Speciality materials company Trinseo reported a third-quarter net loss of USD 87 million, driven largely by restructuring and other charges totalling USD 26 million. 

This follows recently announced restructuring efforts aimed at streamlining operations. The company posted an adjusted EBITDA of USD 66 million, marking a USD 25 million increase year-over-year.

Despite a one percent year-over-year decline in net sales to USD 868 million, the company attributed an eight percent decrease in sales to intentional reductions in low-margin areas like polystyrene and latex binders. However, a seven percent increase from higher raw material prices partially offset this decline.

Commenting on the company’s third-quarter performance, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trinseo, Frank Bozich said, “As expected, market conditions and Adjusted EBITDA were sequentially similar to the prior quarter. Despite continued weak demand in many of our end markets, particularly building and construction and appliances, we saw significant year-over-year profitability improvement largely as a result of our restructuring actions and continued moderation of European input costs.”

Third Quarter Performance by Segment

Engineered Materials: The segment posted a 12 percent rise in net sales, reaching USD 207 million, driven by increased sales volume in consumer electronics and medical applications. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment rose by USD 20 million to USD 25 million, benefiting from improved margins and a favourable product mix.

 Latex Binders: Net sales increased eight percent to USD 242 million, primarily due to higher prices that offset a drop in sales volume for paper and carpet applications. Adjusted EBITDA increased by USD 8 million to USD 26 million, reflecting improved margins and a positive regional and product mix.

Plastics Solutions: Net sales rose three percent year-over-year to USD 268 million, driven by higher raw material costs. Adjusted EBITDA climbed USD 11 million to USD 28 million, aided by higher fixed cost absorption and inventory builds in preparation for the closure of the virgin polycarbonate facility in Stade, Germany.

Polystyrene: This segment saw a 28 percent year-over-year decline in net sales to USD 151 million, impacted by a 35 percent decrease in volume after the closure of the Terneuzen, Netherlands, facility and a reduction in low-margin sales. Adjusted EBITDA rose by USD 5 million to USD 4 million due to higher margins and cost savings from the Terneuzen facility exit.

Fourth Quarter Outlook

Trinseo projects a net loss of between USD 71 million and USD 81 million in the fourth quarter, with adjusted EBITDA expected to range from USD 40 million to USD 50 million. Bozich noted that while fourth-quarter EBITDA is anticipated to dip from year-end seasonality, restructuring benefits should sustain profitability above prior-year levels. The company also expects positive free cash flow due to seasonal working capital improvements.

Commenting on the fourth quarter outlook, Bozich said, “We expect Adjusted EBITDA to be sequentially lower from year-end seasonality, but still higher than the prior year due to the benefits from our restructuring initiatives. We also expect free cash flow to turn positive in the fourth quarter due to typical seasonal working capital improvements.”

Yokohama-ATG, a leading manufacturer of all-terrain and off-the-road tyres, has expanded its Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range of forklift tyres with the launch of white, non-marking tyres.

The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range consists of puncture-proof SDS tyres with extended wear limits designed for high-intensity working shifts and long durability. These are premium, solid rubber tyres developed for tough demands, a long service life and high driving comfort. The addition of white, non-marking tyres is specifically aimed at clean working environments.

Marked by a 3-stage construction process, the forklift tyres feature reduced heat build-up, effective shock absorption and minimised vibrations. The pattern design guarantees a smooth ride and good steerability thanks to its continuous centre lug and circumferential grooves. Furthermore, the flat walls and wide flat profile offer excellent stability when using a forklift for vertical stacking. The tyres are also equipped with anti-slip steel beads for improved rim fitment

In a case study on a CAT 2.5-tonne forklift that was used for handling heavy pallets on asphalt, the Galaxy MFS 101 SDS outshone the competitors with impressive performance. The tyre delivered an approximate 900 working hours before replacement against competitors’ 500 working hours.

PCBL Limited, a leading global manufacturer of carbon black, announced plans to evaluate new sites for a greenfield capacity expansion. The move is part of its strategy to meet growing international and domestic demand, underscoring its vision of achieving 1 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity by fiscal year 2027-28.

The expansion comes as PCBL leverages strong financial results and increased production capabilities. For the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company reported a consolidated revenue of INR 21. 63 billion, a year-on-year growth of 45 percent. Sales volumes rose 14 percent to 148,693 tonnes, with exports accounting for 58,474 tonnes, a 22 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

PCBL currently operates with an installed carbon black capacity of 770,000 MTPA and plans to commission two major projects in the coming months. A specialty-grade carbon black facility with a capacity of 20,000 MTPA in Mundra and a 30,000 MTPA brownfield expansion in Tamil Nadu are expected to be operational by the end of the fiscal third quarter. A subsequent second phase of expansion at Tamil Nadu will add 60,000 MTPA, raising the company’s total capacity to 880,000 MTPA by fiscal year 2025-26.

Additionally, PCBL announced an aggressive expansion programme in specialty products, targeting a doubling of specialty-grade output by fiscal year 2028.

The company projects a total capital expenditure of approximately INR 25 billion crore over the next five years to fund its carbon black capacity expansion. The projected cost per metric tonne for new capacity is estimated at INR 65,000, supporting PCBL’s growth aspirations in high-margin specialty products and performance chemicals.

PCBL aims to capitalize on opportunities created by supply chain shifts in Europe and Asia, as well as tightening environmental standards worldwide. The company has reported increasing its European market share from four percent to over 21 percent within two years, driven by the sanctions on Russian exports and the cost inefficiencies of Chinese manufacturers.

PCBL is also advancing its innovation capabilities, particularly in battery chemicals through its joint venture Nanovace Technologies Limited. The venture aims to develop nanosilicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, marking a diversification into cutting-edge technology.

The new capacity additions and site evaluations reflect PCBL’s confidence in sustained growth across domestic and international markets. With a strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, and market expansion, PCBL is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving global carbon black industry.

Maxxis has launched the third generation High Road tyre, a redesigned all-purpose road race tyre. The redesigned High Road aims to provide improved performance over its predecessor.

The tyre is available in tubeless as well as tube-type variants and features a 150 TPI casing and a new Turn-Up construction that reduces weight while increasing puncture protection. The enhanced tread pattern further aids in providing a smoother ride in any condition.

Both the variants gain strength with a refreshed HYPR compound, which provides 16 percent less rolling resistance with 23 percent better grip in wet conditions, and K2 Puncture Protection, a Maxxis-exclusive fabric that provides greater puncture protection than aramid, claims the company.

Firestone has launched the new Firestone Vanhawk 3 EV-ready van tyre for light commercial vehicles. The tyre succeeds the Vanhawk 2 and claims longer mileage, improved fuel/energy efficiency and enhanced wet braking.

Developed using Bridgestone’s ENLITEN Technology, the latest van tyre from Firestone is fully EV-ready and offers 13 percent longer mileage, a 10 percent reduction in rolling resistance and a 13 percent improvement in wet braking. This is made possible because of features such as optimised grooves and unique sipe distribution that work in tandem with the enhanced compound to optimise energy dissipation, maximise water evacuation and provide enhanced grip.

The Firestone Vanhawk 3 comes with an EU label B-grade for wet grip, as well as a B-grade for fuel efficiency in selected sizes. The tyre will be launched in January 2025 and will be available across Europe from 15 inches to 17 inches in 20 short sizes and 23 long sizes.

Stefano Sanchini, Vice President – Consumer Replacement, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “The Firestone Vanhawk 3 is for professionals and private van drivers who are looking to invest in a durable and cost-efficient tyre. With the introduction of ENLITEN, we’ve taken the best of the Vanhawk 2 – fuel economy, mileage and wet weather handling – and significantly improved all three areas. The Vanhawk 3 provides improved performance across the board for everyday journeys.”