BDI, Prismore Capital And JR New Horizons Jointly Acquire Grupo BB&G's Tyre Pyrolysis Technology

BDI, Prismore Capital And JR New Horizons Jointly Acquire Grupo BB&G's Tyre Pyrolysis Technology

BDI-BioEnergy International GmbH, Prismore Capital and JR New Horizons (the investment arm of the Rieckermann Group) have jointly acquired Grupo BB&G’s advanced tyre pyrolysis technology through a newly established subsidiary, BB&G Recycling. The joint acquisition marks a significant step in sustainable tyre recycling and the circular economy.

The deal was finalised after Prismore Capital identified BDI-BioEnergy International, co-acquired by Rieckermann in January 2024, as a strategic technology and investment partner. The proprietary pyrolysis technology transforms end-of-life tyres into high-value outputs, including tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) and recovered carbon black (rCB). These materials can be reintegrated into manufacturing processes, serving as sustainable alternatives for producing new tyres, rubber-based products and plastic compounds.

Through BB&G Recycling, the joint venture aims to further develop the BB&G brand by focusing on three core areas. First, ongoing process optimisation and technological advancements will enhance the efficiency and marketability of the pyrolysis system. Second, the construction of dedicated industrial plants will operationalise the technology at scale, reducing the environmental impact of tyre waste and advancing circular economy principles. Third, the consortium plans to expand internationally, marketing the technology to global markets to address pressing environmental challenges related to tyre disposal.

Miguel Gil Mata, CEO, Prismore Capital, said, “This strategic investment marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen and scale our circular economy vertical. We are excited to collaborate with BDI and Rieckermann to bring this cutting-edge technology to market.”

David Niederl and Manfred Baumgartner, Managing Directors of BDI, said, “BDI is proud to be the technology partner in this joint venture. The innovative tyre pyrolysis technology not only addresses a critical environmental issue but also promotes a circular economy by converting end-of-life tyres into valuable products. This strategic investment also allows us to diversify and strengthen our position in pyrolysis technologies, thereby fostering innovation and technological advancements within the industry.”

Flynn Seidel, Chairman, Rieckermann GmbH, said, “With the tyre pyrolysis technology, our customers in Asia can look forward to the development of new and improved products and high-quality, sustainable options. Leveraging on the Rieckermann Group’s extensive operating network in Asia and MENA, we can effectively market the technology licenses and solidify BB&G’s position and ours as the first-choice industrial solution provider.”

Shin-Etsu Chemical Announces Price Hike For Silicone Products

Shin-Etsu Chemical Announces Price Hike For Silicone Products

Shin-Etsu Chemical has announced a sweeping price revision for its entire range of silicone products, effective for all shipments from 1 May 2026. The adjustment applies to every product handled by the company’s Silicone Division, with increases set at a minimum of 10 percent. Actual revision rates will vary depending on the specific product category.

The decision follows recent developments in the Middle East, which have triggered sharp surges in crude oil and naphtha prices. This has led to a steep rise in the cost of oil-derived raw materials. Additionally, Shin-Etsu Chemical is confronting higher expenses related to manufacturing energy, product containers, packaging materials and logistics, all of which have contributed to the need for a price correction.

Despite exhausting all possible internal measures to reduce manufacturing costs, the company concluded that these efforts alone cannot absorb the mounting cost pressures. Shin-Etsu Chemical is now committed to fully communicating the situation to its product users and securing their understanding of the necessary selling price revisions.

ANRPC Attends Malaysia’s Hari Raya Open House

ANRPC Attends Malaysia’s Hari Raya Open House

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) recently participated in a Hari Raya Open House event. The gathering was organised by Malaysia’s Rubber Development Division, which falls under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities. This occasion allowed the ANRPC to connect with important figures within the natural rubber sector. By bringing together various industry partners, the open house successfully created an atmosphere of goodwill and strengthened existing relationships.

The ANRPC has conveyed its genuine gratitude to the event’s hosts for their warm reception and thoughtful organisation. The association acknowledged the importance of uniting stakeholders in such a meaningful celebration, which helps reinforce shared goals and collaborative spirit across the sector.

ARLANXEO Launches Expanded Innovation Center Asia In China To Drive Regional R&D

ARLANXEO Launches Expanded Innovation Center Asia In China To Drive Regional R&D

ARLANXEO has officially opened its Innovation Center Asia (ICA) in Changzhou, China, transforming the former Regional Technical Center into a full-fledged Asian innovation hub. This upgrade significantly strengthens the company’s global research and development network, with a clear focus on serving the local Chinese market as well as broader regional needs. The expansion reflects ARLANXEO’s commitment to advancing performance elastomers through targeted regional investment.

Now boasting larger facilities, an expanded team and new laboratory equipment, the Innovation Center Asia is equipped to handle rubber compounding, processing, physical testing, chemical analysis, battery prototyping and more. A dedicated chemistry lab has been added to support the nearby HNBR plant and global HNBR research activities. Located alongside ARLANXEO’s EPDM and HNBR plants in Changzhou, the centre fosters close customer collaboration to address evolving market needs. It also works in tandem with the company’s Dormagen, Germany, innovation centre, jointly developing new testing methods, exploring advanced technologies and delivering innovative product solutions worldwide.

The inauguration event featured speeches from Herman Dikland, ARLANXEO’s Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, and Hong Sun, Managing Director of ARLANXEO China. Joining them at the ceremony were company representatives, key customers, local government officials and academic partners from various universities. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and shared interest in driving innovation forward.

Herman Dikland, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, ARLANXEO, said, “Innovation is a core driver of ARLANXEO’s sustainable growth, and China plays an important role in our global innovation ecosystem. This state-of-the-art laboratory facility puts us in an excellent position to advance our R&D capabilities and reinforce our market position. We look forward to driving frontier innovation together with our passionate and creative China team while bringing China-based innovation into solutions for global markets.”

Hong Sun, Managing Director, ARLANXEO China, said, “The inauguration of the Innovation Center Asia reflects our commitment to supporting the rapid transformation of China’s rubber industry during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. With growing demand for advanced materials and customised formulations, the new centre will further strengthen our proximity to customers, enhance our agility in meeting market needs and better support the upgrading of the entire rubber industry.”

ARLANXEO Strengthens Global EPDM Portfolio Through Extended PRC Partnership

ARLANXEO Strengthens Global EPDM Portfolio Through Extended PRC Partnership

ARLANXEO has strengthened its role in the synthetic rubber industry by expanding its marketing and sales agreement for EPDM rubber produced by Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Company (PRC), a joint stock company formed under the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This new arrangement became effective in February 2026, granting ARLANXEO exclusive rights to market all EPDM grades coming from PRC’s facilities, which will continue to be sold under the Keltan KSA product name.

This extension of the Keltan KSA business highlights ARLANXEO’s dedicated commitment to the worldwide EPDM market. By combining the original Keltan line with the Keltan KSA portfolio, the company now offers customers a uniquely broad and comprehensive range of EPDM solutions, ensuring a more complete service across diverse applications.

John Sawaya, Chief Business Officer, ARLANXEO, said, “Through this expanded agreement, we are further enhancing ARLANXEO’s position as the global supplier for EPDM synthetic rubber.”