Photo Credit: Zeon

Japanese chemicals maker Zeon Corporation raised its full-year operating profit forecast after first-quarter earnings more than doubled, driven by robust demand for battery materials and optical films.

The Tokyo-based company, which produces speciality plastics and synthetic rubbers, posted operating income of 12.1 billion yen ($83.3 million) for the three months to June 30, up 136 percent from the previous quarter and 59 percent higher year-on-year.

Net sales declined 2 percent to 103.1 billion yen from a year earlier, affected by yen appreciation and lower elastomer prices reflecting declining raw material costs. However, sales volumes of optical films and battery materials increased during the period.

The company revised its full-year operating income forecast upwards to 30.5 billion yen from a previous estimate of 28 billion yen. However, this still represents a 9 percent decline from the prior year. Full-year sales are now expected to reach 415 billion yen, up 4 percent.

Zeon maintained its annual dividend forecast at 72 yen per share and said it is proceeding with a share buyback programme of up to 10 million shares or 10 billion yen for the current fiscal year.

The speciality materials business, which includes optical plastics, films and battery materials, generated operating income of 7.4 billion yen in the first quarter, jumping 40 percent year-on-year. Sales in the division fell 3 percent to 29.3 billion yen, partly due to timing differences at overseas affiliates related to the Chinese New Year.

Demand for battery materials remained steady, supported by China’s electric vehicle subsidy policies, whilst shipments to the United States energy storage systems market began during the quarter. The company said European EV sales showed signs of recovery, though inventory adjustments were prolonged.

In optical films, shipments increased due to expanded market share in large-sized televisions, whilst demand remained steady for tablet and smartphone applications.

The elastomer business posted operating income of 4.2 billion yen, up 12 percent from a year earlier, though sales were flat at 58.1 billion yen. The division was affected by weak overseas demand and lower selling prices caused by falling raw material costs.

Zeon also announced plans to sell a portion of its investment securities between August 2025 and March 2026, expecting to book a gain of approximately 10.9 billion yen to improve capital efficiency. The move is expected to reduce its cross-shareholdings ratio to around 11-12 percent of net assets by the end of the fiscal year.

The company said it had completed a reorganisation in June, transferring its chemicals business to the speciality materials division to accelerate decision-making and maximise profitability.

For the second half of the year, Zeon cautioned that optical film shipments are expected to decline due to panel production adjustments and seasonal mobile device demand. However, it described the adjustment as temporary with growth anticipated in fiscal 2026.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

ZC Rubber, in collaboration with its UK distributor City 1st Tyres, introduced its newest WESTLAKE off-the-road tyre portfolio at Hillhead 2026. The event, recognised as the largest exhibition for the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors within UK, served as the primary venue for this product showcase.

The three-day exhibition attracted approximately 600 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 attendees, creating a significant hub for industry professionals to evaluate cutting-edge equipment and technological advancements for challenging off-road environments. The collaborative exhibit drew considerable interest from original equipment manufacturer users, service providers and clientele representing UK, Ireland and broader European markets.

Attendees directed their focus towards ZC Rubber’s heavy-duty solutions engineered for rigid and articulated dump trucks, wheeled loaders and excavators, telescopic loaders,and quarry-specific vehicles. The company presented five distinct tyre models under the WESTLAKE brand, each tailored for specific operational demands. The CB745 L5 for wheeled loaders features a non-directional tread and robust carcass to boost load capacity and resist punctures, while the CB785 E4 for rigid dump trucks incorporates deep treads, reinforced sidewalls and high-tensile steel for stability and cut protection.

Additional models included the CB792 E3/L3, designed with a multi-edged block for superior traction on soft, muddy terrain, and the CB740 E4/L4 for articulated dump trucks, which boasts a tread depth exceeding standard specifications to enhance grip and durability. The CB763 E4, specifically developed for 60-tonne articulated trucks, offers exceptional flotation and wear resistance through its deep tread and unique compound formulation. This strategic participation at Hillhead 2026 reaffirmed ZC Rubber’s dedication to the global OTR market, supporting heavy industries with durable products engineered for extreme working conditions.

John Ruddy, European OTR Tyre Sales Director of ZC Rubber, said, “Selecting the right OTR tyre is essential for improving equipment productivity and reducing downtime. Through our WESTLAKE OTR product portfolio, we are committed to providing application-specific tyre solutions that help customers improve efficiency, durability and overall operating value.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Eurogrip Tyres, a prominent two- and three-wheeler tyre brand under TVS Srichakra Ltd., recently orchestrated a strategic trade engagement initiative in Mumbai. The event served as a platform to underscore the brand’s distinct European engineering heritage and to showcase its newly introduced, Europe-inspired product lineup, reinforcing its commitment to advanced mobility solutions.

Silvio Montanari, the Head of Design and R&D based in Milan, steered the session, offering a comprehensive overview of the company's foundational product development strategies. He elaborated on emerging tyre technologies and the robust engineering frameworks that underpin Eurogrip’s international portfolio while also updating trade partners on the pivotal innovations poised to define future tyre generations and address shifting rider demographics.

Concurrently, Eurogrip is executing an aggressive expansion of its distribution and retail footprint nationwide. This growth strategy ensures that its diverse range, encompassing radial, adventure, touring and commuter tyres, is now readily accessible to consumers across every region of India, thereby solidifying its market presence.

T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Eurogrip Tyres, said, "Today, Eurogrip is recognised globally as a specialist in 2‑wheeler tyres, and our premium range has found strong acceptance among biking communities in India and abroad. It is a privilege to bring our Milan team to India to demonstrate the engineering and technology behind our products. This engagement gives our trade partners the technical insights and market updates they need to better serve customers and riders, and they pave the way for a wider roll‑out of our Europe‑benchmarked products in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Cabot Corporation has officially released its 2026 Sustainability Report, which details the company’s environmental, social and governance performance throughout the 2025 calendar year. The document serves as a comprehensive account of the organisation’s measurable outcomes, culminating in the final assessment of its previous five-year sustainability strategy.

By the conclusion of 2025, the speciality chemicals firm had successfully achieved 14 of its 15 original sustainability targets established in 2020. Eleven of these objectives were completed ahead of the projected timeline, effectively fulfilling the company’s ambition to embed sustainable practices more deeply into its operational framework and corporate systems.

Looking forward, Cabot has transitioned to its newly established 2030 Sustainability Goals, which concentrate on six priority areas deemed most significant to its business model. Early progress includes a collaborative effort with the International Carbon Black Association to create a standardised lifecycle assessment methodology for furnace carbon black. The company intends to develop a certified internal tool for tracking product carbon footprints across its entire portfolio. Additionally, an initiative at the Franklin, Louisiana, facility has converted synthetic gypsum into a cement ingredient, slashing site landfill waste by 87 percent and contributing to a 70 percent global reduction in non-hazardous waste disposal.

The 2026 report has been prepared in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and supports Cabot’s ongoing participation in the United Nations Global Compact. These disclosures mark a significant step in the company's continuing journey toward greater transparency and industrial responsibility.

Sean Keohane, President and CEO, said, “Sustainability is embedded in how we operate and underpins our purpose of creating materials that improve daily life and enable a more sustainable future. I am immensely proud of the unwavering commitment of our teams across the globe as we close out our 2025 Sustainability Goals while making headway on our next key priorities, delivering meaningful impact today and for future generations. As we advance in our efforts, we remain focused on strengthening the integration between our sustainability agenda and our Creating for Tomorrow strategy, ensuring sustainability remains a catalyst for value creation and differentiation.”

Jennifer Chittick, Senior Vice President, Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) and Government Affairs, and Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “As we conclude our 2025 Sustainability Goals, we are entering the next chapter of our sustainability journey with momentum and clear direction. Building on our strong foundation of safety, innovation and operational excellence, we are making measurable progress towards our targeted 2030 Sustainability Goals through initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint and strengthen our overall impact across our value chain. Through collaboration, process optimisation and strategic investments in technology, I am confident that we will continue to advance our commitments and deliver long-term results for our stakeholders worldwide.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, spearheaded an environmental education initiative at Lampari School-Lyceum on 8 May 2026. The programme targeted seventh through ninth-grade students, focusing on the interconnected themes of sustainable development, transportation and energy consumption under the theme ‘A Sustainable Future: Environment, Transportation and Energy’.

The session moved beyond traditional lectures, employing interactive presentations and hands-on activities to engage the young audience. Core topics covered included resource efficiency, waste management strategies and the significance of renewable energy sources, alongside an exploration of individual environmental responsibility. A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the Extended Producer Responsibility system, clarifying its mechanisms and vital function in safeguarding the environment.

The event’s interactive nature was underscored by a series of educational games and team challenges that saw enthusiastic participation from the students. To mark their involvement and completion of the programme, each participant received certificates and symbolic gifts, recognising their engagement with the material.

Established in 2022, Tegeta Green Planet stands as a pioneering authorised organisation in Georgia, operating under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture’s EPR framework. The entity manages the complete lifecycle of used tyres, oils and batteries, adhering to circular economy principles. This school visit forms part of an ongoing series of educational meetings designed to cultivate an environmentally conscious generation and instil a culture of stewardship, which both organisations consider essential for long-term ecological sustainability.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!