Recent developments
HNBR capacity in China
ARLANXEO expanded Asia-Pacific advanced elastomers with a new Therban HNBR plant in Changzhou, China. The site has 5,000 t/y design capacity (2,500 t in phase one, commissioned Oct 2025), advanced finishing, and thermal oxidation cutting emissions ~80%. Closed-loop energy eliminates routine wastewater. The plant strengthens its global HNBR network and supports local R&D for new energy and mobility.
Sustainable tire inputs
Solvay advanced circular fillers with a bio-circular silica facility in Livorno using rice husk ash–derived sodium silicate. The process lowers CO2 by ~35% per ton versus conventional silica and supports EU Green Deal and future ESPR compliance. Tire makers can reach up to 15% recycled/renewable content; Solvay targets ISCC PLUS raw materials conversion at other sites by 2026.
Pricing and catalysts
Upstream cost pressure hit silicones: WACKER will increase silicone prices by up to 25% from Feb 1, citing platinum costs more than doubling year over year. Adjustments affect addition‑curing silicone rubber, resins, silanes, and release coatings across automotive, pharmaceutical, medical, electrical, energy transmission, and release liner applications.
Tire recycling scale-up
End‑of‑life tire valorization progressed as Lummus made a strategic investment in InnoVent Renewables to scale licensed tire pyrolysis. InnoVent’s Monterrey unit can process up to one million passenger tires annually, yielding tire pyrolysis oil, recovered carbon black, gas, and steel. Lummus, exclusive licensor since 2025, aims to accelerate global deployment.