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The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) announced Huntsman; Incorez, a Sika Company; and Woodbridge as finalists for this year’s Polyurethane Innovation Award. The annual honor recognizes companies and individuals who have introduced new products, technologies, or initiatives to the marketplace between June 2022 and June 2024.

All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) reports natural rubber production in India has increased from 8.39 lakh ton in 2022-23 to 8.57 lakh ton in 2023-24. “But there has also been a sharp rise in NR consumption which has gone from 13.5 lakh ton in 2022-23 to 14.16 lakh ton now so the deficit is still 5.5 lakh ton,” Shashi Singh, president of AIRIA said.

Bridgestone Corporation announced that it will invest ¥25 billion to upgrade equipment for certain facilities at the Kitakyushu Plant, which produces tires for mining and construction vehicles. This upgrade will be completed by the end of 2027.

New TPE materials have been developed with higher levels of post–consumer recyclate (PCR) content. TPEs with 20 to 75% PCR content are available in hardness range 40 to 95 Shore A. Various color options are available, including natural. Compared to equivalent virgin TPE grades, these PCR grades enable a product carbon footprint (PCF) reduction of up to 35%.

Hexpol Compounding Americas has named Mark Ramsey as its Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) effective August 12, 2024. Ramsey will replace Ellen Clunk who departed HCA in early August. Ramsey will join Bruce Wynd, Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Chan, Chief Operations Officer, Drew Dubois, Chief Financial Officer, Todd Mowery, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Kevin Park, Director of Pricing and Business Analysis on the HCA Executive Leadership Team supporting Moore.

ZC Rubber officially broke ground on its third overseas manufacturing facility in Saltillo, Mexico. This significant milestone marks a major step forward in the company’s global expansion strategy and commitment to meeting the growing demands of the tire markets in North America and Latin America.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by more than 250 distinguished guests, including Wei Dong, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mexico; Blas José Flores González, Chief of Staff of the State Government; Luis Eduardo Olivares Martinez, Minister of Economy of Coahuila; Mario Mata Quintero, Representative of the Mayor of Saltillo; Maria del Mar Treviño, Local councilors of Coahuila; César H. Cantú García, representative of the Alianza Industrial Park; Haoyu Shen and Zhiqiang Jiang, Vice Presidents of ZC Rubber Group; as well as leaders from OE manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, construction contractors, and various departments of the Group.

The global price of rubber is currently trading below $2 U.S. per kilogram while India reports price of natural rubber in the domestic market, which surpassed Rs. 200 per kg for the first time in 12 years in June this year, has marked the all-time record. According to the daily price report from India’s Rubber Board, the price for ribbed smoked rubber (RSS) – 4 grade (sheet rubber) hit $2.90 U.S. (Rs. 244) per kg in Kottayam market.

Utilizing Kodiak’s hub-to-hub autonomous delivery model, the long-haul stretch of the route from Atlanta to Dallas – approximately 750 miles and 16 hours – is completed using Kodiak autonomous driving technology, which is fitted with Bridgestone M719 drive tires and R213 steer tires. J.B. Hunt transports the trailers to and from Bridgestone facilities and Kodiak hubs. The companies leverage J.B. Hunt 360box®, a fluid network of 14,000-plus company trailers, to secure capacity for the return trip from Dallas, preventing empty miles and improving route efficiency.

The Rubber Division, ACS would like to remind you not to miss the opportunity to hear from these featured speakers at IEC 2024. Remember, housing closes on August 15, so book your discounted hotel rate in their room block at https://iec2024.events.rubber.org/