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The upcoming GPS Technical Meeting promises to be a powerhouse of innovation and expertise, featuring over 100 presentations from leading researchers and industry pioneers in rubber, elastomers, and tire technology. Known for delivering top-tier content, this year’s event will spotlight two major symposiums that tackle both performance advancements and environmental challenges in tire manufacturing.

At the K 2025 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber, WACKER is all set to unveil a new silicone rubber that reliably insulates busbars in high-voltage batteries of electric cars. As it can be processed by extrusion, the new product called ELASTOSIL® R 531/60 makes the sheathing of such components very cost-effective. What is more, in the event of fire the product ceramifies and forms an electrically insulating protective layer that reliably prevents short circuits. ELASTOSIL® R 531/60 thus plays a vital role in passenger and fire safety of electric vehicles. K 2025 will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 8 to 15.

ridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) announced a year-long celebration to commemorate the 125th anniversary of its iconic Firestone brand. Marking more than a century as a leader in the tire industry in performance, dependability and value, Firestone is honoring the milestone through a series of new product launches, experiences and celebrations through August 2026.

“Founder Harvey S. Firestone was a pioneer whose life, legacy and commitment to customers remain engrained in our DNA today,” said Scott Damon, Chief Executive Officer, Bridgestone West and Group President, Bridgestone Americas. “We continuously strive to innovate—improving our customers’ lives with our products, services and solutions—and adapt to the evolving needs of tomorrow.”

Ecore International announced that Jeff Coté has joined Ecore as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Coté joins Ecore with over two decades of executive leadership experience, most recently at Sensata Technologies, where he served as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, navigating complex, rapidly changing markets and delivering strong results.

Bridgestone Corporation has announced the sale of its Mexican carbon black manufacturing subsidiary, Mexico Carbon Manufacturing S.A. de C.V. (MXCB), to Cabot Corporation. This strategic move is part of Bridgestone’s ongoing efforts to restructure and strengthen its global operations under its Mid-Term Business Plan (2024–2026).

AGC Chemicals Americas (AGCCA) will showcase its latest advancements in fluoropolymer technology at booth 1940 during the 2025 Global Polymer Summit. Leading the lineup is AFLAS® FFKM PM-1200, a low-viscosity, low glass transition temperature (-9 °C) grade designed for demanding chemical sealing applications.

Additionally, AGCCA will spotlight the new AFLAS FFKM SF series, proprietary, high-performance fluoroelastomers engineered without the use of surfactants or fluorinated polymerization solvents. These advanced materials deliver performance on par with conventional FFKMs while addressing the demand for cleaner, more environmentally conscious manufacturing practices.

Michael Friede, Chief Executive Officer Brenntag Specialties and member of the Board of Management of Brenntag SE has informed the Supervisory Board of Brenntag SE that he will not extend his contract which ends on March 31, 2026. He will leave the company on good terms on November 30, 2025. Michael Friede will take on new management responsibilities outside of Brenntag.

The Tire Society announced that the papers have been selected for the 44th Annual Conference, to be held September 23rd through the 25th, 2025, at the University of Akron, Ohio. Attendees at the Conference can expect high-quality presentations covering original works on Tire Technology delivered by their authors, in keeping with the Tire Society’s position as the world’s leading membership organization for tire science, engineering and technology, as well as invited speakers for the Keynote Address, Plenary Lecture and Awards Banquet.

Cleveland, OH – The Global Polymer Summit is committed to delivering value across all aspects of the polymer, rubber and