Recent developments
High-performance elastomer capacity
ARLANXEO’s new Therban HNBR plant in Changzhou, China adds 5,000 t/y design capacity (2,500 t/y commissioned), with advanced finishing and thermal oxidation reporting ~80% emission cuts; closed-loop operations avoid routine wastewater discharge. The site bolsters Asia-Pacific supply, local R&D, and integration with assets in the Americas and Europe for new energy and mobility applications.
Circular silica adoption
Solvay inaugurated a bio-circular silica facility in Livorno, Italy using rice husk ash–derived sodium silicate, reducing CO2 emissions by 35% per ton versus conventional routes. The initiative aligns with EU sustainability frameworks, enables up to 15% recycled/renewable tire content, and includes plans to convert additional sites to ISCC PLUS-certified raw materials by 2026.
ELT recycling scale-up
Lummus advanced end-of-life tire valorization through a strategic investment in InnoVent Renewables. InnoVent’s Monterrey plant processes up to one million passenger tires annually into tire pyrolysis oil, recovered carbon black, pyrolysis gas, and steel. Lummus, exclusive global licensor since 2025, plans to scale deployment via its licensing network and engineering capabilities.
Supply-chain implications
Developments target mobility and new energy specifications, expand regionalized supply, and address EU-driven material requirements. Circular silica supports lower rolling resistance and fuel consumption in tires, while licensing-led ELT recycling aims to increase availability of secondary feedstocks. HNBR capacity growth increases availability for high-spec seals, hoses, and components.