The Rubber Division, ACS annually honors the best of the best with the most prestigious awards in our industry – the Science & Technology Awards. The 2026 winners will accept these awards and be celebrated at a banquet sponsored by Alpha Technologies during our Global Polymer Summit in September.

Düsseldorf, Germany – Henkel signed an agreement to acquire Swiss-based ATP Adhesive Systems from Arsenal Capital Partners. ATP Adhesive Systems

AZuR’s latest video offers an impressive look at how pyrolysis—an advanced chemical recycling process—helps turn waste into valuable raw materials, keeps resources in circulation, and replaces fossil inputs with more climate-friendly alternatives. It is a major step forward on the path towards a truly circular economy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3XHOxw7ys0

The global rubber market is moving into a period of structurally moderate growth as slowing macroeconomic momentum and a maturing automotive sector reshape long-term demand patterns, according to the latest World Rubber Industry Outlook released by the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG). Global rubber consumption down 0.6% year-on-year in Q2 2025, but up 1.9% in the first half of 2025

The BKT Foundation, through which Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) performs its CSR activities, has been honored on the Wall of Giving at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, one of India’s leading centers for cancer treatment and research. The recognition reflects the foundation’s long-standing contribution to enhancing hospital services and enabling broader access to high-quality, evidence-based, and affordable cancer care.

The Rubber Division is offering seven valuable training opportunities, most of them delivered as convenient webinars which are free for members. If you’re not yet a member, joining today will get you free registration to these webinars and more.

February 5 – Webinar: Laboratory Techniques for Rubber Development & Diagnostics
February 12 – Course: Processing & Testing of Rubber
February 17 – Webinar: Gear Pump Technology in Rubber Application
February 19 – Webinar: The Fatigue Limit of Rubber
February 24 – Webinar: Green Tire Chemistry – Optimizing the Tire Magic Triangle through Tread Chemistry
February 25 – Webinar: EUDR Essentials 2026 – Requirements & Latest Developments
February 26 – Course: Rubber Extrusion Technology

candinavian Enviro Systems AB announces that the Board of Directors has appointed Fredrik Aaben as Chief Executive Officer of Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB effective from January 16th. The appointment is made in accordance with Scandinavian Enviro Systems’ succession plan and follows the mutual agreement between Enviro and Fredrik Emilson that he will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer. Fredrik Emilson will act as Senior Advisor to the company during a transitional period.

A new technical conference dedicated exclusively to the science and optimization of extrusion processing will debut this summer as the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Extrusion Division launches the SPE Extrusion Optimization TopCon, taking place June 16–18, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Montréal–Longueuil near downtown Montreal.

Industry data indicate the global rubber gloves market was valued at approximately $13.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to exceed $21.6 billion by 2030, with annual consumption surpassing 330 billion units. SMX’s expansion aims to address the traceability gap in this growing market by enabling accountability at the material level rather than relying on external labels or documentation.

Clariant announced that the Board of Directors decided to propose to the AGM on April 1, 2026, the election of Regula Wallimann and Albert Manifold as independent, non-executive members of the Clariant Board.

Yokohama Tire announced that the company plans to significantly reduce tire production at its manufacturing plant in Salem, VA. The plant has been in operation since the 1960s and has produced tires for Yokohama since the company’s acquisition of Mohawk Rubber Company in 1989.
The reduction in tire production will result in the layoff of approximately 392 hourly and salaried employees at the Salem facility. Salaried employees affected by the decision will receive layoff benefits under existing company policies

Cichocki will lead Goodyear’s Americas Consumer business, with a clear mandate to strengthen sales execution, accelerate profitable growth and advance Goodyear’s shared global objectives. With the additional responsibility of Managing Director, Americas, Dave will also oversee key elements of regional governance, working in partnership with fellow senior leaders to ensure strong alignment with global strategy while driving operational excellence and financial performance across the Americas.

Greene Tweed has appointed Thomas (T.J.) Castle as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Castle brings more than three decades of global operations leadership to the role, where he will lead the company’s operational strategy and execution across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, engineering, procurement, and safety.

Pittsburgh, PA – Covestro LLC was recently named a Top Employer in the United States for the fourth consecutive year.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced that it has begun supplying its GEOLANDAR X-CV tires as original equipment for Toyota Motor Corporation’s bZ (the new name given to the North American model of the bZ4X) SUV-type battery electric vehicle (BEV), which was launched in North America in October 2025 as Model Year 2026. The tire size is 235/50R20 100V. For the partially redesigned bZ4X model launched in Japan, Yokohama Rubber continues to supply the ADVAN V61 as it did for the previous model.

In this cover story interview, Milind Laddha shares candid insights into building a process-driven rubber extrusion business, balancing cost with durability, scaling SMEs with discipline, and why customers ultimately don’t buy rubber products—they buy confidence.

Slated for February 16–18, the multi-day training covers the entire rubber manufacturing lifecycle, from materials and compound development through fabrication, automation, and product liability considerations. The finalized agenda reflects ARPM’s commitment to practical, forward-looking education that helps manufacturers connect technical decisions to operational and business outcomes.

Registration is open for AMAP’s 2026 March Educational Workshop at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow professionals and organizations in the industry while gaining valuable insights from educational sessions led by renowned industry experts.

Omya Performance Polymer Distribution has appointed Sara Ghione as President for Rubber Polymers and Additives, effective January 1. Based in Oftringen, Switzerland, and reporting to CEO Carsten Harms, Sara has over 20 years’ experience in the chemical distribution industry, most recently as Business Director for Polymers and Rubber EMEA for Brenntag.

H.B. Fuller Company reported mixed revenue results but stronger profitability for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended November 29, 2025, as pricing actions, cost controls and restructuring efforts helped offset softer demand and the impact of divestitures.

TAMEST (Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology) and Lyda Hill Philanthropies today announced the recipients of the 2026 Hill Prizes, which support high-risk, high-reward research with strong potential for real-world impact. Funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, the prizes provide seed funding to advance paradigm-shifting ideas and position Texas as a global leader in innovation.

Akron, OH – Experience three days focused on advancing knowledge, sharing ideas and building meaningful connections at the Rubber Division’s

Davis-Standard announced a significant strategic integration of its Canadian specialty brands. Effective January 1, 2026, Deacro Industries Ltd., Brampton Engineering Inc., and Gamma Machinery have been amalgamated to operate as a single company: Davis-Standard Canada Inc.

The global rubber market is poised for substantial growth, with the market size projected to expand from USD 48.49 billion in the current year to USD 88.06 billion by 2035, achieving a CAGR of 5.57% over the forecast period according to ResearchandMarkets.com. Rubber’s crucial role in the industrial sector stems from its wide application in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, marine, and energy, offering benefits like flexibility, thermal shrinkage, and durability.

Cabot received an A- for Water Security and a B for Climate Change in CDP’s 2025 assessment, reflecting another year of consistent progress across its sustainability programs. The company’s Water Security score improved from a B in 2024 to an A-, surpassing global and industry averages and recognizing Cabot’s strong performance in managing water-related risks and implementing sustainable water practices. The 2025 Climate Change score was consistent with 2024, maintaining a solid B rating, with year-over-year improvements in subcategories such as climate risk disclosure, value chain engagement and industry collaboration.

Firestone, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone), announced the debut of the new Firestone Firehawk INDY 500 V2 tire, built to take the excitement synonymous with the Firehawk name to the next level. Firestone has made several enhancements to the first Firehawk INDY 500 and introduced a new tread pattern powered by ENLITEN™ technology.

On 12 January 2026, Dr Volker Nilles took up the position as Chief Executive Officer of Arburg. The appointment of the new CEO brings the top-level management team of the globally active Lossburg-based machine manufacturer to six people. In addition to Nilles, the other members of the Arburg management team are Managing Partners Juliane Hehl (Global Marketing and Business Development) and Michael Hehl (Premises Development) as well as Managing Directors Tobias Baur (Sales, After Sales), Guido Frohnhaus (Technology & Engineering) and Steffen Kroner (Finance, Controlling, IT, Global HR).

TechnoBiz invites you to the 2nd Edition of Tyre Tech Week 2026, a premier global executive forum for the tire industry, to be held from 10–12 February 2026 in Chennai, India at Green Park Hotel. Tyre Tech Week 2026 will bring together industry leaders, technology experts, researchers, manufacturers, and solution providers from across the global tire value chain. The program features 80+ expert presentations, high-level panel discussions, a Tire Manufacturing Clinic, and a Tire Research Fair, offering deep insights into tire science, materials, manufacturing technologies, and future industry trends.

Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) announced that its EVAL Business Unit received the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS designation. This widely recognized sustainability certification system ensures transparency, traceability, and sustainable practices across complex supply chains.

Romi BW Machine Tools has announced the appointment of Cristiano Rodrigues de Fraga as General Manager – United States & Canada. In this role, de Fraga will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Romi BW Machine Tools’ operations across North America, including market development, customer relationships, and the continued consolidation of Romi’s presence in the region.