Japanese firm Asahi Kasei Chemicals held a grand opening ceremony on July 11, 2013, on Jurong Island, Singapore, for a new plant for solution-polymerised styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) which began commercial operation in April 2013. The first line installed has a capacity of 50,000 tonnes/year while the second line under construction will have 50,000 tonnes/year, with start up expected in the first half of 2015.
Demand for tyres with better performance such as fuel-efficiency is growing rapidly especially in Asia, with tightening environmental regulations and increasing production of tyres in emerging countries in line with greater motorisation. Being an optimal material for improving the balance of yire performance characteristics-including good wet grip and fuel efficiency as well as abrasion resistance and handling stability-the modified S-SBR produced by Asahi Kasei Chemicals using its continuous polymerisation process is widely recognised among tyre manufacturers around the world.
Asahi Kasei Chemicals says it will continue to expand its S-SBR operations and is studying construction of other overseas plants following the Singapore one.