Global speciality chemicals company Orion S.A. has launched a new bio-circular carbon black called ECOLAR 50 POWDER to provide coatings manufacturers with a new solution for more sustainable coatings.

ECOLAR 50 POWDER, which is entirely based on bio-circular feedstock, has coloristic qualities that are on par with those of ordinary speciality carbon blacks and includes 100 percent biogenic raw material according to 14C analysis. The coloristic qualities of ECOLAR 50 POWDER, a low to medium colour furnace black, offer moderate tinting strength and medium jetness in mass tone applications. ECOLAR 50 POWDER offers equivalent coloristic performance for full-tone and tinting applications, as well as comparable wetting and dispersion characteristics to conventionally manufactured low-colour furnace blacks.

ECOLAR 50 POWDER outperformed other common specialist carbon blacks in achieving medium jetness in a solvent-borne alkyd/melamine stoving enamel system. It created a similar neutral undertone as well. When tested in a water-borne 1K PU coating system, ECOLAR 50 POWDER created a more neutral undertone and jetness that was on par with other regular speciality carbon blacks.

Tilo Lindner, Vice President Global Marketing – Speciality Carbon Black, Orion, said, “We’re leading the way in advancing carbon black to meet increasing industry demands for sustainable products. ECOLAR 50 POWDER enables coatings formulators to develop truly sustainable products in all kinds of coatings applications.”

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The Rubber Board has entered into a Memorandum of Association (MoU) with the Department of Agricultural Development and Farmers' Welfare for the implementation of the 'Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization' (KERA) project. This World Bank-supported initiative, spanning 2025 to 2029, aims to strengthen climate resilience and productivity in rubber and cardamom cultivation across Kerala.

The signing ceremony, held at the Rubber Research Institute of India in Kottayam, saw Rubber Board Executive Director M Vasanthagesan (IRS) and Additional Project Director of KERA P Vishnuraj (IAS) formalise the partnership. A parallel agreement was signed with the Spices Board, represented by Director Dr Rema Shree A B, marking a collaborative effort to modernise Kerala's agricultural value chains. The event also featured the launch of a specialised training programme for officials involved in project implementation.

Under the KERA scheme, rubber farmers across six districts, namely Kottayam, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Kannur, Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram, will receive financial support of INR 75,000 per hectare for up to two hectares. Cardamom cultivators in Idukki district will benefit from enhanced assistance of INR 100,000 per hectare, similarly capped at two hectares per farmer. This financial intervention is designed to promote sustainable farming practices and improve climate adaptation capabilities.

The ceremony featured addresses from several key officials, including Rubber Production Commissioner Dr Siju T and Spices Board Director Dr Rema Shree A.B., who emphasised the project's potential to transform agricultural practices while addressing climate challenges. Dharmendra Das, Director Development in-charge of the Spices Board, highlighted the long-term advantages of adopting climate-resilient techniques. The proceedings commenced with a welcome address by Suresh C, KERA Procurement Officer, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Shylaja K, Joint Rubber Production Commissioner.

The KERA project represents a significant step forward in Kerala's agricultural development, combining financial support with technical expertise to create more sustainable and productive farming systems. By focusing on two of the state's key crops, the initiative aims to establish a model for climate-resilient agriculture that could potentially be replicated across other regions and commodities.

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Zeon Corporation announced plans to increase production of high-grade solution-polymerised styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR), a key material for fuel-efficient tyres, by upgrading facilities at its Singapore plant (Zeon Chemicals Singapore Pte Ltd, ZCS). This enhancement reinforces Zeon’s dual-site S-SBR supply system, complementing its existing production at the Tokuyama Plant in Shunan City, Japan.

The newly upgraded facility in Singapore has completed installation and will enter test production ahead of full-scale commercialisation in 2026. Once operational, Zeon’s combined annual S-SBR production capacity across both plants will reach 125,000 tonnes, with an increased focus on high-grade products that enhance tyre performance, improving wet grip, rolling resistance and abrasion resistance. This move aligns with Zeon’s goal to solidify its position as the global leader in high-performance S-SBR.

Zeon has been a pioneer in S-SBR since 1986, when it began production at its Tokuyama Plant, followed by the Singapore facility in 2013. S-SBR’s precisely controlled molecular structure not only boosts automotive fuel efficiency but also reduces microplastic pollution by minimising tyre wear dust, a critical factor in combating air pollution. Recognising these benefits, Zeon has certified S-SBR as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Contribution Product and continues to advance its development and global adoption.

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Shen Hua Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd. (Shenhua Chemical), a subsidiary of TSRC Corporation, has opened its newly constructed plant, marking the successful completion of its relocation project. The state-of-the-art facility increases Shenhua Chemical’s annual production capacity from 170,000 to 220,000 tonnes, reinforcing TSRC’s ability to meet growing domestic market demand.

Designed for sustainable growth, the new plant integrates advanced manufacturing technologies to optimise efficiency, eco-friendly solutions to reduce carbon emissions and enhanced safety protocols to protect employee well-being. This development underscores TSRC’s commitment to balancing industrial progress with environmental responsibility, ensuring long-term value for stakeholders while supporting a greener future. A leading synthetic rubber supplier in mainland China, Shenhua Chemical began its relocation in late 2021 in alignment with local environmental protection policies. With strong support from government authorities and the dedicated efforts of the project team, the new plant was completed by the end of 2024, overcoming logistical and operational challenges.

Kevin Liu, Vice President of TSRC’s Synthetic Rubber Business Division, said, “Shenhua Chemical’s new plant strengthens TSRC’s presence and market competitiveness in mainland China. The certification of the new plant by global tyre customers is progressing well and we are committed to a smooth transition in supplying our customers with reliable products and services of highest quality standard and leading technology.”

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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.”

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