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Bridgestone Corporation announced its new “Smart On-site” mining solutions program, with plans to exhibit at MINExpo International® 2024, the world’s largest mining equipment exhibition held in Las Vegas on September 24-26, 2024. With this year’s show theme, “MOVE MORE WITH LESS,” Bridgestone will showcase Smart On-site and its easy-to-manage, turn-key and customizable blend of premium tire products, mobility solutions and industry leading service and support in a single transaction for mining operations.

Bridgestone and Penske Entertainment announced a long-term extension to Firestone’s role as the exclusive tire supplier of all INDYCAR-sanctioned racing. The agreement will keep Firestone as the sole tire supplier for all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, the INDY NXT by Firestone developmental series, and the annual Indianapolis 500®.

Firestone is currently in its 25th consecutive season as the exclusive tire supplier for the series. The extension reinforces Bridgestone’s ongoing commitment to driving innovation through motorsports. The Firestone brand continues its rich history in open-wheel racing, dating back more than a century.

The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) announced the results of a two-year survey on the polyurethanes industry in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 2023 End-Use Market Survey on the Polyurethanes Industry in the United States, Canada and Mexico shows that overall polyurethane production totaled 9.1 million pounds in 2023.

PPG announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to sell its silicas products business for approximately $310 million in pre-tax proceeds to QEMETICA S.A., a Warsaw, Poland-based, privately held manufacturer of soda ash, silicates and other specialty chemicals. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. The transaction is the result of PPG’s evaluation of strategic alternatives for the business, which was first announced on January 9, 2024. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as PPG’s financial advisor and Hogan Lovells served as its legal advisor.

Avient Corporation announced the launch of OnColor™ REC Polymer Colorants, formulated with pigments derived from recycled content, including end-of-life tires. They offer an alternative to traditional carbon black formulations and can help manufacturers reduce their product carbon footprint (PCF).

OnColor REC Polymer Colorants can perform comparably to traditional carbon black in plastics. They are versatile, can be used in multiple resins, and are available in standard and custom color formulations. Additionally, they meet strict regulatory requirements, passing Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standards and certification by TÜV Rheinland. Proposition 65 letters are also available.

Opening ceremony kicks off at 9 AM with keynote speaker Darcy Robison; Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Darcy Robison serves as vice president and chief sustainability officer for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Robison, who joined Goodyear in 2023, has more than 20 years of experience in sustainability, corporate and social responsibility, regulatory compliance, environmental, health and safety (EHS), and advancing sustainability in a large manufacturing organization. She joined Goodyear from Pentair, where she held roles with increasing responsibility in sustainability, EHS and quality. Robison holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri University of Science and Technology) and a master’s degree in environmental science and policy from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Rubber Division has coordinated a series of valuable panel discussions to examine some industry hot topics in depth. These panels take place in the Expo Theaters during IEC and are FREE for all attendees.

6PPD Panel Discussion – Tuesday, Sept. 10; 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Review the dangers associated with 6PPD and efforts in the industry to replace or reduce its use. The panel will begin with a toxicology presentation from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, followed by a panel discussion about technological developments around 6PPD replacement.
PFAS Panel Discussion – Tuesday, Sept. 10; 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Learn about the state of regulations restricting use of PFAS substances in the US and Europe. Panelists will discuss how the industry is responding and what is next for fluoropolymer producers and applications.
Rubber Devulcanization Panel Discussion – Wednesday, Sept. 11; 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
This panel of experts will discuss the technological achievements and challenges in developing devulcanization processes for end-of-life tires and rubber products.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions appoints Jonas Karlsson as Business Unit President for Industrial Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
The new role recognizes increased business activity in the region and oversees many of the sectors served by Trelleborg Sealing Solutions including food and beverage, semiconductor, fluid power, energy, off-highway and automotive. The four regional directors responsible for the Industrial EMEA business will now report to Karlsson.

The Rubber Division has coordinated a series of valuable panel discussions to examine some industry hot topics in depth. These panels take place in the Expo Theaters during the International Elastomer Expo and are free for all attendees.