Wacker Chemie AG, a speciality chemicals company, has confirmed its growth and sustainability targets on Capital Markets Day today. The targets were communicated in 2022, aiming for sales of EUR 10 billion and an EBITDA margin in excess of 20 percent by 2030, as well as absolute CO2 emissions reduction of more than 50 percent by 2030 as against the 2020 baseline.

At a Capital Markets Day event hosted at the company's biggest location in Burghausen, the company shared specifics about the steps it has taken thus far and the progress it has achieved. Twenty-five percent of the 40 investment projects that were proposed in March 2022 have already been finished. From the end of 2021 to the present, Wacker has invested approximately EUR 1.7 billion in new silicone specialities facilities in Nünchritz, increased capacity for producing high-quality polymer products for the construction industry at the company's Nanjing, China and new mRNA competence centre in Halle (Saale), Germany, as well as increased semiconductor-grade polysilicon production in Burghausen.

Christian Hartel, President & CEO, Wacker Chemie AG, said, “We are on track despite the challenging market environment. Our strategy remains intact. We are in a strong financial position and are benefiting from global megatrends. Going forward, we will be focused more on improving our margins than on volume growth. This means investing more in efficiency and on expanding our portfolio of specialty products.”

Wacker wants to keep up its profitable growth trajectory and strengthen its position in desirable areas. Wacker gives the speciality chemicals industry even more priority within its chemical divisions. This comprises polymers for clever, sustainable building as well as high-tech silicones to facilitate the energy and mobility transition. The focus for biosolutions is on sustainable bioingredients and next-generation therapeutics. Regarding polysilicon, Wacker is focusing more on producing very pure silicon suitable for electrical applications. In order to do this, the business is offering solutions for worldwide themes including digitisation, smart building, sustainability and health. “We will continue to invest systematically in innovation and in expanding our global production network,” explained Hartel. “At the same time, we will keep striving to become even more productive and efficient. In this respect, key levers available to us include active portfolio management, as well as further digitalisation and automation measures.”

On the topic of sustainability, Hartel said, “For us, sustainability is a business case. Our aim is not only to improve our own footprint but, above all, to also offer our customers innovative, sustainable solutions which support them in achieving their own sustainability targets. Various ESG rating agencies have awarded Wacker top rankings in recognition of the progress we have made on our sustainability journey.”

Apollo Tyres Ltd has secured a one-season shirt-sleeve sponsorship agreement with AS Monaco, one of French football's most successful clubs, to increase awareness for its premium Vredestein brand.

This partnership will leverage Ligue 1's ranking as the fifth most watched football league in the world to raise awareness of Vredestein's award-winning products among a large audience in France and abroad. On November 22, AS Monaco's home league game against Brest will have the new sleeve branding for the first time. The Vredestein brand will be heavily promoted at Stade Louis-II for the 2024–2025 season, including on player sleeves and LED screens around the field. Exclusive social media initiatives will further help make the brand prominent, reaching a large and interested audience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President – Commercial, Europe, Apollo Tyres, said, “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Vredestein’s presence in one of our key markets. AS Monaco’s rich history and commitment to excellence mirror our focus on performance and innovation. We look forward to building a successful relationship with the club and celebrating its achievements this season.”

Thibaut Chatelard, Marketing and Revenue Director, AS Monaco, said: “We are delighted to welcome Apollo Tyres and its Vredestein brand to the family of AS Monaco partners. This collaboration makes sense in view of the values we share, such as the constant pursuit of performance and excellence. There’s no doubt that this new support will be precious for the rest of our season, which promises to be thrilling.”

Nexen Tire, a leading global tyre manufacturer, has launched the Nexen N´Blue S tyre, adding to its range of summer tyres and providing drivers with advanced safety, energy efficiency and superior driving stability in wet and dry conditions.

Developed using highly dispersed silica and equipped with an optimised structural design, the Nexen N´Blue S tyre provides reduced road noise and improved driving stability. The tyre features an innovative tread compound, formulated with hydrophilic fillers and microstructure-controlled polymers, and provides lower rolling resistance and exceptional dry and wet grip. The tyre also excelled in test results by demonstrating an 11 percent improvement in wet braking distance compared to its predecessor.

Apart from providing excellent performance, the Nexen  N´Blue S also scores high on the sustainability index. The tyre provides an eco-friendly solution for environmentally conscious drivers by minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Nexen N´Blue S summer tyre is available in 58 sizes, which makes it compatible with different types of vehicles.

Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. is all set to expand its investment project in Binh Duong province of Vietnam, with the phase 3 of expansion commencing in early 2025. This was discussed at a recent meeting between Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), and Kim Hyun Ho, General Director of Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The meeting was held on 13 November at the Administrative Centre of Binh Duong province, as per an official statement. Apart from the company’s investment till date and the planned investment for phase 3, the two also discussed about the challenges and obstacles regarding procedures and processes to have more land funds to expand the manufacturing plant, along with taking measures to tackle the obstacles. Kim Hyun Ho also conveyed to the PPC Chairman that Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. belongs to South Korea's Kumho Tire Group and is currently ranked 10th in the car tyre manufacturing industry.

The company had invested in a tyre manufacturing plant in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park in 2007 with a total initial investment of USD 308 million, which was supplemented by another USD 300 million in 2021. This extended the factory scale to six hectares and increased the production capacity to 12.5 million tyres annually. With the expansion in early 2025, the company will raise its total investment to USD 908 million and increase the factory's production capacity to 17 million tyres annually. The expanded capacity is expected to be operational by early 2026.

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.