Malaysia’s natural rubber (NR) production increased 11.4% to 29,673 tonnes in October 2025 from 26,647 tonnes in September, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The agency said the rise was largely driven by the smallholders sector, which contributed…
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Thailand’s PSP Specialties moves into Vietnam rubber tyre and footwear sectors
PSP Specialties Public Company Limited, a Thai manufacturer of process oils, is entering Vietnam’s manufacturing sector to supply specialised oils for rubber and tyre production, industrial applications, and footwear manufacturing. Sakesan Crownophanes, PSP Specialties’ Deputy Chief Executive Officer, described Vietnam…
Michelin/IFPEN, Axens on target to commercialise biobased butadiene by 2026
French tyre firm Michelin, IFPEN, and Axens have announced advancements in the BioButterfly project, supported by ADEME, Région Nouvelle Aquitaine and Bordeaux Metropole, which aims to produce bio-based butadiene from bioethanol. Following the startup of the first industrial-scale demonstrator in…
Metso sells off hauling biz to Finnish firm
Finnish mining firm Metso has signed an agreement to divest its loading and hauling business in Finland and Sweden, operating under the Häggblom legal entities, to Miilux Oy, a Finnish-based company which sells and manufactures wear resistant and personal protection…
Continental negotiating with ASC on sale of French retail ops
Germany’s Continental says it has entered exclusive negotiations with ASC Investment regarding the sale of its French retail operations ContiTrade France. The intended transaction includes more than 130 company-owned BestDrive outlets, two retreading facilities, as well as the administrative functions supporting the…
Tokai/Takuma to convert CO2 from municipal waste into carbon
Japan’s Tokai Carbon Co has tied up with Takuma Co to undertake the development of solid carbon manufacturing technology for the establishment of a circular carbon economy, a joint project among Smart City Planning Co. The project aims to develop technology to manufacture carbon-neutral conductive carbon…
Sumitomo Rubber to acquire Dunlop brand rights in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei
Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries will acquire exclusive rights to use the Dunlop brand for tyres and related accessories in Malaysia and two other Southeast Asian markets, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. At present, Continental Tyre Malaysia holds exclusive…
Kumho to set up European plant in Poland; US$590 plus mn investment
Moving forward in its expansion plans, South Korea’s Kumho Tire says it will set up its first European manufacturing plant in Poland’s Opole region. It added the US$590 million factory is scheduled to begin initial operations in 2028, subject to…
Eneos to expand capacity for SSBR in Japan
Eneos Materials Corporation says it has decided to increase the production capacity of its Yokkaichi Plant (Location: Yokkaichi City, Mie) by 10,000 tonnes to meet the growing demand for one of its key products for tyres: solution styrene butadiene rubber…
Wacker opens tech centre in China; tie-up with Sico
Having recently announced plans to cut jobs, mainly in Germany, silicones supplier Wacker is strengthening its specialties business in markets that are profitable, especially in Asia. The company has tied up with Chinese specialty silane producer and joint-venture partner Sico…