News

Avient Corporation announces the addition of flame-retardant (FR) grades manufactured without intentionally added PFAS-based raw materials to its portfolio of Complēt™ PKE Long Fiber Reinforced Polyketone Thermoplastics. Manufactured and commercially available in North America only, they provide a UL 94 flame rating and structural integrity to manufacturers seeking alternatives to metal or underperforming short-fiber solutions.

PPG announced that it has donated the PPG LINQ™ digital automotive refinish ecosystem to 15 vocational schools in over 10 countries during the last 15 months. This effort is part of the company’s $2 million commitment through 2025 to invest in workforce development initiatives aimed at addressing the skills shortage and attracting young talent to trade careers, including the automotive refinish industry.

Toyo Tire Corporation announced that two of its plants in Japan have received certification under ISCC PLUS,1 one of the international certification schemes for sustainable products. The newly certified plants are the Sendai Plant (located in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture), which is Toyo Tire’s main domestic tire manufacturing site and the plant of Fukushima Rubber Co., Ltd. (located in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture), which is Toyo Tire’s manufacturing subsidiary.

Pirelli, the only tire company included in both the World and Europe indices, obtained a score of 84 points in the context of the 2024 S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment, the highest in both the Auto Components and Automobiles sectors, significantly higher that the component and auto sector averages of 29 points and 35 points respectively.

Sumitomo Chemical has acquired an ISCC PLUS certification for methyl methacrylate (MMA monomer) produced at its chemical recycling pilot facility at its Ehime Works (Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan) from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC), an international certification system for sustainable products. The Company obtained its first ISCC PLUS certification in February 2023 for acrylonitrile produced at the same site.

LyondellBasell announced that Yvonne van der Laan, executive vice president of circular and low carbon solutions (CLCS), has been awarded the prestigious Winthrop-Sears medal by The Chemists’ Club. The accolade was presented during the annual Egg Nog Gala held in New York City on Dec. 5. Established in 1970, the Winthrop-Sears medal recognizes individuals whose entrepreneurial achievements have contributed to the vitality of the chemical industry and the betterment of humanity

Celanese Corporation announced that Scott Richardson, currently Celanese’s Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and will join the Company’s Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2025. Richardson will succeed Lori Ryerkerk, who is stepping down as Chairman, CEO and director of Celanese at the end of the year. Celanese has elected Edward Galante, an independent director on Celanese’s Board since 2013, as Chair of the Board, effective upon Ryerkerk’s departure.

Milliken & Company announced that it is the first textile manufacturer to offer non-PFAS materials for all three layers of firefighter turnout gear, including outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier. Access to all three layers from a single U.S.-based supplier allows garment manufacturers to test the fabrics as a system while ensuring a complete chain of custody for the material — which can minimize delays and get gear into the hands of firefighters faster.

Cabot Corporation announced that its Board of Directors has been named 2025 “Public Company Board of the Year” by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) New England Chapter. This award recognizes exceptional corporate leadership and governance of boards in New England.

Cabot Chairman Michael Morrow and Cabot President and CEO Sean Keohane, will accept the award on behalf of the company at the NACD New England Chapter’s 17th annual celebration being held on April 28, 2025, at the Seaport Hotel in Boston.

Rubber World Magazine wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.