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OCSiAl has opened its first European production facility. The facility, located in Serbia will produce TUBALL™ nanotubes and nanotube-based products, marking a significant step forward in integrating nanomaterials into various industries. More than 1,500 companies worldwide, including leading rubber and plastic manufacturers, already use graphene nanotubes in their production lines.

The majority (54 percent) of younger drivers in Germany (up to the age of 34) see cars as a status symbol. This is a key finding of the representative mobility study conducted in August 2024 by market research institute infas on behalf of Continental in Germany, China, France, Japan and the USA. In Germany, 1,000 people aged 18 and over were surveyed about their mobility needs. According to a study commissioned by HORIZONT in 2017, for example, only 25 percent of younger respondents viewed cars as a status symbol.

A new generation of silicone elastomers specifically designed for additive manufacturing with
Longer shelf life and improved productivity are the advantages of this new silicone elastomers for Additive Manufacturing

Freudenberg Performance Materials is expanding its business in coated technical textiles (Mehler Texnologies). The technical textiles specialist is acquiring major parts of the Heytex Group from the private equity investor Bencis Capital Partners. The acquisition covers the core business of Heytex with three production locations (Germany and China) and all headquarter related functions, including Sales and R&D. The Heytex Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality and functional technical textiles. The company with an international presence is headquartered in Bramsche, Germany. In 2023, the parts of the Heytex Group to be acquired by Freudenberg Performance Materials generated sales of roughly €100 million with a workforce of some 400 employees. The transaction is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) released its 16th End-of-Life Tire Management Report, revealing positive momentum in tire recycling with 79% of end-of-life tires being consumed by end-use markets. This reflects a 10.5% increase in overall utilization, reinforcing that end-of-life tires remain one of the most recycled and reclaimed consumer products, outpacing materials like metal, glass, aluminum, plastic, and paper.

American Tire Distributors, Inc. announced that it is implementing specific steps to maximize value and strengthen the Company’s financial foundation as it continues supporting manufacturer partners and customers across its nationwide distribution network..
To implement the terms of the RSA and conduct a value-maximizing sale process, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”). During this process, ATD will continue to operate across its nationwide distribution network as the organization remains focused on supporting its manufacturer partners and providing its customers with tires, wheels, related tools, and accessories to support their business.

Ceat Ltd. announced a significant capacity expansion project at its Chennai plant. This strategic initiative aims to enhance production capabilities and meet the growing demand for high-quality tires in both domestic and international markets. The expansion underscores Ceat’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Brenntag held a celebration to mark its 150-year anniversary in Essen, Germany, where the DAX40 company is headquartered. The ceremony included many guests from the chemical industry, customers, suppliers and other business partners as well as honored guests like Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

In his speech and in his conversation with Brenntag CEO Christian Kohlpaintner, the Chancellor emphasized the importance and the needs of the chemical industry and highlighted the success story of Brenntag. As a distributor, the company connects its more than 1,000 suppliers with around 180,000 customers worldwide.

The Rubber Division, ACS annually honors the best of the best with the most prestigious awards in our industry the Science & Technology Awards. The 2025 winners will accept these awards and be celebrated at a banquet hosted by Rubber Division, ACS and sponsored by Alpha Technologies on March 5, 2025 during the Rubber Division, ACS Spring Technical Meeting in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Each Science & Technology Award Winner will also give a presentation in the technical session following the banquet. Join us to honor and celebrate these individuals.