Trinseo and ETB have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on the development of purified bio-based 1,3-butadiene.

Under the partnership, the companies will jointly explore opportunities to scale up ETB's unique single-stage process to produce bio-based 1,3-butadiene from ethanol using polyfunctional catalyst technology. The collaboration will initially focus on demonstrating the viability of sustainable ethanol-based synthetic rubber in support of green tyre production. To underline this mutual commitment, Trinseo, with ETB's support, will conduct a feasibility study to explore the construction of a dedicated bio-based 1,3-butadiene pilot plant in Europe. Once operational, it is intended that the pilot plant will include a purification unit to achieve a purity target of 99.7%.

Bio-based butadiene is considered a vital first component in the value chain for enabling the replacement of fossil-based raw materials with renewable sources, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of consumer products, such as performance tyres throughout their lifecycle. It also represents a key milestone in Trinseo’s transformation as a sustainable solutions provider.

Within the past six months, Trinseo achieved International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) and has become the first synthetic rubber provider globally to gain mass balance certification. In addition, Trinseo recently announced a business collaboration with BASF in the area of circular feedstocks, with the aim of strengthening the efforts of both companies in the development and management of styrene with an improved environmental profile.

“Sustainability is at the heart of Trinseo and this new partnership with ETB enables us to move towards truly differentiated material solutions with a lower environmental impact than ever before,” said Francesca Reverberi, Vice President, Engineered Materials & Synthetic Rubber, Trinseo. “Our customers are increasingly seeking new ways to add renewable and bio-based raw materials along the value chain to support their sustainability goals. The ability to derive bio-based butadiene from ethanol with close to 100% purity enables our customers to develop more sustainable products without compromising on performance.”

Vladimir Trembovolsky, CEO, ETB, added: "ETB is driven by the idea of bringing bio-based butadiene to the industry through our proprietary, patented process - currently demonstrated at our pilot plant in Russia. By working closely with Trinseo, we aim to unlock new opportunities throughout the value chain from biomass to end product. We look forward to sharing technologies and expertise as we strive towards industrial production of renewably sourced 1,3-butadiene at a purification level of at least 99.7%. ETB believes that true adoption of bio-based monomers is only possible through close collaboration between industry players along the entire value chain. Our joint-partnership is a beacon for the industry thanks to the scale, reach and sustainable ethos of Trinseo."

It is anticipated that the pilot plant evaluation study will be completed by the close of 2021. Both companies share the long-term ambition of scaling up live production globally. (TT)

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Orion S.A., a global speciality chemicals company, has successfully secured the prestigious ISCC – the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification for its manufacturing facility located in Qingdao, China. This significant achievement is the direct result of a rigorous, independent audit process which validated that the plant’s operations fully comply with the comprehensive sustainability criteria established by ISCC.

The certification serves as a formal verification of both the transparency and the complete traceability of the sustainable raw materials integrated into the facility’s production value chain. This milestone is a key component of Orion’s overarching corporate strategy to implement and enhance sustainable practices throughout its international operations.

By achieving this globally recognised standard, the company reinforces its commitment to supplying clients with high-performance carbon black and other speciality chemical products that adhere to leading international environmental and sustainability benchmarks, thereby supporting customer goals for more responsible manufacturing.

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Ecolomondo Corporation, a Canadian developer of sustainable technology for recycling scrap tyres, has secured a provisional financing agreement with Export Development Canada (EDC) for USD 2.7 million. The funds are intended to support the final ramp-up phase of its Hawkesbury thermal decomposition plant by covering necessary capital investments and operational working capital.

Following months of negotiation, both parties have agreed in principle to the loan terms, which include augmenting an existing USD 2 million credit facility established by a subsidiary, Ecolomondo Environmental (Hawkesbury) Inc, in January 2025.

Furthermore, EDC has conditionally approved a temporary suspension of principal and interest payments for loans from 2024 and 2025, applicable during the facility's 2026 ramp-up period. This financial arrangement is designed to provide the liquidity required to advance the project to full operational capacity, pending the finalisation of formal documentation.

Jean-François Labbé, Interim CEO, Ecolomondo Corporation, said “We have been working steadily in Hawkesbury, hiring, training, increasing production, increasing sales and, most of all, improving efficiency. This additional financing from EDC is greatly appreciated and should allow the Hawkesbury TDP facility to achieve its full potential.”

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Cabot Corporation said it has received improved environmental ratings from CDP, reflecting continued progress in water management and steady performance on climate disclosures.

In CDP’s 2025 assessment, the company was awarded an A- rating for Water Security, up from a B in 2024, and a B rating for Climate Change, unchanged from the previous year. Cabot said the water score exceeded both global and industry averages, recognising its approach to managing water-related risks and implementing sustainable water practices.

The Climate Change rating remained stable year on year, with improvements reported in areas including climate risk disclosure, value chain engagement and industry collaboration.

The latest scores extend a five-year pattern of incremental improvement, achieved amid more demanding reporting standards and rising expectations from regulators, investors and customers.

“We are proud that CDP’s independent assessment reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance environmental performance and transparency,” said Jennifer Chittick, senior vice-president for Safety, Health and Environment and chief sustainability officer. “The improvement in our Water Security score demonstrates our leadership in this critical area, and we remain committed to advancing our sustainability strategy across all domains. This progress was made possible by our dedicated, global team, and we remain focused on driving further improvements in the years ahead.”

CDP assesses companies on environmental impact across climate change, water security and deforestation, using a scale from D for Disclosure to A for Leadership. In 2025, more than 24,800 companies were rated, representing about two-thirds of global market capitalisation.

Cabot said the results underline its focus on transparency and responsible environmental management as it continues to execute its sustainability strategy.

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A USD 1.4 million equipment enhancement at Liberty Tire Recycling’s Cameron, North Carolina, facility is set to significantly boost its processing capabilities. This upgrade, enabled by the state’s sustainable financial backing of its scrap tyre programme, will allow the facility to handle an extra 3,300 tonnes of material annually, representing nearly 300,000 passenger tyres.

A key improvement is the increased capacity to process truck tyres, which are more challenging to recycle due to their size and durable steel components. The resulting crumb rubber, highly sought after by manufacturers, will be directed towards producing floor mat bases and rubber tiles made entirely from recycled material. This material also serves as a component for athletic tracks, synthetic turf, rubberised asphalt and various moulded products.

This capital investment follows North Carolina’s legislative action to redirect tyre disposal fees into the state’s scrap tyre management system, a move that includes compensating counties for collection and recycling expenses. With North Carolina establishing itself as a centre for tyre recycling, Liberty Tire indicates it is evaluating further multi-million-dollar investments and job creation across its other operations in the state.

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