In a significant advancement for materials science, Shin-Etsu Chemical has pioneered a new class of thermoplastic silicone, effectively overcoming the longstanding recyclability challenges associated with conventional silicone rubber. This innovation is a core component of the company's Silicones Solution-Engineering initiative, which leverages sophisticated silicon chemistry. Traditional materials are broadly categorised as thermoplastics, which can be remelted and recycled, and thermosetting plastics, which undergo a permanent hardening process that prevents recycling. Standard silicone rubber falls into the latter, thermosetting category.

This newly engineered thermoplastic silicone, however, represents a paradigm shift. It retains the desirable soft texture of silicone but introduces a suite of previously unattainable properties. The material is not only fully recyclable due to its thermoplastic nature but also achieves a unique combination of high hardness and exceptional elasticity. Furthermore, its composition allows for excellent transparency and ease of colouring, as it requires no inorganic fillers like silica. From a manufacturing perspective, it offers excellent processability, suitable for standard plastic injection moulding and even formulation into solvent-based coatings for diverse applications.

The potential uses for this material are extensive and novel. It is expected to enable new applications in consumer electronics, such as soft-touch components for mobile devices and sports equipment, and in the medical field for protective coatings on caregiving devices. By offering a spectrum of properties from rubber-like elasticity to plastic-like rigidity, Shin-Etsu can provide highly customised solutions. The product is scheduled for its first public reference display at the 14th PLASTIC JAPAN exhibition, taking place at Makuhari Messe from 12 to 14 November 2025.

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Tokyo Zairyo Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Zeon Corporation, marked a significant milestone in November 2025 by establishing a new branch office in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Following the completion of all necessary preparations, this location has now commenced full-scale operations. The move represents a deliberate effort to broaden the company’s commercial reach across the Indian market while simultaneously constructing an organizational structure capable of responding with greater agility to the evolving and increasingly diverse requirements of its customers.

This southern expansion comes approximately 15 years after the company first established its Indian subsidiary, Tokyo Zairyo (India) Pvt. Ltd., with an office in Gurugram, Haryana, in 2011. By positioning a second office in Chennai, the firm now operates a coordinated network spanning the northern and southern regions of the country. Close collaboration between the two locations is intended to strengthen information services and enhance user support, leveraging both internal capabilities and external partnerships to better serve Japanese automotive parts manufacturers and processors operating throughout India.

Through this dual-office structure, Tokyo Zairyo is poised to advance its core business of purchasing and selling a broad spectrum of materials, including rubber, resins and elastomers. The synchronised operations in Gurugram and Chennai enable the company to deliver more responsive support, ensuring that clients across the Indian automotive supply chain benefit from efficient service and a reliable supply of essential materials.

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Kuraray Co., Ltd. has announced a comprehensive global price adjustment for its portfolio of Liquid Rubber products and ISOBAM alkaline water-soluble polymer. These changes, which are set to take effect on 16 April 2026, will see prices rise by at least USD 2 per kg.

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.

This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue the supply of Liquid Rubber and ISOBAM amidst the volatile market conditions.

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German chemical group WACKER has announced a price hike across its silicones product range, 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 energy 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 be communicated to the customers accordingly. This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue delivering its products reliably amidst the volatile market conditions.

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Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB publ has signed a letter of intent with an undisclosed partner to explore the possibility of licensing its advanced tyre pyrolysis technology for deployment in North America.

The collaboration will focus on conducting a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the technical and commercial viability of establishing one or multiple facilities dedicated to processing end-of-life tyres using Enviro’s proprietary method. This study is designed to provide the potential licensee with the necessary insights to assess the prospects of entering into a long-term commercial arrangement and formal technology licensing agreement.

It is important to note that any definitive agreements will depend entirely on the study's outcomes and subsequent negotiations. At this stage, there is no guarantee that the evaluation will lead to binding commitments or that the proposed transaction will ultimately materialise.

Fredrik Aaben, CEO, Scandinavian Enviro Systems, said, “We continue to see strong international interest in Enviro’s technology, and this letter of intent is yet another proof of this.”

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