In a significant development for environmental science and the rubber industry, Perpetuus Advanced Materials has announced a viable solution for eliminating 6PPD-quinone, a highly toxic byproduct of 6PPD, a chemical commonly used in tyres and synthetic rubbers. This breakthrough is particularly urgent given the established link between 6PPD-quinone and acute mortality in coho salmon, a crisis identified in 2020 that has since spurred global regulatory concern. The company’s innovation provides both a direct manufacturing replacement and a method for environmental remediation.

The core of the solution is an amine functionalised graphene masterbatch, engineered using the company's proprietary plasma-functionalised graphene nanoplatelets. This advanced material operates through a novel mechanism where the amine groups act as radical scavengers, effectively stabilising the rubber and rendering the use of 6PPD entirely obsolete. By preventing the formation of the toxic 6PPD-quinone at its source, this technology addresses the root cause of the pollution. The masterbatches are supplied as pre-mixed sheets or blocks, allowing for straightforward integration into existing manufacturing processes for tyres and a wide array of other synthetic rubber products, including hoses, seals and industrial belts, without requiring any operational changes.

To tackle the existing environmental contamination, Perpetuus has concurrently developed a suite of modular filtration systems designed for stormwater management. These units, which include drain cartridges and bioreactor modules, utilise graphene nanoplatelets to capture pollutants. They are enhanced by a proprietary artificial intelligence platform that provides real-time monitoring of filter saturation and pollutant levels, offering a critical tool for protecting vulnerable waterways and urban runoff zones during the transition to reformed tyres.

Produced on a continuous plasma platform ensuring consistent quality, the masterbatch not only replaces 6PPD but also consolidates numerous other mix ingredients and additives, thereby simplifying production and improving workplace air quality. With over 10 years of specialisation in graphene-enhanced elastomers, Perpetuus is now actively pursuing regulatory approvals and industrial partnerships to accelerate the widespread adoption of this comprehensive environmental solution.

John Buckland, CEO, Perpetuus, said, “This is no longer about mitigation. We’ve replaced 6PPD. Our amine functionalised GNPs deliver the same anti-degradant function as 6PPD but with zero toxic quinone by-products. This isn’t theory. It works in formulation and scales now. This isn't a patch; it’s a permanent replacement. By removing 6PPD at the source, we remove the risk of 6PPD-Q entirely. The science is proven. The solution is scalable. The environmental need is urgent. The only question left is whether regulators and manufacturers are ready to act. This is the moment to eliminate 6PPD for good and replace it with something better.”

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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS made a significant impact at InLEX KOREA 2026, the international defence exhibition hosted from 9 to 11 June at the Daejeon Convention Center. The company placed its advanced material technologies at the forefront, positioning them as future cornerstones of the defence industry.

The exhibition, organised by the Ministry of National Defense and the Army Headquarters, gathered military and civilian stakeholders to chart the sector’s trajectory. HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS used the platform to unveil defence applications of its proprietary carbon fibre, aramid and lyocell while actively building customer networks and hunting for global defence contracts.

Three specialised units collaborated on the ground. The Carbon Materials PU featured aerospace-grade propulsion tanks for drones and satellites alongside chopped fibre and 3K carbon fabrics. Concurrently, the Aramid PU presented ballistic helmets and body armour woven from heat-resistant, high-strength aramid yarns aimed at maximising soldier safety.

In a separate showcase, the Tire Reinforcement Materials PU introduced eco-friendly lyocell yarn and carbonised lyocell fabrics. The Aramid PU’s protective gear and the Carbon Materials PU’s lightweight composites collectively demonstrated how HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS is broadening the use of advanced composites in military applications.

Lim Jin Dal, Chief Executive Officer of HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS, said, “Through this exhibition, we hope to demonstrate how our advanced high-performance materials technologies can be applied to Korea’s defence industry. Building on our continuous R&D efforts and commitment to localising advanced materials, we will contribute to establishing a stable supply chain and continue growing together with the defence industry.”

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ARLANXEO and Covestro have deepened their partnership to enhance sustainability in synthetic rubber manufacturing. ARLANXEO has incorporated ISCC PLUS-certified chlorine from Covestro into its chloroprene rubber production, resulting in a marked decrease in the product environmental footprint of the Baypren portfolio. Covestro produces this certified chlorine using renewable electricity, thereby supporting lower greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain.

Beginning in January 2026, ARLANXEO’s entire chloroprene rubber output relies exclusively on ISCC PLUS-certified chlorine, representing a major advancement in the company’s long-term sustainability strategy. Depending on the product grade, this shift delivers an average 20 percent reduction in global warming potential compared to 2025 levels. As a critical raw material provider, Covestro has enabled this transition by ensuring a steady supply of the certified chlorine.

The adoption of ISCC PLUS-certified feedstocks strengthens ARLANXEO’s standing as a premier supplier of sustainable elastomer solutions for industries with aggressive climate goals, including automotive, construction, industrial manufacturing and adhesives. Additionally, ARLANXEO now offers Baypren Eco grades that combine certified chlorine with ISCC PLUS-certified butadiene.

These eco grades allow for even deeper environmental impact reductions while maintaining full performance, helping customers meet their own sustainability targets without compromising product quality.

Niels van der Aar, Head of Sustainability at ARLANXEO, said, “Integrating ISCC PLUS-certified materials into our production is a key step in reducing the environmental footprint of our CR products. It underlines our commitment to supporting customers with more sustainable material solutions while advancing transparency along the value chain by supplying corresponding product environmental footprint data for ARLANXEO’s entire CR product portfolio.”

Moritz Winterstein, Head of Trading Cluster Basic Chemicals EMEA at Covestro, said, “At Covestro, we support our customers in reducing emissions along the value chain by supplying more sustainable basic chemical raw materials from our multiple ISCC PLUS-certified production sites. Our collaboration with ARLANXEO demonstrates how certified raw materials and renewable electricity can contribute to lowering the product environmental footprint of downstream applications and support customers in achieving their sustainability targets.”

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) released its April 2026 report, highlighting rising prices despite lower production. Output fell 2.59 percent year-on-year due to the seasonal wintering period, dry weather across South and Southeast Asia and El Niño concerns. Brent crude surged to USD 117.29 per barrel, up 13.72 percent from March, driven by Middle East disruptions, which boosted centrifuged latex valuations.

Physical prices rose across all major grades. SMR-20 in Kuala Lumpur increased 4.61 percent to USD 2.13 per kilogramme, while STR-20 in Bangkok climbed 3.53 percent to USD 2.27. RSS-3 in Bangkok jumped 8.10 percent to USD 2.77, and RSS-4 in Kottayam rose 6.53 percent to USD 2.50. Centrifuged latex in Kuala Lumpur gained 12.47 percent to USD 1.93 per kilogramme. Futures markets remained firm, with the Shanghai Futures Exchange September 2026 contract averaging CNY 17,009 per tonne.

For 2026, global production is projected at 15.322 million tonnes, up 2.2 percent, with upward revisions for China and Malaysia. Consumption is forecast to grow 1.3 percent to 15.550 million tonnes, driven by electric vehicle production and recovery in rubber goods. In April alone, estimated output was 772,000 tonnes, while consumption reached 1,235,000 tonnes, a 2.3 percent annual rise.

Trade patterns diverged sharply. China’s imports fell 13.35 percent to 538,200 tonnes due to high inventories, while India’s imports surged 38.79 percent on strong manufacturing demand. Thailand’s exports contracted 4.28 percent to 378,000 tonnes, but Cambodia’s exports soared 106.49 percent. The Malaysian ringgit strengthened to near 3.96 against the US dollar, while the Thai baht stabilised around 3.07 after volatile trading.

The macroeconomic environment remained tense, with US-China trade friction, the Middle East conflict and the US Federal Reserve holding interest rates at 3.50 to 3.75 percent. The near-term outlook for natural rubber is cautiously positive but subject to heightened volatility.

The ANRPC reaffirmed its commitment to objective analysis for the sustainable development of the natural rubber sector. Member governments and stakeholders were encouraged to use the report’s findings for evidence-based policies.

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Indorama Advanced Oxides, a subsidiary of Indorama Corporation, has successfully restarted production at Huelva facility in Spain, achieving its first tonne of Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) output. The plant, which has an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes, represents the company’s strategic entry into the global titanium dioxide market. This milestone follows Indorama’s recent completion of the site acquisition from Venator P&A Spain.

The restart marks a crucial step in returning the facility to full operation after the acquisition, ensuring continued supply of the essential white pigment to customers across Europe and global markets. The Huelva team demonstrated strong collaboration and safe execution in resuming activities. This white pigment remains critical for the European paints, coatings and plastics industries.

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