In 2018, world production of natural rubber (NR) accounted for 13.960 million tonnes, an increase of 4.6% from 13.350 million tonnes on a year-to-year basis, says the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) in its latest report for December…
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Acquisition forms North American distribution platform for industrial, rubber products
Mid-America Fittings (MAF), a manufacturer of customised, high quality, industrial fittings and valves in Kansas has been acquired by Chicago-headquartered middle market private equity investment firm, Wynnchurch Capital. With the takeover, MAF will become part of a growing distribution platform…
Philippine province latches on new technology to boost production
The Philippine province of North Cotabato, the country’s second largest rubber producer after Zamboanga Sibugay, is introducing a new technology to the local farmers to boost yield and ensure early maturity of rubber crops. Under the Serbisyong Totoo Rubber Development…
Survey: future tyres must be weather adaptable, safer
Consumers are particularly interested in tyres that can adapt to different weather conditions by utilising sensor technology, according to a survey commissioned by Finnish tyre maker Nokian Tyres. Some 34% of European drivers, it said, hope that the black and…
Indonesia’s APK seeks institutionalised mechanism for NR importation
Indonesian planter’s body, Association of Planters of Kerala (APK) expressed their concern over uncontrolled imports of natural rubber (NR). PK suggested that an institutionalised mechanism must be made to regulate shipments to protect local farmers. APK said that the draft…
Rubber tyre wall to make Vietnam’s perilous mountain pass safer
The Directorate for Roads of Vietnam ordered the installation of a rubber tyre wall to ensure safety along an “accident prone” mountain pass. The walls, made up of sand-filled old rubber tyres piled into iron pillars, are installed along the…
Baolong, Huf create new jv for TPMS
Auto parts maker, Shanghai Baolong Automotive Corporation, and German automotive locking system supplier, Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH launched a joint venture (JV), BH Sens in China, Europe and the US. The jv, which was founded in January, will be…
Brazil compensates NR demand with Latin American imports
Brazil eyes the Latin American region as source of natural rubber (NR) to meet its increasing demand for the commodity, according to a study. The Association of Natural Rubber Producers in Brazil (ABRABOR) Executive Director, Diogo Esperante said in his…
Evonik on track for capacity expansions to meet tyre silica demand
German specialty chemicals firm, Evonik Industries is expanding its production capacities for tyre silica. At its plant in Adapazari, Turkey, the move is anticipated to increase the current production capacity for silica by 40,000 tonnes. The expansion is in response…
Sibur upgrades its Nd-BR facility in Russia
Russian petrochemical firm, Sibur plans to boost its production capacity for polybutadiene rubber (Nd-BR) at its facility in Voronezh City. Another 13 ktpa will be added by the firm to reach a 48 ktpa plant capacity to provide the increasing…