rssLinkedIn

Continental has extended its project to enhance sustainability in smallholder natural rubber cultivation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH by three years. Since 2018, around 5,000 local smallholders in West Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia, have already been trained to cultivate high-quality natural rubber in line with clearly defined sustainability criteria. By 2027, a further 1,000 smallholders are to be involved in the project, which is co-funded by Continental and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The gains are threefold: the smallholders’ income has increased by an average of 27 percent since the start of the project; together with GIZ, Continental is building valuable capacity to improve sustainability in the cultivation of natural rubber by smallholders and to use responsibly sourced natural rubber in products; and precious forests and peatlands are preserved in the project region in Indonesia.

The Mitchell Group announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility for its Sta-Kleen Silicone line in Niles, Illinois.

The new facility is near an electric power plant, and the facility’s primary energy source is the plant’s non-polluting steam. The facility recaptures and transforms the steam to power the entire manufacturing process, from inspection to packaging and shipping.

The ENGEL Group has provided the Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences with a state-of-the-art injection molding cell. This system, comprising an ENGEL insert 500V/130 vertical injection molding machine, an ENGEL infrared oven, and an ENGEL easix KR-10 articulated arm robot, is being used in the university’s teaching and research. There is a particular focus on the processing of thermoplastic, recyclable composites as well as the application of natural fibers.

RDAbbott is announcing its participation in LSR 2025 as an organizer, exhibitor, sponsor, and presenter. LSR 2025, a global event for professionals in the liquid silicone rubber (LSR) industry, is scheduled for June 16 – 19, 2025, at the Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport in Irvine, California. The event is hosted by Executive Conference Management (ECM), which is offering a discount to attendees who register before May 2, 2025.

Elkem ASA’s Silicones division launched two additions to its SILCOLEASE® range for release liners, reinforcing its commitment to circularity and innovation. These groundbreaking products offer superior carbon profiles and deliver identical technical performance to their non-recycled counterparts. They are the first commercial products from Elkem’s state-of-the-art chemical recycling pilot unit in Saint Fons, France.

Smithers announced the Smithers Quality Assessments Division has achieved accreditation by ANAB to deliver AS9110 third-party certification services.

The AS9110 standard is specific to the requirements for aviation, space, and defense companies whose primary activities include the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of aerospace related articles and products. Continuing a market leading position amongst certification bodies (CBs), Smithers’ expansion of the AS9100 series of certification offerings underscores its continued commitment to, and deepening expertise in the aerospace industry.

LCY Group Chairman Bowei Lee received the 2025 IISRP General Award from the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP) at the 65th IISRP Annual General Meeting held in Dublin, Ireland. As one of the highest honors in the synthetic rubber industry, the General Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to global industry development, technological innovation, and sustainable transformation.

himadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) announces the appointment of Patrick Fromal as its new president, effective April 1, 2025. Fromal, who previously served as senior vice president of sales and marketing, will oversee SSI’s continued market expansion, focusing on research, development and delivery of advanced analytical solutions and exceptional service to customers in science, industry and academia.

Continental supplied tires to 18 of the world’s 20 highest-volume manufacturers of fully electric vehicles. These include manufacturers such as BYD, Geely, Volkswagen, NIO, Mercedes-Benz and Renault. In each of the three regions, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), North, South and Central America (the Americas) and Asia-Pacific (APAC), the premium tire manufacturer supplies nine of the 10 highest-volume electric vehicle manufacturers with original equipment tires. According to the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), every fifth car sold worldwide is already electrically powered.

Silcotech North America has named Yogesh Chauhan as CEO amid several personnel moves.

Chauhan oversees all executive functions, including operations, design, tooling, project management, supply chain and quality/regulatory affairs. Since joining Silcotech in 2010, he has been instrumental in implementing operational efficiencies and establishing business improvements aligned with ISO 13485/9001/14001 standards and FDA regulatory systems.