In June 2025, Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., in partnership with Thailand’s Rubber Authority (RAOT), hosted an educational seminar in Surat Thani to help local rubber farmers improve productivity and rubber quality. Fifty farming households participated in the event, the ninth since its launch in 2020. Attendees received free fertilizer developed through RAOT’s expertise to support sustainable cultivation.

The seminar covered key topics such as selecting high-yield seedlings, optimising fertilizer use and preventing contamination in natural rubber. Farmers praised the practical guidance and agreed to participate in a year-long study tracking the effects of fertilizer application and seasonal changes on rubber quality. This initiative is part of a 2020 memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Yokohama Rubber and RAOT, aimed at strengthening Thailand’s rubber industry and ensuring supply chain transparency. Surat Thani was chosen as the event location due to its proximity to Y.T. Rubber Co., Ltd. (YTRC), Yokohama’s local processing subsidiary.

As a founding member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), Yokohama Rubber revised its sustainable procurement policy in 2021, emphasising support for small-scale farmers. The seminar reflects this commitment while contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Under its ‘Caring for the Future’ sustainability slogan, Yokohama Rubber continues to promote ethical sourcing and community development, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and the rubber industry. Future initiatives will further align with its sustainable procurement guidelines.

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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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Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, a global price increase for all polymer products with effect from 1 April 2026. The price hike will range from USD 440 per MT to USD 700 per MT, or as individual contract terms permit, with the exact price change varying according to the polymer type and production location.

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.

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German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of functional additives for the manufacture of tyres and speciality rubbers. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by 15 to 50 percent.

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 geopolitical conflict, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

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Orion S.A., a global speciality chemicals company, has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of speciality carbon black. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by up to 25 percent.

In a strategic move to address persistent market volatility, the company is also implementing a variable surcharge on top of the base price increase. 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.

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