Today's News
Global silicone market forecast at $27 billion by 2033
The Global Silicone Market is entering a transformative decade—one shaped by rapid industrialization, sustainability-driven innovation, and the rising performance expectations of end-use industries. According to Renub Research, the global market will reach US$ 27.16 billion by 2033, increasing from US$ 17.29 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 5.15% between 2025 and 2033.
VMI Around the World in 80 Years
Between the start of April and the end of November 2025, VMI celebrated an extraordinary milestone, one that few companies achieve: 80 years of successful innovation, service and growth- all round the world. From a small workshop in the rural peace and quiet of Gelderland, in the Netherlands, VMI has grown to be a global player, with operations on almost every continent, and a key role in driving growth and quality improvement across the Tire, Rubber and other industries worldwide.
United States carbon black market expanding rapidly
The Global carbon black market is at a tipping point, driven by eco-manufacturing mandates and every ounce of material science evolution in reinforcements. Valued at USD 21.85 billion in 2024, it is projected to reach USD 32.68 billion by 2032 at a steady 5.16% CAGR. North America, capturing nearly a fifth of the global share, spearheads expansion powered by tire and battery demand, while Asia Pacific benefits from production scale
Value Added Distributors acquires LTL Supply
Value Added Distributors (VAD) — a fabricator and distributor of hoses, tubes, fabricated rubber products and hydraulic filtration products for specialty vehicle OEMs and other mobile fluid power users — announced the acquisition of L.T.L. Supply (LTL).
LTL is a Green Bay, WI-based manufacturer and distributor of custom wire harnesses. Founded and family operated, LTL specializes in producing wire harnesses and electrical assemblies.
Tire Recycling Foundation announces inaugural “Circle of Change” awards program
The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF) is now accepting nominations for its inaugural Tire Recycling Foundation Circle of Change Awards. The Circle of Change Awards will honor organizations, teams, and individuals who are advancing tire recycling technologies, expanding end-use markets, and demonstrating leadership in sustainability and circular economy principles. Nominations open today, December 15, and applications will be accepted through February 8, 2026.
Global reclaimed rubber market forecast at $4.6 billion by 2035
According to a new industry forecast from Market Genics, the market — valued at roughly USD 1.8 billion in 2025 — is expected to more than double by 2035, reaching approximately USD 4.6 billion. Analysts project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 9.8%, driven by stricter environmental regulations, rising raw material costs, and stronger adoption of circular-economy practices across multiple industrial sectors.
Featured
Mixing
Simulation of rubber formulation development using AI-Graf Compounder
Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into rubber compound development is said to mark a transformative step in materials science, and the authors explore the use of AIGraf Compounder software to simulate and optimize rubber formulations. By leveraging feedforward neural networks, the system can predict material properties based on ingredient compositions.
Chemicals and Materials
Avient’s new flame retardant additives are a non-halogenated solution for stringent FR testing requirements
Avient Corporation announced the launch of a new line of polymer flame retardant (FR) additives that can improve FR performance in end-use products to help meet increasingly strict product safety regulations in polyethylene (PE) applications. Formulated with non-halogenated flame retardants, these new Cesa™ MAX Flame Retardant additives are especially useful for applications where limiting excessive smoke and fumes are primary requirements.
Extrusion
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies unveils new extrusion process using molten salt
The specific properties of vulcanized materials make them essential for many areas of application. In industries such as aerospace, food and beverages and the energy sector, components must meet the highest standards of abrasion and chemical resistance, elasticity, and durability. Delivering top-quality solutions in these areas requires excellent materials expertise, and at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies this goes hand in hand with state-of-the-art production technologies: With LCM (Liquid Curing Method), the company is now commissioning an advanced vulcanizing extrusion line. This is a process in which the fluid used for vulcanization consists of molten salt, heated to around 200 degrees Celsius and filled with vulcanizing salt. The entire line operates in a closed loop, in which the salt is continuously recycled, fed back into the process and reused.
Silicone & Medical
Elkem unveils next-generation medical-grade liquid silicone rubber
Elkem unveiled SILBIONE™ LSR Select EC 70, a next-generation medical-grade liquid silicone rubber. Designed for wearable and diagnostic devices, the material combines high electrical conductivity, certified biocompatibility, and enhanced process control, setting a new standard for precision healthcare applications.
Oil, Gas & Energy
Advanced perfluoroelastomers: The preferred sealing solution for oil and gas
The technology for sealing has considerably advanced since it was first developed in the late 1800s. It is crucial to
Testing & Instruments
Rubber testing equipment market forecast at $21 billion by 2035
The global Rubber Testing Equipment Market is poised for steady expansion, with its market value expected to grow from USD 15,686.3 million in 2025 to USD 21,081.0 million by 2035, marking a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.0% over the forecast period. As manufacturers across industries seek advanced solutions to ensure product durability, performance, and compliance, the demand for high-precision rubber testing equipment continues to rise.
Molding
Elmet SMARTshot I to use AI intelligence to control mold flow
The pioneering “I” technology is based on online rheometry for continuously optimizing the process and determining the actual material viscosity in the shear rate range of relevance to injection molding. This technology uses a mathematical relationship between the volumetric flow rate of the injection molding machine, the geometric constraints of the cold runner, and the shear force at the needle to identify and quantify batch-to-batch fluctuations. This turns the cold runner into rheological measuring instrument.
In learning mode, the system automatically detects the volume of material required to fill a cavity, so facilitating setup and optimization, especially with family molds with a number of cavities of differing sizes. Ready for integrating artificial intelligence (AI), the system is set in future to be able to support self-controlled injection molding machines if SMARTshot I control is integrated into the machine at a later date.
Thermoplastic Elastomers & Urethanes
Lignin-soy based flexible polyurethane foam for automotive applications
by Enoch Kofi Acquah, Rafael Auras, Anibal Bher, Kevin Dunne and Mojgan Nejad, Michigan State University. This study focuses on
Latex and Natural Rubber
A new natural rubber concept: Mastication with some practical examples
A novel conceptual physico-chemical peptizer effectively reduces the Mooney viscosity of natural rubber compounds, while preserving desirable performance characteristics.
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