Kraton Corporation and Formosa Petrochemical Corporation have received the prestigious ISCC PLUS certification for their HSBC Joint Venture plant in Mailiao, Taiwan. Being the creator of styrenic block copolymers (SBC), Kraton is dedicated to providing clients all over the world with innovative and sustainable solutions.

With the Mailiao accreditation, Kraton now has more certified SBC production locations in Asia in addition to Europe and North America. Using the mass balancing technique with ISCC PLUS-certified butadiene, styrene and isoprene, the Taiwan factory can now create up to 100 percent ISCC PLUS-certified renewable SBC under the CirKular+TM ReNew Series.

Offering ISCC PLUS-certified renewable polymers, the CirKular+ ReNew Series adds to Kraton's current line of CirKular+ products that promote the circular economy. In comparison to fossil-based solutions, the ReNew Series provides a drop-in solution that lowers the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint (including biogenic carbon). Kraton offers a sophisticated in-house life cycle assessment (LCA) programme and product carbon footprint modelling capabilities to suit particular client demands in addition to its unique range of sustainable solutions.

The CirKular+ Compatibilization Series and Performance Enhancement Series, which were introduced in 2020, provide high-performing, creative solutions for circular economy and plastics upcycling projects. By taking a comprehensive approach to the product lifecycle, CirKular+ assists clients in making the switch to circular design with recycled and renewable feedstocks, enhancing product performance and reducing carbon emissions.

Pedro Lopes, Global VP – Strategic Marketing, Product Management and Supply Chain, Kraton, said, “The certification of the Mailiao facility underscores Kraton’s dedication to advancing the circular economy and providing customers with sustainable, innovative solutions as the global industry leader. Our well-established global monomer supplier network enables us to offer multiple solutions with up to 100 percent ISCC PLUS-certified content, tailored to customer needs for bio-circular, circular and bio-based waste. Kraton is committed to supporting the transition to renewable materials, reducing carbon emissions and enabling a more sustainable future.”

Leading tyre-retreading machinery maker Marangoni has unveiled a new strategic sustainability strategy for 2025–2027 that reaffirms its social and environmental pledges.

In order to direct and oversee its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives during the ensuing three years, the tyre retreading expert has voluntarily created a targeted action framework. The framework is in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN's 2030 Agenda. Marangoni claims that the plan was implemented in accordance with globally accepted standards, such as AccountAbility 1000 and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, and that it is meant to function as a monitoring tool to periodically assess the company's progress as well as a guide for action.

The company has identified 17 specific initiatives as part of this strategy. These were established after a materiality study that took into account input from external stakeholders as well as internal input. Each of the 17 initiatives is built around three core pillars, namely supporting the ecological transition, integrating ESG principles into corporate governance and ensuring a safe, stimulating and inclusive work environment. The result is a ‘balanced approach’ reflecting management’s priorities and stakeholder expectations, said the company.

Trelleborg Group has finalised the purchase of National Gummi AB from the Swedish industrial group National through its Trelleborg Industrial Solutions business unit.

Extruded rubber profiles and gaskets for specialised industrial, automotive and construction applications make up the company offering. Mostly in Northern Europe, sales in 2024 were little over SEK 150 million. The production facility is situated in Halmstad, Sweden. The acquisition is in line with Trelleborg's plan to establish dominant positions in desirable markets. This deal excludes National's activities outside of extruded rubber profiles and gaskets, which will continue to be a part of the National group.

Jean-Paul Mindermann, Business Area President, Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, said, “This is an exciting addition to our portfolio. National has specialist capabilities and knowhow which will allow us to broaden our value-adding offering to customers across Europe.”

BKT has expanded its AGRIMAX range of agricultural tyres with the launch of AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, a new steel-belted version. The new tyre is aimed at row crop, vineyard and orchard operations to meet the specific challenges of farming environments where steep terrain, narrow row spacing and muddy conditions require precision and reliability.

The new tyre, which builds on the AGRIMAX SPARGO row crop tyre, has VF (Very High Flexion) technology, which enables it to bear the same load at lower inflation pressure. This helps to improve handling and comfort while reducing soil compaction. Steel belts improve the tyre's resilience to punctures, lessening the possibility of downtime and damage from sharp objects. At faster speeds, it also enhances riding accuracy. The polyester casing and steel belts work together to distribute stress evenly throughout the tyre, preventing uneven wear and extending tread life. By reducing vibration, a revised sidewall enhances riding comfort even further, which is especially useful for precise spraying operations.

The tread pattern of the AGRIMAX SPARGO SB is more open and higher than that of its predecessor since it has a deeper tread and smaller lugs. With a D-class speed rating that permits travel at up to 65 kmph, this design seeks to enhance road handling. Smoother transitions between field and road are made possible by the tyre's dual-layer mud ejection mechanism, which rapidly removes debris from the tread.

Dilip Vaidya, Senior President & Director Technology, BKT, said, "In the case of the AGRIMAX SPARGO SB, we have paid special attention to the casing design by using a strong polyester structure that offers greater strength, flexibility and durability than traditional materials. This choice enables the tyre to handle heavy loads while keeping deformation under control, improving the footprint and thus traction, stability and handling."

TBC Corporation, a joint venture between Michelin and Sumitomo Corporation, has entered into an agreement to divest its Midas franchise portfolio to Mavis Tire Express Service Corp., which operates a tyre retail chain across the United States.

The deal is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025, subject to the approval of the competent authorities. This deal is a component of TBC's ongoing reorganisation, which intends to concentrate management resources on its core operations.

According to a statement issued by Michelin, “TBC distributes tyres and provides automotive repair and maintenance services in the US, Mexico and Canada. TBC identifies wholesale, distribution and Big O Tires, tyre retail focused franchise portfolio under TBC, as core businesses, leveraging an industry-leading network and scale, whereas Midas activity mostly relies on retail automotive services. The operation will enable TBC to focus on driving accelerated growth and value in its core businesses. It is also an opportunity for Michelin and Mavis to support and reinforce their commercial agreement.”