Oriental Silicas to market select PPG silica products to tire manufacturers in Asia-Pacific region
Ptiisburgh, PA – PPG announced that it has entered into a strategic agreement with Oriental Silicas Corporation (OSC), which is a leading producer of silicas, sodium silicate and factice products. As part of the agreement, Taiwan-based OSC of Greater China will be a sales representative for select grades of PPG silica products used by tire manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region.
The agreement includes select low- and high-surface-area PPG HI-SIL® silica products and PPG AGILON® performance treated silica. The silica products support sustainability efforts by tire manufacturers, including reducing rolling resistance and improving wear properties in tread compounds; improving rubber mixing efficiency and reducing VOC emissions from the manufacturing process; and increasing the amount of natural rubber used in tires to deliver improved wear and tear resistance and support the use of bio-based materials. “PPG is excited to partner with OSC as part of our ongoing effort to expand service capabilities and introduce innovative products in the Asia-Pacific market for new and existing tire customers,” said Gilles Gressier, PPG global business manager, tire and battery, precipitated silica. “There has been high demand from the region’s tire manufacturers for precipitated silica. This agreement allows us to address their evolving challenges, including innovations for ultrahigh performance, winter and electric vehicle tires.”
The agreement represents a critical step for PPG’s silica business in establishing a foundation in the Asia-Pacific region while also offering versatility, convenience and supply chain reliability to customers.
“This partnership will benefit the growing number of tire manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific market that want to introduce high-performing tires with low rolling resistance,” said Tim Lin, president, OSC. “OSC is proud to partner with PPG, which has consistently been recognized as an innovation leader in the silica products industry, for this exciting new chapter in our longstanding relationship. With the tire market’s focus on next-generation offerings, we believe that our partnership will continue to drive growth, incredible value for our customers and innovation in the marketplace.”
PPG Hi-Sil silica products were among the first used in tire applications, primarily for rubber reinforcement. The company’s portfolio includes low-surface-area materials for improved winter tire traction and hysteretic properties in non-tread applications and high-surface-area materials for improved treadwear and rolling resistance.
Part of PPG’s sustainably advantaged product portfolio, PPG Agilon performance silica products are based on a platform of chemically modified precipitated silica and engineered to help customers extend the tire industry’s “magic triangle” – improving fuel efficiency, traction and wear resistance.
In addition to lowering rolling resistance for improved vehicle fuel economy and reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during tire mixing by more than 99%, PPG Agilon silica products increase traction for improved handling, especially in wet, snowy or icy conditions.