Recent developments
HNBR capacity expansion
ARLANXEO expanded HNBR availability in Asia with a new Therban HNBR plant in Changzhou, designed for 5,000 t/y and featuring advanced finishing, thermal oxidation with ~80% emission reduction, and closed-loop utilities. The facility complements assets in the Americas and Europe and adds local R&D for application development.
Certified mass balance
In North America, ARLANXEO obtained ISCC PLUS certification for its Therban and Buna units in Orange, Texas, enabling mass-balanced Eco-grade HNBR and BR. It is the first Therban HNBR site certified and extends Basic Elastomers certification to three continents, supporting verified circular feedstocks.
Circular silica adoption
Solvay commissioned a bio-circular silica facility in Livorno using rice husk ash–based sodium silicate, cutting CO2 per ton by 35% versus conventional routes. The site supports EU policy objectives and enables tires to reach up to 15% recycled/renewable content, with plans to convert more sites to certified inputs by 2026.
Recycled aramid reinforcement
At Tire Technology Expo, Teijin Aramid’s Twaron Next in Bridgestone’s solar car tires earned a materials innovation award. Produced from reclaimed aramid while retaining performance, the fiber demonstrated belt reinforcement capability during the 2025 World Solar Challenge, highlighting collaboration on circular materials for mobility.
Silicone pricing pressures
Input cost inflation hit silicones as WACKER will increase prices for various silicone products by up to 25%, citing platinum catalyst costs more than doubling year on year. Adjustments affect addition-curing rubber grades, resins, silanes, and release coatings across automotive, pharmaceutical, medical, electrical, energy, and release-liner applications.