Chemical firm Zeon Chemicals Singapore will use biomass-derived butadiene to produce solution-polymerised styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR). Zeon entered into an MOU with Shell Eastern Petroleum to agree on a supply of sustainable butadiene for its SSBR production.
Zeon adds it is working to realise carbon neutrality and a circular economy by transforming its Monozukuri as a strategy under its medium-term business plan launched in FY2021 and has been actively shifting to sustainable raw materials as a key element of its strategy.
The main use of SSBR is as a material for fuel-efficient tyres. Through this latest initiative, Zeon says it will contribute to environmental sustainability along with safe and comfortable living by reducing CO2 emissions from driving vehicles as well as adopting the use of sustainable materials.
Zeon is currently in the process of obtaining international certification for biomass-derived raw materials, and it considers sales of SSBR made from sustainable butadiene as a certified product.