
The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) revised its natural rubber production for 2020 to 12.597 million tonnes, a 9% fall from the previous year.
The Association said the revised outlook represents a downward revision by 304,000 tonnes or 2.2% from the outlook for 2020 which ANRPC had reported in September 2020.
In 2021, the world production is anticipated to recover by posting an 8.6% increase to 13.678 million tonnes. Even if it increases at the anticipated 8.6% rate, the output in 2021 will remain lower than that in 2019 (13.842 million tonnes) or 2018 (13. 839 million tonnes), added ANRPC.
The world production of NR fell by 8.5%, year-over-year, to 10.098 million tonnes during Jan-Oct 2020 and is expected a 10.8%, year-over-year, drop during Nov-Dec 2020.
The world consumption of NR fell by 8.6%, year-over-year, to 10.496 million tonnes during Jan-Oct 2020. Accounting an anticipated 1.2% increase during Nov-Dec, the likely world consumption during the full year 2020 is expected at 12.811 million tonnes by representing a 6.9% fall from the previous year. The revised outlook represents an upward revision by 200,000 tonnes or 1.5 percentage points compared to the outlook reported by ANRPC in September 2020. The outlook for 2020 as reported in September 2020 was 12.611 million tonnes at an 8.4% decline. In 2021, the world consumption is anticipated to make a recovery by increasing at a 4.9% rate to 13.436 million tonnes. Despite growing at the anticipated 4.9% rate, the consumption in 2021 will not reach the quantity consumed in 2019 (13.768 million tonnes) or 2018 (13.898 million tonnes).
The key global events and geopolitics had influenced NR prices, both in the futures and physical markets, during October and November. Sentiment in the market during the two months was influenced by the outbreak of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic especially in the U.S. and Europe, reported success in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines by global pharmaceutical majors, the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, depreciation of the U.S, the dollar against a basket of currencies, and developments in the crude oil sector.
ARLANXEO Launches Sustainable Rubber Portfolio in India as Demand for Green Materials Grows
- By TT News
- August 01, 2025

ARLANXEO has launched its ISCC PLUS-certified Keltan Eco rubber grades in India, responding to rising demand for sustainable materials in the world’s most populous nation.
The German-based performance elastomers manufacturer unveiled the portfolio through technical seminars and workshops, targeting automotive components, wires and cables applications where customers increasingly value environmental credentials.
The Keltan Eco range comprises Eco-B and Eco-BC grades derived from bio-based and bio-circular feedstocks, respectively, whilst maintaining identical physical and mechanical properties to conventional fossil fuel-based products. The materials offer resistance to oxygen, ozone, heat and radiation.
ARLANXEO employs a mass balance approach for certification, ensuring the volume of Eco-labelled products corresponds with sustainable source feedstock volumes. This methodology provides supply chain transparency and enables customers to verify sustainability claims in downstream applications.
“This new portfolio will help our customers seize sustainable growth opportunities in India and stay ahead amid industry transformation,” said Rupesh Shah, ARLANXEO India’s Managing Director and Regional Sales Head.
The company also showcased its Therban hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber speciality grades during the events, targeting original equipment manufacturers and component producers. Therban applications include air conditioning seals, timing belts, high-temperature gaskets for oil platforms and spacecraft components.
ARLANXEO operates as one of the world’s largest synthetic rubber producers with more than 10 production sites across eight countries and four research and development locations globally. The company serves automotive, tyre, electrical, construction and oil and gas sectors.
The Indian launch forms part of ARLANXEO’s broader strategy to expand sustainable product offerings across key growth markets. Additional ISCC PLUS-certified synthetic rubber grades will be introduced in India following the initial rollout.
India’s steady rubber consumption growth, driven by the automotive and infrastructure sectors, signals a significant opportunity for speciality chemical producers aiming for sustained market expansion. ARLANXEO is well-positioned to meet this demand, marking a decisive step toward a greener, more innovative rubber industry in India.
Rathi Group Marks Major Milestone With First Export Of ISCC-Certified Pyrolysis Oil
- By TT News
- August 01, 2025

Rathi Group, a leader in pyrolysis and end-of-life tyre (ELT) recycling, has achieved a significant milestone with its first export shipment of ISCC PLUS-certified pyrolysis oil. With over 12 years of industry expertise, the company continues to set benchmarks in sustainable recycling, innovation and circular economy practices.
This landmark export highlights Rathi Group’s ability to supply globally recognised, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. The company’s integrated operations – spanning ELT shredding, continuous pyrolysis, carbon black recovery and oil distillation – adhere to stringent international sustainability standards.
The ISCC PLUS certification underscores Rathi Group’s commitment to environmental responsibility, supply chain transparency and climate-conscious solutions. The accomplishment reflects the efforts of its dedicated team and partners, reinforcing the company’s mission to drive impactful change in sustainable tyre recycling.
- Kraton Corporation
- Speciality Polymers
- Renewable Biomaterials
- EcoVadis Platinum Rating
- Sustainability
Kraton Releases 2024 Sustainability Report Showcasing Sustainable Innovation
- By TT News
- July 30, 2025

Kraton Corporation, a global leader in speciality polymers and renewable biomaterials, has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, Innovating with Purpose. The report outlines the company’s advancements in climate action, circular product solutions and supply chain sustainability, reinforcing its commitment to a greener future.
Key achievements include a 41 percent reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions since 2014, a 35 percent decrease in emissions intensity and maintaining EcoVadis’ Platinum rating for the fourth straight year. Kraton also received the 2024 Nitto Supplier Sustainability Award and conducted a Double Materiality Assessment to refine its ESG strategy.
Operational milestones feature a USD 35 million upgrade to its Florida biorefinery, expanded lifecycle assessment (LCA) data covering 90 percent of its product portfolio and a new data excellence programme to enhance ESG transparency.
Aligned with GRI, SASB, UN Global Compact and TCFD frameworks, the report emphasises Kraton’s sustainability pillars: Reliable Partnerships, Planetary Stewardship and Empowering People. These efforts reflect the company’s dedication to responsible innovation and measurable environmental progress.
Marcello Boldrini, CEO, Kraton, said, “2024 marked a pivotal year in Kraton’s sustainability journey. We turned ambition into action, significantly reducing our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 41 percent from our 2014 baseline and earned an EcoVadis Platinum rating for the fourth consecutive year. We accelerated our decarbonisation strategy, advanced biobased innovation and partnered with customers such as WJ Group and Henkel to help address global sustainability challenges. As demand for sustainable chemicals grows, our focus remains on developing the right solutions, fostering strong partnerships and cultivating the culture necessary to lead this transformation responsibly and competitively.”
Rogier Roelen, Chief Sustainability Officer, Kraton, said, “We have established new processes to scale credible, data-driven sustainability across our business. In 2024, we enhanced our ESG reporting through a data harmonisation programme and completed a Double Materiality Assessment to better align with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). We also expanded our Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data to cover almost 90 percent of our product portfolio, providing customers with greater transparency into the environmental impact of our products. These efforts reinforce our ability to identify where we can make the most impact and support more informed, strategic decision-making.”
German Rubber Industry Faces Mixed Outlook Amid Persistent Challenges: wdk
- By TT News
- July 30, 2025

The German rubber industry is undergoing significant shifts, according to the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) in its mid-2025 economic report. While order trends show improvement for the first time in years, domestic production continues to struggle, reflecting broader structural challenges.
High energy costs, excessive bureaucracy and rising labour expenses remain persistent hurdles, particularly for globally competitive firms. Although rising orders may boost annual sales slightly compared to 2024, domestic output is expected to decline by one percent. Many companies are relocating production abroad due to Germany’s worsening cost disadvantages.
The federal government’s ‘investment booster’ initiative has failed to inspire confidence, with only 27 percent of industry leaders anticipating positive effects. wdk President Michael Klein described this as an alarming sign, emphasising that businesses lack faith in current economic policies. He urged immediate relief measures rather than delayed solutions.
Klein also stressed the need for inclusive policymaking, criticising the government’s focus on large corporations while neglecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He warned that without targeted support for these critical players, Germany risks losing its status as a key industrial hub for the rubber sector. The call for urgent action highlights growing concerns over the industry’s future viability in the country.
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