BASF Koresin Product Family Now Enhanced With Two New Variants For Advanced Sustainability

Bridgestone sustainability framework targets achieving carbon neutrality by 2050

BASF, together with Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” took the opportunity of the Tire Technology 2023 conference and exhibition as a platform to introduce two new product variants representing significant contributions towards saving finite fossil resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Koresin Ccycled uses the ChemCycling approach to achieve a 100 percent substitution of fossil origin feedstock with certified sustainably recycled raw materials from chemical recycling of plastic waste.
Koresin BMBcert results from a Biomass Balance approach that enables the substitution of 100 percent of fossil-based feedstock with a renewable equivalent to reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Both products are manufactured using a certified mass balance approach. For this, BASF substitutes the corresponding amount of fossil feedstock with alternative feedstock: recycled feedstock for the ChemCycling approach or renewable feedstock for the biomass balance approach. The alternative feedstock is fed in at the beginning of the value chain and attributed to the final product by means of a certified mass balance method. Koresin Ccycled and Koresin BMBcert are certified according to the REDcert standard, which ensures the correct attribution of alternative feedstock in BASF’s value chain.
Each new Koresin product variant provides end users with important contributions to the circular economy by increasing the use of recycled raw materials or renewable resources. Koresin Ccycled and Koresin BMBcert are “drop-in” solutions: They are identical in quality and properties to standard Koresin, allowing customers to use them in their production without needing adjustments to their existing processes. 
With over 80 years of production, BASF’s Koresin is the industry benchmark with regard to superior tack performance, processing flexibility, reliability, high quality and uniformity. When added to the various rubber compounds during tire production, it creates a surface tackiness of the components - preventing the semi-finished products from shifting when they are joined together. The long-term tackiness also allows for a flexible storage time of rubber compounds. Koresin is applied in the manufacturing of quality and premium tires in OEM, replacement and re-treading as well as industrial and technical rubber goods worldwide.
Both companies eagerly anticipate their important roles in working together to bring these new advantages and their contribution towards advanced sustainability throughout the global rubber industry.

ARLANXEO Launches Sustainable Rubber Portfolio in India as Demand for Green Materials Grows

ARLANXEO Launches Sustainable Rubber Portfolio in India as Demand for Green Materials Grows

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

Rathi Group Marks Major Milestone With First Export Of ISCC-Certified Pyrolysis Oil

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 Releases 2024 Sustainability Report Showcasing Sustainable Innovation

Kraton Releases 2024 Sustainability Report Showcasing Sustainable Innovation

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

German Rubber Industry Faces Mixed Outlook Amid Persistent Challenges: wdk

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.