French tyre maker Michelin, the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), and the University of Strasbourg recently inaugurated the SpinLab associated research laboratory in Strasbourg, with a view to studying the electrospinning process for the optimal production of nanofibrous materials,…
Zeon/Visolis tie-up on commercialisation of bio-isoprene monomers
Japan’s Zeon Corp. has signed a memorandum of understanding with California-based Visolis Inc. to advance the commercialisation of products, including bio-isoprene monomers and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Zeon had announced its investment in Visolis through its venture capital arm Zeon…
Continental acquires mould specialist for vehicle/specialty tyres
German tyre firm Continental has acquired the mould manufacturing specialist EMT Púchov s.r.o. based in Slovakia. All shares of Continental’s long-standing supplier were transferred to Continental effective April 2, 2024. The tyre manufacturer had entered into a respective agreement with…
Sumitomo Rubber/Murata develop 3D tyre wear detection system
Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries and Murata Manufacturing are jointly developing a tyre wear detection system that detects wear by capturing the tyre shape in three dimensions (3D) and feeds back the data. Demonstration will begin in 2025 at Dunlop directly…
VMI introduces foreign-detection sensor for tyre treads
Dutch machinery firm VMI is focusing on smart solutions that optimise tyre building and address the challenges the industry is facing, with new advanced vision systems, self-learning AI algorithms and self-adjusting processes contributing to improved flexibility, higher accuracy and consistency. Thus,…
Synthomer sells latex compounding business for EUR27 mn
UK’s Synthomer Plc has announced an agreement to divest its latex compounding operations (the compounds business) to Belgian company Matco NV, a leader in compounds, water-based adhesives, and solutions for various industrial applications, for consideration of EUR27.5 million. The compounds…
Angst+Pfister sets up production hub in Vietnam
Swiss elastomer producer Angst+Pfister recently held a grand opening for its wholly-owned APVN Sealing production facility in Vietnam. Located in Ho Nai Industrial Park, APVN Sealing is positioned as a central hub to serve customers across Southeast Asia and beyond.…
Sailun to delay expansion of Vietnam plant to 2025
China’s Sailun Group says it has revised the timetable for expanding production at its factory in Vietnam. Instead of starting up its operations by March 2024, the tyre maker will now complete the expansion by March 2025, it said in…
Ansell to add on Kimberly-Clark’s PPE business to portfolio
Australia’s Ansell Ltd is to acquire 100% of Kimberly-Clark’s Personal Protective Equipment business (KCPPE) for US$640 million. KCPPE is a global personal protective equipment business, designing, marketing and selling differentiated safety products including gloves, protective apparel and safety eyewear. The…
Country Focus: An alliance that keeps Asia’s “white gold” shining
Despite challenges in the global market and supply chain, Asia’s primary rubber producers are successfully achieving their growth targets, with China playing a pivotal role as a major trade partner, adds Angelica Buan in this report. China: a key figure…