Synthomer has opened its China Innovation Centre (CIC) in Shanghai, expanding its research and development capabilities in the world’s largest chemicals market.

The 2,000-square-metre facility will focus on developing specialised polymers and innovative ingredients for adhesives, coatings, construction, health and protection, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, the company said in a statement. The centre houses more than 10 R&D laboratories and will employ scientists, technicians, and technical service managers.

“As we continue to invest in our organic growth capabilities and geographical and customer reach, the opening of our China Innovation Centre is an important strategic milestone,” said Michael Willome, Synthomer’s Chief Executive Officer. “This new facility enhances our innovation capabilities, allows us to more closely partner with our customers and strengthens our presence in the globally important Chinese market where we see exciting growth opportunities.”

The CIC is part of Synthomer’s network of five innovation centres and seven technical centres worldwide. It is located in the Shanghai International Chemical New Materials Innovation Centre within the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, a hub for China’s chemical industry.

ZC Rubber is all set to unveil new products under its WESTLAKE and GOODRIDE brands at Autopromotec 2025, which is scheduled from 21–24 May in Bologna, Italy.

The company will display new innovations in the passenger car, all-season, winter and commercial vehicle categories at Booth D22, Hall 20. ZC Rubber's emphasis on safety and performance in accordance with European market regulations is demonstrated by the fact that some of these products have received A or B ratings for wet grip on the EU Tyre Label.

From the WESTLAKE stable, the company will display the ZuperFlex Z-137 passenger car tire, the Zuper 4S Z-411 all-season tire and the range of Gen II commercial truck tires, including WSL2, WDL2, WSA2 and WAM2. On the GOODRIDE side, the company will showcase the RideMax G-147 passenger tire, the Elite G-402 all-season tire and the newly developed ZuperSnow Z-508 directional winter tire. Apart from this, the company will also display a premium new range of new flagship commercial tires tailored for European commercial transport demands.

According to ZC Rubber, “Every product featured at this year’s Autopromotec reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting regional expectations – both in terms of regulatory compliance and real-world performance. We look forward to sharing how WESTLAKE and GOODRIDE continue to evolve in step with the European market.”

Leading data and analytics company GlobalData has predicted substantial ripples across the global automotive industry owing to US Government’s announcement of 25 percent tariff on all foreign automobiles and automotive parts entering the country. Though President Donald Trump has since announced a 90-day suspension on the new tariff implementation to allow trade negotiations with partner trading countries, the report says that the situation still poses a significant challenge for the global automotive industry.

According to Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData: “The economic repercussions of these tariffs are particularly pronounced for Japan, where the automotive industry is a vital economic pillar. According to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), over 30 percent of Japanese car exports were directed to the US in 2023, solidifying its status as the largest single-country export market. Projections from Japan’s Ministry of Finance indicate that automotive sales accounted for approximately 30 percent of Japan's total exports to the US, valued at around JPY 6 trillion (USD 40 billion) in 2024. The looming tariffs threaten to disrupt this critical trade, compelling the Japanese government to act swiftly to negotiate favourable terms with US officials.”

South Korea too has implemented emergency steps to offset the expected financial impact of US tariffs. With plans to increase policy financing support to local manufacturers to KRW 15 trillion (roughly USD 10.09 billion) by 2025, the South Korean trade ministry has unveiled a multibillion-dollar support package that includes tax breaks, subsidies and increased financial backing for regional automakers. India is positioned to be impacted by the new tariff laws as a major supplier of automobile components to the United States. The 90-day negotiating pause is an important window of time for APAC nations to adjust to the changing nature of trade, notes the report.

The report adds that German manufacturers are expected to suffer the most as a result of the US tariffs on exports from the EU automobile sector. Prominent companies like Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Volkswagen now have to make difficult choices about whether to stop shipments or pay the additional expenses associated with tariffs. As a result of US tariffs on EU steel and aluminium, the EU has responded by levying a 25 percent duty on a variety of US commodities worth about EUR 22 billion. However, the EU has also halted its retaliatory tariffs until the conclusion of ongoing trade talks, in response to the US president's declaration of a 90-day postponement of tariff rises.

The report notes that this tit-for-tat strategy highlights the brittleness of global trade relationships and that a protracted trade war may lead to a negative cycle of tariffs that would hurt both economies. As a result, a solution must be found to promote a more stable environment in the automotive industry. “The US president's decision to suspend tariff increases for 90 days while negotiations unfold presents a critical opportunity for all stakeholders involved. Larger manufacturers may adapt through strategic pricing and production shifts, but smaller suppliers may face a more precarious future amid these changes. As the automotive sector increasingly focuses on domestic production to mitigate tariff impacts, the evolving landscape presents both immediate challenges and potential long-term opportunities for growth and investment,” concluded Palit.

The Rubber Board has announced the commencement date for a three-month Certificate Course in molecular biology and biotechnology techniques through the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT). The course begins on 7 May 2025 and the number of seats is limited to 15.

Graduates, postgraduates, research scholars and practitioners interested in academic and industrial employment based on molecular biology and biotechnology in any field of biological science are encouraged to apply by 1 May 2025, according to the organisation's press release. In addition to updating knowledge, the course focuses on developing practical skills in some of the fundamental molecular procedures, such as gene cloning, sequencing, gene expression, transgenic development and the extraction of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA). According to the statement, individuals who successfully complete the course will be qualified to participate in cutting-edge research in molecular biology and related fields as a potential career opportunity.

Interested candidates may contact on 9495928077 (WhatsApp 0481 2351313) or send a mail to training@rubberboard.org.in for more details.

Nexen Tire’s N’FERA Sport R and N’Blue 4 Season 2 tyres have emerged winners at the 2025 Green Good Design Awards, the eco-focused division of the Good Design Awards, organised by The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies. Both the tyres were recognised in the Green Transportation category for their eco-friendly design.

The N’FERA Sport R, a high-performance summer tyre, was praised for its function-driven design that enhances driving performance and user convenience. The tyre features ‘Step Groove’ tread pattern, wherein the groove gradually expands the contact area as the tyre wears, which helps in maintaining the grip even in worn conditions. The circular wear indication in the middle of the tread diminishes over time, signalling that the tyre needs to be changed. To increase grip, the tyre also makes use of a broad contact patch and a high-carbon black compound. To improve stability and responsiveness at high speeds, the inside is constructed with a two-ply polyester framework and a twin steel belt. By avoiding wheel slide, these design elements contribute to steady performance even in high-torque electric vehicles.

Already a recipient of the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards (2022) and the ‘Green Tire’ seal from AutoBild (2023), the N’Blue 4Season 2 was also recognised in the same category for its eco-friendly design, which decreases tread wear, extends replacement cycles and lowers environmental impact. The tyre lasts longer and produces less waste thanks to a new compound that increases wear resistance by almost 30 percent over the previous model, supporting sustainability. Fine sipes are positioned in the middle of the tread blocks to guarantee uniform contact with the road. The outer tread's serrated edges enhance braking on snow, while the centre’s slanted support structure lessens block movement on uneven terrain for a more stable ride during the winter.

Travis Kang, Global CEO of Nexen Tire, said, “This award highlights our commitment to shaping a sustainable mobility environment through design-driven innovation. This accolade confirms our commitment to sustainability and quality. We will continue to strengthen our brand through innovation and responsible management.”