Kordsa, a global player in advanced material technologies, displayed its sustainability and innovation-driven solutions at Tire Technology Expo 2025, one of the leading trade fairs for the tyre industry, which was held in Hannover, Germany, from 4–6 March 2025.

Kordsa shared its objective of offering solutions to the global tyre market with the advantage of local production while highlighting its achievements in tyre reinforcing technology. Kordsa demonstrated REV Technologies, its umbrella brand created to meet the expanding need for high-performance electric car goods, as part of its dedication to sustainable transportation. The firm also demonstrated its commitment to sustainable, next-generation reinforcement solutions by showcasing its RFID tyre label products and cord fabric manufactured from rPET, which is derived from recycled plastics.

Kordsa and Continental jointly delivered a presentation on Cokoon, a formaldehyde-free, environmentally friendly bonding technology, as part of the conference schedule. Dr Cornelia Schmaunz-Hirsch, Senior Reinforcement Developer, Reinforcement Development Tires at Continental, and Dr Mustafa Yasin Şen, Expert Researcher, Chemicals and Materials at Kordsa, spoke about the advancements made by Cokoon technology in textile reinforcement applications during a session on the first day of the expo. Furthermore, in a separate session, ‘Accelerating Sustainable Solutions for Tires: Sustainable Reinforcement Solutions of Nylon 66 and Polyester’ was the subject of presentations by Begüm Aytuğar, Kordsa Marketing Manager, and Seda Aracı, Kordsa R&D Technology Manager, Tire Cord Fabric.

Doğan Sevim, Chief Global Sales and Marketing Officer, Kordsa, said, “Tire Technology Expo 2025 is one of the most strategic events in the tyre industry, offering us a valuable opportunity to emphasise our sustainability and innovation-focused approach while engaging with our customers. Through REV Technologies, we continue to differentiate ourselves in the sustainable solutions, particularly by addressing the specific needs of electric vehicle tyres. We are not only delivering innovative solutions to our customers but also addressing their specific requirements in different markets by combining our global expertise with our local manufacturing capabilities. Our ability to leverage both local production and a global supply chain aligns seamlessly with our sustainability strategy, allowing us to provide more effective and tailored services.”

German specialty chemicals company Lanxess has introduced its new rubber additive Vulkanox HS Scopeblue, which it said supports tyre manufacturers in producing more sustainable, longer-lasting tyres.

Tyre makers will now be able to use sustainable variant of the antioxidant Vulkanox HS to effectively protect their products from adverse effects of oxygen and heat. The additive also provides low volatility and low migration tendency.

Lanxess claims that compared to conventional manufactured products, tyre makers using Vulkanox HS Scopeblue will be able to reduce their footprint by more than 30 percent. This is possible by utilizing biocircular acetone and renewable energy in production.

At present, the product is manufactured in an ISCC PLUS-certified plant in Germany. What’s interesting to note is that since the overall chemical structure of the product remains unchanged, tyre makers will not need to make any modifications to their existing manufacturing process.

Dr. Holger Graf, Head of the Functional Tire Additives business line at Lanxess Rhein Chemie business unit, said, “With Vulkanox HS Scopeblue, we have developed another product that enables our customers to manufacture tires more sustainably and meets the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. With this antioxidant, we extend the lifetime of tires while reducing their ecological footprint.”

Worcestershire-based Reddiplex Group, a manufacturer of plastic and rubber extrusions, has acquired Veker Extrusions, a Birmingham-based manufacturer specialising in rubber extrusion products.

Reddiplex aims to expand its product range and strengthen its position in the market through the acquisition of Veker, a company known for providing rubber extrusions, gaskets, seals and mouldings for the construction, marine, automotive and rail industries.

Evolve Corporate Finance helped the Veker Extrusions transaction by offering advice to Paul Kersel and Kevin Crossley, the company's directors and shareholders. David Neate led the consulting team at Evolve Corporate Finance, while Richard Wrigley of Penningtons provided legal counsel.

David Neate, Partner and Co-Founder, Evolve Corporate Finance, said: “We are delighted to have supported the shareholders on the company’s sale to Reddiplex. This sale represents the culmination of a life’s work for Paul and Kevin and a great result for them. In addition, under the ownership of Reddiplex, Veker has a bright future and is well positioned for future growth.”

Richard Wrigley, Corporate Partner, Penningtons, said, “We are delighted to have advised Veker on this strategic sale to Reddiplex. I have no doubt Veker has a bright future as part of the Reddiplex Group and will continue to prosper and grow.”

WACKER has achieved another milestone in its journey to achieving net zero by signing a long-term contract with Aymium, a Minnesota-based producer of biogenic carbon and biohydrogen products, to procure biogenic carbon. As per the contract, which comes into force after successful completion of the qualification process, Aymium will set up a new manufacturing plant in the south-east of the US dedicated to producing biogenic carbon.

Quartz, or naturally occurring silicon dioxide (SiO2), is transformed into metallurgical-grade silicon in an electric arc furnace at WACKER's facility in Holla, Norway. This chemical process needs carbon as a reducing agent in addition to electrical energy. Hard coal has provided the carbon thus far. Biogenic coal made from approved, renewable source ingredients is currently progressively replacing this. As they grew, the renewables took in CO2 from the environment, which they now release as they make silicon, thus making the entire procedure carbon-neutral.

WACKER Executive Board member Christian Kirsten said, “The agreed volume covers a substantial portion of our total carbon requirements at the Holla site. This is a major step toward climate-neutral silicon production.”

James A Mennell, CEO, Aymium, said, “Aymium is very excited about entering into this agreement and our long-term collaboration with Wacker. Together we will drive the decarbonisation of metallurgical-grade silicon production.”

Datwyler, a leading provider of high-quality, system-critical elastomer component, has joined the Circular Rubber Platform to strengthen its commitment to a more sustainable circular economy in the elastomer industry.

The Circular Rubber Platform unites elastomer firms to promote the use of sustainable materials and creative recycling techniques. The portal has expanded to include three universities and 81 companies since its launch in October 2023. Datwyler is strengthening its commitment to using more sustainable raw materials, whether bio-based or recycled, and reducing its carbon footprint by producing elastomers in a more ecologically friendly manner as a result of its membership.

Datwyler is stepping up its efforts to actively support sustainability in the elastomer sector by joining the Circular Rubber Platform. The business has always been dedicated to social and environmental responsibility, and for the past 17 years, it has been releasing sustainability reports in accordance with the globally accepted Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard. The company's progress in the environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) key areas is detailed in the full sustainability report for 2024.