News and industry insights on Development and supply of rubber and elastomeric materials for industrial and consumer uses.
BASF announced the sale of its silicates business to PQ, divesting a silicates line supplying green‑tire compounds. A review of BASF’s Verbund model underscored energy‑price exposure affecting ammonia and polyurethane precursors. SABIC reported Q1 results and portfolio streamlining, and signed an agreement with the PIF‑Pirelli joint venture to enable tyre manufacturing in Saudi Arabia.
Covestro opened a TPU Application Development Center in Guangzhou serving electronics, automotive, footwear and films across Asia‑Pacific. Evonik launched the Asia PAthletic Center in Shanghai focused on PA12 elastomers and PEBAs for sports goods. ARLANXEO upgraded Changzhou to the Innovation Center Asia, expanding EPDM/HNBR compounding, testing, and battery‑related elastomer applications.
Regulatory guidance highlighted that elastomeric closures for biosimilars require product‑specific E&L and CCI justification, challenging format migration and dual‑market filings. SANPLATEC adopted Mitsubishi Chemical’s ZELAS TPS for iP‑TEC cell culture tubing, citing sterilization compatibility and improved iPS cell proliferation.
At Chinaplas, Arkema showcased high‑performance materials including Pebax TPEs and bio‑based PA11 for consumer and mobility uses. Sinopec presented 150+ new materials and integrated solutions across synthetic rubber, resins, and fibers, and signed a cooperation agreement with Amcor on advanced packaging. Rompetrol Rafinare’s Vega Ploieşti began producing 60%‑purity hexane for adhesives and rubber processing, targeting export markets.
Momentive appointed Bob Waitt Chief Commercial Officer to lead the company’s commercial strategy.
