Arlanxeo, a world-leading synthetic rubber company, recently launched its Keltan Ultra-High Mooney 100+ Innovation Platform. Based on the novel Keltan ACE catalyst technology and the excellent finishing process, this platform is primarily focused around the development of new grades with high Mooney viscosity, to optimize physical properties and cost, thus to satisfy the demand for the upgrade of applications across industries, including automotive, construction, and transportation.

Currently, markets are calling for better EPDM products. A major challenge in this has been finding the balance between improved physical properties and reasonable production costs. To satisfy the tight requirements from domestic clients, Keltan Ultra-High Mooney 100+ Innovation Platform has launched three new grades – Keltan 13561C, Keltan 10660C, and Keltan 10950C. Each of these grades has adopted Keltan Controlled Long Chain Branching (CLCB) technology, achieving good mechanical and processing performance. Meanwhile, this platform is about to launch a new Ultra-High Mooney oil-extended grade – Keltan 10675C (50 phr of extender oil).

Keltan 13561C has Mooney viscosity of 130MU at 125℃. Its ultra-high molecular weight enables higher mechanical property that is the same as or even higher than crystalline grades, but without issues of inferior low-temperature performance, high shrinkage, etc. Keltan 10660C reaches 100MU at 125 ℃ and possesses both ultra-high molecular weight and a combination of processing and mechanical properties. With this, Keltan 10660C can be applied to general mixing devices. Both grades are able to bring reduced costs through increasing compound loading without influencing the mechanical property. By virtue of the advantages of ultra-high Mooney, non-crystalline, fast vulcanization, higher elasticity and compound loading, Keltan 13561C and Keltan 10660C can adapt to strict standards of production and application and are widely applied to produce automotive seals and hoses, seals for construction, and rubber products for rail systems.

Sponge grade Keltan 10950C reaches Mooney viscosity of 100MU at 125 ℃. Due to the high Mooney viscosity, the grade also enables a reduced cost with increased compound loading while still maintaining the same mechanical property and compression set. Compared with the previous sponge grades, Keltan 10950C has a larger molecular weight, higher elasticity and non-vulcanized compound strength, and excellent extrusion performance, like outstanding flowability, better collapse resistance, and good profile appearance, offering an alternative for producing high-performance sponge seals. Major applications of the grade include auto sponge profiles, window sponge profiles, and insulation materials for construction.

 “Arlanxeo Keltan Ultra-High Mooney 100+ Innovation Platform is committed to fulfilling the customers’ demand for products with higher performance and lower cost. Facing the new challenges and opportunities ushered by the industrial upgrades, we will stay innovative, close to the local market, and customer-centric, and continually innovate to provide excellent products and services”, said Dr. Baojia Cheng, Head of TSAD and R&D, HPE Asia, ARLANXEO.

The three Keltan grades above are all produced by Arlanxeo Changzhou plant and are available in the market.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has published its Monthly Natural Rubber Statistical Report for September 2026, a month marked by broad-based price gains. Firm fundamentals, constrained supply and steady downstream demand combined with geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty to lift prices. Renewed Middle East conflict and disruptions to major shipping routes weighed on sentiment, while energy markets were especially affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on transiting vessels, which raised risks to global energy supplies and strengthened the crude oil risk premium.

According to the report, physical prices for most major grades advanced. SMR-20 in Kuala Lumpur averaged USD 2.50/kg, up 7.96 percent month-on-month, and STR-20 in Bangkok rose 5.80 percent to USD 2.53/kg. RSS-3 in Bangkok slipped 0.30 percent to USD 2.79/kg, while RSS-4 in Kottayam eased 1.39 percent to USD 2.88/kg. Latex-in-bulk in Malaysia gained 3.60 percent to average USD 1.79/kg. Cautious tyre-manufacturer purchasing, limited to immediate needs after earlier increases, weighed on the RSS market. Latex drew support from tight supply, as persistent rainfall disrupted tapping and limited fresh and concentrated latex availability, while glove, healthcare and industrial demand held stable.

Trade flows diverged. China's imports grew 2.56 percent month-on-month, India's 11.36 percent and Malaysia's 17.85 percent, whereas Viet Nam's fell 3.40 percent. Exports rose 3.07 percent in Thailand, 7.30 percent in Malaysia and 1.91 percent in Cambodia, while Indonesia edged down 1.40 percent and Viet Nam recorded the steepest decline at 9.72 percent.

Global production is projected at 15.039 million tonnes in 2026, up 0.6 percent from 14.953 million tonnes in 2025, with September output estimated at 1.4 million tonnes. Uneven rainfall and elevated temperatures slowed supply recovery across Southeast Asia. Global demand is forecast to rise 0.4 percent to 15.356 million tonnes from 15.301 million tonnes, with the largest volume increases among ANRPC member countries. Prospects depend on vehicle sales, tyre production, shipping conditions and weather-related disruptions, while expanding electric-vehicle markets in China, India and Europe support modest growth.

The ringgit traded between RM4.04 and RM4.10 per US dollar, and the baht between THB 32.89 and 33.55. The SHFE January 2027 contract averaged CNY 19,070/tonne, up 5.3 percent month-on-month, and the SGX December 2026 contract averaged USD 2.41/kg, up 7.6 percent. Brent crude averaged USD 114.16 per barrel, a 25.3 percent monthly increase driven by geopolitical risks and shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Birla Carbon, a leading global supplier of carbon materials, will exhibit at the International Rubber Conference (IRC) 2026, scheduled for 2–6 November in Nagoya, Japan, at Booth B. The company aims to address application-specific demands arising from the shift towards electric mobility, which places greater emphasis on tyre wear and energy efficiency while requiring automotive rubber components to balance durability with ride comfort.

A Very High Structure (VHS) lineup awaits manufacturers of passenger car, light truck, truck and bus tyres. These grades were engineered to meet electrification requirements and tightening standards such as Euro 7, delivering gains in tread wear, energy efficiency and tyre longevity.

Sustainability also features prominently. The company's Continua Sustainable Carbonaceous Materials (SCM) and Sustainable Carbon Blacks (SCB) lines, which contain higher levels of recycled or bio-based material, are intended to help tyre makers pursue circularity targets. Their dependable quality and ability to be supplied at scale in large volumes make them viable for production use, and the Continua range carries ISCC PLUS certification.

Mechanical rubber goods round out the display. Grades aimed at bushings enhance mixing and dispersion, contributing to fatigue life and component durability, while formulations for mounts pair low hysteresis and low stiffness with reinforcement so that durable parts can be produced without sacrificing ride comfort. Drop-in grades for extrusion reduce defects, scrap and screen-pack changes while raising throughput and extending service life. Simulation and technical expertise help customers assess materials, and global production plus Asian capacity growth support long-term supply.

Amit Kumar, President – Asia, Birla Carbon, said, “Asia’s tyre and rubber manufacturers are shaping the next phase of mobility, and their material requirements are becoming increasingly stringent. As the clear leader in our industry, Birla Carbon aims to grow alongside our customers, combining application-focused innovation with dependable local supply. We see performance and circularity as priorities that must progress together. By expanding our capabilities in Asia and strengthening customer partnerships, we aim to help manufacturers meet evolving market needs and build greater long-term competitiveness.”

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Zeon Corporation broke ground on a multi-product research and prototyping complex at the Kawasaki Innovation Frontier Port in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on 16 October with a ceremony held beforehand to seek safety during construction. The company expects the complex to shorten the path from laboratory work to mass production for established and emerging businesses alike, making it central to its long-term growth strategy.

Set inside an existing building within the port's Research & Development Center area, the complex is slated to begin operating in January 2028. Its design aims to move products past the laboratory stage and into medium-scale sample output more quickly, clearing a bottleneck on the route to full-scale manufacturing.

Zeon's core production methods – polymerisation, hydrogenation, coagulation and drying – will be built into the complex, which is engineered to handle diverse manufacturing conditions and operating approaches. Beyond serving established and new businesses, the polymer design company envisions the site as a centre for technology development and a platform for rolling out new processes and operational, analytical, and measurement technologies within and beyond the company. It will eventually host development and prototyping work across a wide range of technologies, including contract prototypes commissioned by outside parties.

The Kawasaki Innovation Frontier Port is the umbrella name for the site combining the neighbouring Kawasaki Plant and Research & Development Center. The label underscores the location's role in breaking new ground by merging innovation, research and development and production and casts the Kawasaki waterfront as a port that propels innovation. Once a co-creative innovation facility begins operating in December 2026, the two sites will function as one continuous operation, turning out ever more sophisticated products and production methods and reinforcing their standing as a launchpad for technology.

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Vipal Rubber has launched the VT290, a tread designed for truck drive axles used on motorways and paved roads, targeting regional and long-distance transport operations in Europe.

The product is available in widths of 240mm, 250mm, 260mm, 270mm and 280mm. It is designed to provide traction and stability on dry and wet roads, as well as in demanding conditions involving snow.

Frederico Schmidt, General Manager of Vipal EMEA, said, “The launch of the VT290 reinforces Vipal’s ongoing commitment to offering technologically advanced solutions suited to the specific characteristics of European roads and climate.” “We want to further consolidate our presence in the region, delivering a high value-added product that combines innovation, operational efficiency and safety,” he added.

The VT290 carries the M+S marking and 3PMSF certification. Its design includes side sipes and grooves intended to help remove snow and mud from the tread, improving grip on slippery surfaces.

The tread pattern is also designed to distribute engine torque more evenly, helping to reduce uneven wear. Tie bars between the tread blocks add structural stability, supporting vehicle control during driving.

Fabrício Nedeff, Commercial Manager of Vipal EMEA, said, “With the VT290, weare responding directly to the real needs of fleet operators and truck drivers, combining performance, adherence and efficiency in different driving conditions. [RS2.1]In addition to expanding options for our customers, the product strengthens business opportunities for our partners in the region,”

Vipal said the launch would expand its offering for retreaders, distributors and fleet operators in the European market.

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