Arkema awards French Académie des Sciences prize

Arkema announced that for its fourth edition, the Grand Prix Arkema–Académie des Sciences has been awarded to Clémence Queffelec, Associate Professor at the University of Nantes.

This prize, awarded by the Academy of Sciences and funded by Arkema in the amount of €25,000, aims to recognize top-tier research that contributes to innovative chemistry, paving the way for solutions that support sustainable and responsible development.

Arburg awarded gold by Ecovadis for the third time

Only two to five per cent of the world’s most sustainable industrial companies receive this award. The machine manufacturer from Lossburg in the northern Black Forest has improved in all categories compared to the previous year – from a total of 78 to 83 points – and is now among the top two per cent of the more than 100,000 companies assessed.

Dow’s Freeport facility earns ISCC Plus certification

Dow announced that its isocyanates manufacturing facility in Freeport, Texas has earned International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification. This certification reinforces Dow’s ongoing commitment to advancing more sustainable production and product offerings to customers in the North America region with verified supply chain transparency.

Dupont

DuPont delivers solid Q3 2025 results, raises outlook and announces $2 B share buyback

DuPont de Nemours, Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 net sales of $3.07 billion, up 7 % from a year earlier and 6 % organically. Operating EBITDA rose 6 % to $840 million, while adjusted EPS held steady at $1.09.

The Industrials segment posted $1.8 billion in sales, driven by healthcare and water technologies, while Electronics grew 11 % to $1.3 billion, fueled by AI-related semiconductor demand.

BASF’s €8.7 billion Zhanjiang Verbund site commences production

BASF has successfully commenced production of the first products from the core of the Verbund at its Zhanjiang Verbund site in South China, marking a significant milestone in the company’s largest single investment project to date.

ChinaPlas 2026 to be held in April at the National Exhibition Center in Shanghai

On April 21 to 24, 2026, the industry’s acclaimed trade fair – CHINAPLAS 2026 will take place at National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Hongqiao, Shanghai, PR China. As one of the global leading plastics and rubber exhibitions, this edition is expected to span over 390,000 square meters across 16 exhibition halls, and bring together more than 4,600 exhibitors from around the world to showcase breakthroughs in new materials, intelligent innovations and green transformations. The trade fair aims to strengthen the industries’ upgrade towards high-end, intelligent, and green development, as well as the transition from “Made in China” to “Innovated in China”.

Week in Review

Orion S.A. names Jonathan Puckett chief financial officer

Orion S.A. announced that Jonathan “Jon” Puckett will succeed Jeff Glajch as chief financial officer, effective Dec. 1, 2025.

Puckett brings to Orion more than 30 years of financial leadership experience – much of it within the chemical industry. He joins the company after 14 years with Celanese (NYSE: CE), where he recently served as vice president and CFO for the Acetyl Chain segment.

Leibinger IQJET printer marks up Fenner Conveyors

Fenner Conveyors, a member of the global Michelin Group needed a solution to correctly identify the bonding layer on its rubber products – without disrupting the manufacturing process. LEIBINGER’s leading-edge IQJET printer took on the challenge, and the outstanding results speak for themselves.

Fenner Conveyors supplies state-of-the-art conveyor solutions. As a Michelin Group company, Fenner is committed to an all-sustainable approach. Its many trusted brands are recognized globally for providing innovative products and services that solve complex challenges and support sustainable growth. Fenner has been manufacturing in Australia since 1890. At its facility in Melbourne, the company produces uncured rubber for splice kits and conveyor products and has processed over 200,000 kilos of rubber compound.

Motion Industries acquires Sunset Industrial

Motion Industries, Inc., announced that it has acquired the net operating assets of Sunset Industrial, a Cerritos, California-based industrial distributor. The transaction closed with an effective date of November 1, 2025.

Founded in 1979, Sunset Industrial is a distributor of power transmission parts and industrial lubrication solutions, as well as services including make-to-order (MTO) parts, repairs, inventory management, safety training, and free local delivery.

Mickey Thompson introduces the Street Comp GHT

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels introduces the Street Comp GHT, next-generation Ultra Ultra High Performance (UUHP) summer tire built for high-horsepower American muscle. Designed for drivers who demand precision, grip, and control, the GHT marks a bold reinvestment in Mickey Thompson’s street and performance tire segment—and a clear signal of where the brand is headed.

The Rubber Division ACS announces Call for Abstracts for Spring Technical Meeting

Join the leading researchers and innovators in the rubber/elastomer industry and share your expertise with our Spring Technical Meeting attendees being held by Rubber Division, ACS for the Spring Technical Meeting this April 14-16, 2026 in Warrensville Heights, Ohio.

AGC Chemicals awarded Ecovadis’ Silver Rating

This assessment recognizes AGCCA’s strong performance in environmental stewardship, ethics, labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement, placing it among the top 15% of companies EcoVadis assesses worldwide. Earning a silver rating reflects the strength of AGCCA’s sustainability framework and the dedication of its cross-functional teams to transparency, continuous improvement and responsible chemistry.

Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies to acquire Alto Products Corp.

Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, together with its aftermarket division Corteco, has acquired Alto Products Corp., the world’s oldest and largest independently owned manufacturer of clutch plates and automatic transmission parts. This acquisition strengthens Freudenberg’s position in the North American and global aftermarket, expanding their product and service offerings for customers worldwide.

Continental AG marks strategic milestones, posts mixed Q3 2025 results

In a key update released 6 November 2025, Continental AG disclosed its third quarter (Q3) and nine-months results for 2025, underlining the company’s ongoing shift in strategy even as it faced a challenging market environment.

Group sales in Q3 2025 reached €5.0 billion, essentially flat compared with the same period last year (-0.9 %) but delivered organic growth of 2.6 % after adjusting for currency and consolidation effects. Adjusted EBIT came in at €565 million, down 14.9 % from €664 million a year ago — though that prior-year figure benefited from a one-time payment. The adjusted EBIT margin was 11.4 % (Q3 2024: 13.3 %). Net income swung negative to −€756 million, compared with a profit of €486 million in Q3 2024, largely reflecting non-cash special effects tied to strategic realignment. Adjusted free cash flow improved slightly to €169 million, an increase of 8 % compared with €157 million a year earlier.

Porsche approves Continental summer tires for the Macan

Whatever the season, Continental helps ensure year-round performance and safety for the Porsche Macan. The all-electric SUV is available with Continental’s SportContact 6 for uncompromising sportiness or the CrossContact RX for enhanced comfort during summer driving. For winter conditions, Porsche recommends the WinterContact TS 860 S. All tires come with the XL marking, indicating increased load capacity.

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies unveils new extrusion process using molten salt

The specific properties of vulcanized materials make them essential for many areas of application. In industries such as aerospace, food and beverages and the energy sector, components must meet the highest standards of abrasion and chemical resistance, elasticity, and durability. Delivering top-quality solutions in these areas requires excellent materials expertise, and at Freudenberg Sealing Technologies this goes hand in hand with state-of-the-art production technologies: With LCM (Liquid Curing Method), the company is now commissioning an advanced vulcanizing extrusion line. This is a process in which the fluid used for vulcanization consists of molten salt, heated to around 200 degrees Celsius and filled with vulcanizing salt. The entire line operates in a closed loop, in which the salt is continuously recycled, fed back into the process and reused.

Birla Carbon highlights aspiration to develop Continua Sustainable Carbonaceous Material

John Loudermilk, President and Chief Executive Officer, Birla Carbon, highlighted the company’s vision to scale up the availability of its successful circular offering, Continua™ Sustainable Carbonaceous Material (SCM), with a potential to reach up to 10% of its global product portfolio. The remarks were made during the Reuters Events – Sustainability Europe 2025 conference, held in October in London.

Continental opens new hydraulic hose plant in Mexico

The 900,000-square-foot site will produce high-performance hydraulic hoses for industrial and mobile applications, including construction, agriculture, mining, and energy sectors. Built with advanced manufacturing technologies and a strong focus on operational excellence, the new plant will serve customers throughout the region with locally engineered and produced solutions designed to meet regional demands

IPF Japan 2026 opens booth space bookings for Asia’s plastics and rubber trade fair

The organizers of IPF Japan 2026, Japan’s largest and most comprehensive trade fair for plastics and rubber, have officially opened booth space applications for next year’s event. The exhibition will take place at Makuhari Messe from December 1 to 5, 2026, marking the 11th edition of the renowned industry gathering since its debut in 1994.

BMW i3 to come equipped with Yokohama’s Advan Sport V107

The ADVAN Sport V107 is an ultra-high performance tire in YOKOHAMA’s global flagship ADVAN brand. The supplied tires were jointly developed with the BMW Group and feature a specially developed compound and a tread pattern with the groove area adjusted to achieve superior dry performance and wear resistance. The tires also have received the EU labeling system’s highest “A” grade for rolling resistance.

Siltech Corporation opens its third manufacturing facility in Ontario

Siltech Corporation announces the opening of its third manufacturing facility in Fort Erie, Ontario. This US$75mil 180,000 sq ft investment further strengthens Siltech’s leadership role in the production of specialty organo-modified silicones, serving a growing list of global customers. Siltech’s products are widely used in personal care, inks & coatings, polyurethane foam, car care, and many other specialty market segments.

Goodyear announces Q3 2025 results, completes sale of chemical business

oodyear’s third quarter 2025 net sales were $4.6 billion, with tire unit volumes totaling 40.0 million. The third quarter of 2025 included several significant items, including a non-cash deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $1.4 billion, a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $674 million and, on a pre-tax basis, rationalization charges of $21 million and Goodyear Forward costs of $8 million.

Evonik expands polyamides production in China

Evonik announced the successful trial production of the second polyamides reactor at its Shanghai site. The achievement paves the way to doubling Evonik’s long-chain polyamides production capacity in Asia, and strengthening the company’s market-leading role in high-performance polyamides.

Huntsman and Steitz Secura deliver breakthrough in sustainable safety footwear

Osnabruck, Germany – Huntsman, in collaboration with Steitz Secura, has developed a breakthrough polyurethane (PU) solution that can help improve

Gasket Specialties joins TIPCO Technologies extending sealing technology solutions to the West Coast

TIPCO Technologies (TIPCO) announces their new partnership with Gasket Specialties, expanding their footprint to 46 locations across 17 states. This strategic partnership represents a significant milestone in TIPCO’s commitment to enhancing service capabilities and product offerings for their customers. With a shared vision on people, partnerships, and innovations, Gasket Specialties will continue under the leadership of General Manager, Louise Barbee.

Rubber Review Issue 24 is now available online

In this issue of Rubber Review we have an exclusive interview with Mr. Mehul M. Patel, as he reflects on his career, shares his perspective on
current market adoption of eco-friendly innovations like Biopole and bio-based process oils, discusses regulatory and innovation landscapes, and outlines his vision for the future of Indian and global rubber technology.

For over four decades, Mr. Patel has stood at the forefront of India’s rubber industry, shaping its technical progress and guiding its global
relevance. A veteran technologist, entrepreneur, and industry leader, his journey reflects a rare combination of scientific innovation, practical problem-solving, and visionary leadership.

SPE honors Engel with four gold awards

Bonn, Germany – ENGEL received four gold awards at the prestigious SPE Automotive Awards. The winning components clearly demonstrate ENGEL’s

Jeep Jamboree USA and Jeep Adventure Academy name Mickey Thompson official sponsor

Mickey Thompson Tires & Wheels announced a partnership with Jeep Jamboree USA, naming the iconic off-road brand the official tire and wheel sponsor of Jeep Jamboree USA and Jeep Adventure Academy. This exciting collaboration brings together two legendary names in off-road adventure, united by a shared mission to empower current and future Jeep owners to explore, learn and push their vehicles to new limits.

Goodyear unifies aviation business, names Joe Burke vice president

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is reinforcing its commitment to the aviation industry by bringing together its global Aviation business under a unified global structure. This strategic move reflects Goodyear’s focus on delivering premium performance, innovation and value to aviation customers worldwide.

As part of this alignment, Goodyear has appointed Joe Burke as vice president, Global Aviation, effective November 1, 2025. In this role, Burke will oversee strategy and execution across all geographies, reporting to Grégory Boucharlat, senior vice president, Global Commercial.

Cimcorp to release anniversary documentary charting 50 years of automation 

Cimcorp announces the upcoming release of a feature documentary this fall, commemorating its 50-year journey in industrial automation. Titled “The Future of Automation,” the film captures the story of automation through the lens of Cimcorp employees past and present. It also features prominent voices in robotics and technology, including Mirka Leino, Principal Lecturer at RoboAI Research Center, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. Viewers will get a compelling look back at Cimcorp’s legacy, plus a visionary perspective toward the future of automation over the next 50 years.

Bridgestone to launch Battlax Racing Street RS12 motorcycle tire

Bridgestone announced that it will launch the premium sports motorcycle tire BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 in January 2026 for North American markets. Under the concept of ‘From Circuit to Street,’ by incorporating race tire technology, BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12 delivers the highest level of dry grip performance in the road-legal tire lineup of BATTLAX.

Cleveland-Cliffs breakthrough stamped steel replaces aluminum in car production

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has successfully completed a production trial in collaboration with a major automotive OEM, in which Cleveland-Cliffs’ exposed steel parts were stamped with no defects using the OEM’s existing aluminum-forming equipment. The trial marks a significant milestone in demonstrating that Cliffs steel can effectively replace aluminum in critical automotive applications without the need for costly retooling. This accomplishment is a major breakthrough in the wake of recent major disruptions, presumably long-lasting, in the aluminum supply chain.

Toyo Tires introduces all-new Proxes Sport R tire

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. (Toyo Tires®) announces the all-new Proxes® Sport RTM, an extreme performance summer tire designed for passionate drivers and motorsports enthusiasts. The tire was meticulously engineered for various motorsports applications like autocross, time attack, endurance racing, and high-performance driving events. Delivering outstanding capability in dry conditions, the Proxes Sport R features an aggressive directional tread pattern, reinforced internal casing, and a high-grip compound. Providing exceptional dry handling, traction, and high-speed stability, this tire offers the ideal balance of grip and longevity for classic and modern sports cars. Pertinent to racers, the Proxes Sport R carries a 200 AA A UTQG treadwear rating, meeting competitive racing class requirements.

BKT earns “Highest Export Award” from AIRIA

Mumbai, India – Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has been honored with the “Highest Export Award” by the All India Rubber

Mitsubishi’s eK Space to come equipped with Yokohama BlueEarth-FE tires

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced that it has begun supplying its BluEarth-FE AE30 tires as original equipment (OE) to Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) for use on the automaker’s new mini-vehicle, eK Space, which was launched in October 2025. The eK Space is being equipped with 155/65R14 75S size tires.

The global conductive silicone rubber market forecast at $19.6 billion by 2034

The Conductive Silicone Rubber Market Size valued at USD 19.61 Billion by 2034 with a CAGR: 8.3% according to Polaris Marketing Research and Consulting. The global conductive silicone rubber market is on the rise, mainly due to its unique characteristics—such as electrical conductivity, flexibility, and thermal stability. Conductive silicone rubber is considered an advanced material and serves multiple applications across industries such as electronics, automotive, healthcare, and energy due to its exceptional performance in extreme environments.