwyler has expanded its portfolio of fluorosurfactant-free FKM materials and completed full working-condition validation for alternative compounds. The company works with customers to evaluate materials based on application requirements rather than one-for-one substitutions.

The all-new LEXUS ES is a forerunner in LEXUS’s next-generation electric vehicles that combine hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with battery EV (BEV) technologies. With a spacious cabin that offers a premium experience, new design inspired by LEXUS LF-ZC as the next-generation BEV concept, and advanced electrification, it is a model that has achieved new levels of quietness and ride comfort.

R.E. Carroll Inc. announced that it has successfully passed their Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) Responsible DistributionTM verification. This verification reaffirms that R.E. Carroll demonstrates the expertise, stewardship, and professionalism to achieve the highest in quality, safety, sustainability, and performance through ACD Responsible DistributionTM