Dow has announced the launch of a portfolio of low-carbon material solutions which can help the footwear industry develop more sustainable products which offer the same high-performance results.

The upgraded portfolio consists of bio-circular materials attributed under a mass balance approach, reversible cross-linking resins, post-consumer recycled resins and polyolefin elastomers for artificial leather in various footwear materials and applications.

The Tire Industry Project (TIP) announced the launch of its first Open Call for Projects (OCP). The initiative seeks project submissions that contribute to the definition of new research fields and agendas to help advance sustainability practices and environmental stewardship within the tire industry on a global scale.

“The Open Call for Projects attests to TIP’s commitment to supporting high quality scientific research and evidence-based progress focused on the mitigation of tire wear emissions and their diverse impact. We are reaching out to further broaden TIP’s relationships with researchers and experts in this field,” says Larisa Kryachkova, Executive Director at TIP.

The Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) announced its decision to close its manufacturing plant located at Hadera, Israel today. The plant is one of 30+ manufacturing sites in the YRC global network and has been operating for 70+ years. It will cease operations effective December 31, 2024.

As Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) convene to vote on 14th November on the proposed amendments to the EUDR, the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) urges them to provide legal certainty around the implementation timeline and not re-open the regulatory text.
Along with the European Tire and Rubber Manufacturers Association, GPSNR has written to the European Parliament earlier this month to ask MEPs to use the proposal for amendments solely to create certainty about the timeline and not change the substance of the regulation.

Cimcorp’s current CEO, Tero Peltomäki, is retiring after a long and distinguished career, although he will continue to serve on the board of directors. Tero is passing the baton to Veli-Matti Hakala, who will strive to maintain Cimcorp’s positive culture and hands-on innovation as the company grows.

Now with over 25 years of experience in industry and technology, Veli-Matti Hakala joined Cimcorp in 2016 for the opportunity to work in an innovative and international environment. He has grown within the company from sales to management, and in the past year he has worked as Executive Vice President.

Persistence Market Research forecasts that the liquid silicone rubber (LSR) market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4%, reaching US$ 5.83 billion by 2031, up from US$ 3.31 billion in 2024.. The demand is being driven by the healthcare and automotive sectors, where LSR’s heat resistance, biocompatibility, chemical and electrical resistance, and transparency make it a preferred material for a variety of applications. The global rise in IT spending and the increasing demand for eco-friendly, soft, and efficient materials in devices further boost LSR’s utilization. In North America, the U.S. is expected to dominate the market, particularly due to the automotive industry’s reliance on LSR for enhanced performance, particularly in electric vehicles. The industrial-grade segment, driven by OEM demand, is set to experience a notable CAGR of 8.6%, with the automotive and healthcare industries being major contributors.