Bekaert is making strides in sustainability by delivering the first batch of eco-friendly tyre reinforcement with recycled steel to Bridgestone. This move aligns with Bekaert’s goal to create a better future, reducing the CO2 footprint by about 50 percent.

“There are many claims about the circularity of materials in the tyre industry, but lack of clear definitions and standards can lead to doubt on the validity of those claims. This third-party certification of both Bekaert and our wire rod supplier enables us to provide our customers with a guarantee of compliance with the recycled content claims based on recognized industry standards. This certificate allows customers to confidently include the recycled content in the Bekaert products to the tally of recycled content in their tyres,” said Heiko Isselee, Innovation Platform manager of Recycled Steel. 

 Bekaert has achieved third-party certifications for its tyre reinforcement with high recycled steel content as part of this effort. This ensures that at least 50 percent of the tyre cord and 70 percent of the bead wire are made from recycled materials. Rigorous processes at Bekaert’s plants guarantee traceability and confirm that the delivered steel components contain the specified amount of recycled steel.

The successful delivery to Bridgestone is a significant step toward establishing a new standard for recycled content in tyre reinforcement, making sustainable options available globally.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, a global price increase for all polymer products with effect from 1 April 2026. The price hike will range from USD 440 per MT to USD 700 per MT, or as individual contract terms permit, with the exact price change varying according to the polymer type and production location.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of functional additives for the manufacture of tyres and speciality rubbers. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by 15 to 50 percent.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing geopolitical conflict, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Orion S.A., a global speciality chemicals company, has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of speciality carbon black. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by up to 25 percent.

In a strategic move to address persistent market volatility, the company is also implementing a variable surcharge on top of the base price increase. The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German chemical group WACKER has announced a price hike across its global polymers portfolio, responding directly to significant upheavals in international commodity markets triggered by the recent military conflict in the Middle East. This geopolitical instability has created pronounced distortions throughout the supply chain, leading to a sharp escalation in the costs of essential inputs. The company is experiencing substantially higher prices for crude oil and natural gas as well as for various other raw materials and logistics services.

To address this challenging economic landscape and offset the considerable burden of increased raw material and transportation expenses, the chemical group is implementing price adjustments effective 1 April 2026. The updated pricing will apply to several key product categories, specifically including polymer dispersions, a variety of resins and dispersible polymer powders. This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue delivering its products reliably amidst the volatile market conditions.

The final scale of these price increases is not a fixed, across-the-board figure but will be determined by specific variables. It will largely depend on the original source of the product, with goods manufactured at the company’s European and Asian production sites being most affected. Furthermore, the terms outlined in existing customer contracts will also play a crucial role in defining the exact extent of the adjustment, ensuring a tailored approach to the implementation of this necessary price correction.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!