Author: RubberWorld

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.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company reported third quarter 2024 results today and the company will host an investor call tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. eastern time led by Mark Stewart, Goodyear’s chief executive officer and president, and Christina Zamarro, the company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. The management team will share insights on third quarter performance and progress on the Goodyear Forward transformation plan.
“As a result of the consistent and strong execution of our Goodyear Forward transformation plan, we successfully achieved four consecutive quarters of segment operating margin expansion. These tangible results are not only a testament to the talent of our team, but also to the strong foundation of Goodyear,” said Chief Executive Officer and President Mark Stewart. “Throughout the company, we are delivering solid results. Due to the strong momentum underway, we are increasing our target for gross run-rate gains from Goodyear Forward to $1.5 billion by the end of 2025.”

Milliken & Company announced the launch of Milliken Assure™, North America’s first non-PFAS, non-halogenated, flame-resistant moisture barrier for firefighter turnout gear. The new fabric is UL certified and exceeds NFPA 1971-2018 requirements.

The Mitsubishi Chemical Group (the MCG Group) announced that its plant-derived polyol “BioPTMG” has been adopted by Kahei Co., Ltd. as a synthetic leather (bio-synthetic leather) material. In addition, small items (shoulder bags, wet tissue cases, etc.) made with this bio-synthetic leather will be available for purchase at “tonto,” run by Triple A Co., Ltd., a planner and marketer of sustainable products.
Bio-synthetic leather is made from plant-derived raw materials, among synthetic leathers that use materials other than synthetic leather materials made from non-animal-derived materials.

Following the recent success of new 42-inch sizes in its Baja Boss® M/T line, Mickey Thompson is introducing two 42″ sizes in its Baja Boss® X extreme terrain tire line. Built with Mickey Thompson’s “Sticky Mickey” compound and PowerPly Pro construction, these new sizes will provide the undisputed off-road traction that competitive off-road racers have come to expect from Mickey Thompson.