Author: RubberWorld

Smithers, a leading provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services, announces that Alan Franc has joined the Smithers technical consulting team based in Akron, Ohio and will lead the team’s efforts to expand into additional markets and invest in enhanced capabilities.

Continental has developed an electronic brake control system for the Bugatti Bolide, a hypercar featuring an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control system (TCS), based on the “Motorsports ABS Kit by Continental Engineering Services.” This motorsports brake control system makes the 1,600 hp racing car controllable for professional racing drivers and enthusiasts alike. The Bugatti Bolide is an extremely powerful racing car from the hypercar manufacturer which is approved only for the racetrack. Originally conceived as a concept vehicle based on the Bugatti Chiron production model, the Bolide is now being built in a limited run of 40 units, with the first deliveries scheduled before year-end.

At this year’s COMPAMED medical technology tradeshow, WACKER will be presenting customized silicone rubber grades that set new standards with their optimized properties in terms of haptics, tensile strength and adhesion. Products in the limelight are addition-curing solid silicones for the manufacture of medical and pharmaceutical tubing, for example for use in peristaltic pumps, heart-lung machines and infusion sets. SILPURAN® silicone adhesive gels are another highlight. They are suitable for coating wound dressings and fixation aids in order to attach portable sensors, dosing devices and wearables to the skin. In parallel with MEDICA, this year’s COMPAMED takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from November 11 to 14.

Bolder Industries Belgium, an affiliate of US-based Bolder Industries Inc., the circular solutions provider for rubber, plastics, and petrochemical industries, announced a landmark achievement in its global expansion efforts. The European Commission awarded the company a €32 million grant from its highly competitive EU Innovation Fund pilot program, marking a significant endorsement of its cutting-edge approach to sustainable materials. The Flanders region has committed an additional €2 million to support the construction of Bolder Industries’ new state-of-the-art facility at the Port of Antwerp.

Teknor Apex, a trusted provider of custom plastic compounds for the healthcare industry announced the expansion of its medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) portfolio with new grades specifically designed for biopharmaceutical tubing applications. Medical device manufacturers choose thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for applications that require flexibility or rubber-like elasticity, and they turn to Teknor Apex to deliver high quality, regulatory-compliant Medalist® TPEs with a proven track record.

Vanderbilt Chemicals, LLC, a privately held manufacturer and distributor, announced an exclusive distribution partnership with Prisma Colour, Ltd to represent their line of rubber color masterbatches in the NAFTA region.

Formed in 1991, Prisma Colour is a global supplier of color and additive masterbatches with an annualized capacity in excess of 48,000T.  Vanderbilt Chemicals, LLC, founded in 1916, is a US producer of a variety of chemicals, and is combined with a strong distribution portfolio, for servicing the Rubber and Plastics Industry.

The Milestar Winterguard will be available in both traditional studdable and pre-studded options, offering flexibility for consumers seeking enhanced traction on icy and snow-covered roads. With innovative tread designs and advanced rubber compounds, the Winterguard is engineered to deliver superior grip, stability, and control during the most challenging winter conditions.

The plan, which will be implemented by 2029, aims to invest in the development of new chemical platforms in renewables, circular and specialized products, growing markets in which Versalis has acquired a leading position.

Eni aims to significantly reduce Versalis’ exposure to basic chemicals, a sector that is facing structural and irreversible decline in Europe, and which has led to economic losses that have been close to 7 billion in cash terms over the last 15 years, 3 billion of which was in the last five years.

Michelin announced to the 1,254 employees of the CHOLET and VANNES plants its intention to close down production by early 2026 at the latest. Both plants have been facing severe economic difficulties for several years.

Despite the teams’ remarkable engagement and the Group’s efforts, the viability of the two plants could not be preserved. The two sites have been severely impacted by the structural transformation of the Passenger car & Light truck and Truck tire markets and worsening competitiveness of Europe, notably due to inflation and rising energy prices. This decision has been made as a last resort, once all alternative solutions and scenarios have been analyzed and evaluated.