Ethylene propylene copolymer (EPM), or a terpolymer with a diene (EPDM), is a type of synthetic rubber, which is characterised by a wide range of applications. The ‘E’ letter refers to ethylene, ‘P’ to propylene and ‘D’ to diene and ‘M’ refers to a kind of monomer with respect to its classification in ASTM standard D-1418. The M class includes rubbers having a saturated chain of the polymethylene type.

EPDM rubber, therefore, is a terpolymer of ethylene,propylene and a diene-component and the Dienes currently used in the manufacture of EPDM rubbers are dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), ethylidene norbornene (ENB) and vinyl norbornene (VNB). Hexadiene (HD) is rarely being used in making EPDM these days.

The ethylene and propylene monomers combine to form a chemically saturated, stable polymer backbone providing excellent heat, oxidation, ozone and weather aging. A third, nonconjugated diene monomer is terpolymerized in a controlled manner to maintain a saturated backbone and place the reactive unsaturation in a side chain available for vulcanization or polymer modification chemistry.

The two most widely used diene termonomers are primarily ethylidene norbornene (ENB) followed by dicyclopentadiene (DCPD).Each diene incorporates with a different tendency for introducing long chain branching or polymer side chains that influence processing and rates of vulcanization by sulfur or peroxide cures. Generally, ENB type is better heat resistant than DCPD type. Peroxide cure EPDM, boosted with coagents provide better heat resistant than sulphur/accelerator cured EPDM.

This polymer is the most water resistant rubber available, and this resistance is maintained to high temperatures (up to 180°C in steam with peroxide cured compound). The highest temperature resistance is achieved by using peroxide cured grades. It is thus used extensively under water cables (sea water as well). Before EPDM, Chloprene rubber (CR) was extensively used wherever weather resistance properties were important. Upon discovery of EPDM in 1963 , it quickly took over existing weather resistant market of Chloroprene rubber (CR).

Ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) is one of the most widely used and highly-developing synthetic rubbers. EPDM business will reach US 6.9 b $ by end 1Q,2020. Currently, their total capacity is about 1.65m ton/ Yr. and it takes the third place in the world synthetic rubber consumption after styrene-butadiene and butadiene rubber. As of August 2019, there are 15 big companies in the world that produce EPDM.

In order to present a competitive landscape of the global EPDM market, key market players are witnessed as LANXESS AG (Germany), ExxonMobil Chemical (U.S.), Dow Elastomer (U.S.), Mitsui Chemical (Japan), Kumho Polychem (South Korea), Lion Copolymer (U.S.), Versalis (Italy), JSR Corporation (Japan), Jilin Chemical (China), SK Global Chemical (Japan), Nizhnekamsk Neftekhim Inc (Russia), and Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd (Japan) have been profiled. With a huge number of EPDM manufacturers worldwide and with a number of different grades by each of these manufacturers, EPDM is one of the versatile elastomer in India now . EPDM has different grades in the industry based on :

• Mooney viscosity
• Type of diene content
• Percentage mole of diene content and
• Ethylene propylene ratio
• Bimodal Type

With current increase in EPDM uses , India now badly need EPDM manufacturing plant to protect its foreign currency. Another important application India need is compulsory application of EPDM based Roofing in rainy states to protect against damage of multistory buildings (Mumbai). EPDM has been used as a covering to waterproof roofing in western countries, Japan, China, Taiwan and countries in South East Asia. Major applications of EPDM are :

• Other than automobile glass-run channels, EPDM is also used in radiators, garden and appliance hose, tubing, pond liners, washers, belts, electrical insulation, vibrators, O-rings, solar panel heat collectors and speaker cone surrounds.
• It is also used as a medium for water resistance in electrical cable-jointing, geomembranes, rubber mechanical goods, plastic impact modification, thermoplastic etc.
• EPDM is used as blends in Butyl rubber for Inner-tube application.
• EPDM is used in PC side wall , black or white. Extensively used in color BC tyres for children.
• EPDM roofing is very popular in developed countries.
• With EPDM Roofing membranes rainwater harvesting is also very popular. EPDM roofing does not pollute the run-off rainwater.

Rubber roofing has the benefit that it does not pollute the runoff rain water. Water could be used for personal sanitation / gardenining / hygiene. White oil may be the best processing oil. They are manufactured in the form of calendared sheet and covered with a plastic such that its application on floor is easy upon removal of plastic and then they are applied in roof floor. EPDM rubber sheet can be installed either fully adhered, mechanically attached or ballasted, with the seams of the roofing system sealed with liquid adhesives or specially formulated tape. EPDM Waterproof Roofing system has delivered more than six decades of commercial roofing success by building upon a heritage of innovation in rubber polymer technology.

Dr Samir Majumdar, Rubber Consultant (India & Asia pacific), has served in leading tyre companies like JK Tyre, Kyoto Japan Tire, among others. He was technical and R&D head (Asia Pacific) in ExxonMobil. He has authored several research papers and technical books. smajumdar501234@yahoo.co.in

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Birla Carbon is set to participate in the upcoming Tire Technology Expo 2026, scheduled to take place in Hannover, Germany, from 3 to 5 March 2026. Attendees can find the company at Stand C 224, where it will present its latest innovations in carbon black and sustainable materials. The focus will be on solutions specifically designed to meet the evolving demands of the tyre industry, particularly in enhancing performance while aligning with broader environmental objectives.

The exhibition will serve as a platform to demonstrate how Birla Carbon’s advanced materials contribute to greater tyre durability and fuel efficiency. These developments are especially pertinent for next-generation mobility, including the specific requirements of electric vehicles. The company aims to show tire manufacturers how performance enhancements can be achieved without sacrificing sustainability commitments.

A key theme of their presence will be the strength and agility of their supply network across the EMEA region. By emphasising its robust local manufacturing and distribution framework, Birla Carbon intends to highlight its role as a dependable innovation partner. This infrastructure is built to ensure consistent quality and supply chain resilience, allowing for effective collaboration even in fluctuating market conditions.

Sustainability will be woven throughout the company’s engagement at the expo. Birla Carbon plans to detail its journey towards achieving net zero carbon emissions, spotlighting advancements like its Continua Sustainable Carbonaceous Material (SCM). The widespread ISCC Plus certification across its global manufacturing sites will also be featured, underscoring its commitment to traceable and responsible sourcing practices throughout the value chain.

John Davidson, Chief Sales, Marketing & Sustainability Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “Birla Carbon brings a range of innovative carbon black solutions, backed by its decades of manufacturing leadership, at a time when the industry is focused on maximising tyre performance across diverse mobility requirements. As mobility evolves towards electric and more energy-efficient platforms, carbon black is increasingly becoming a key performance enabler, directly influencing durability, rolling resistance and lifecycle emissions. Tire Technology Expo provides an impactful global platform to demonstrate how our advanced carbon material solutions are engineered for modern mobility and sustainability.”

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Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) is advancing Thailand’s agricultural digital transformation through its homegrown platform, the Sri Trang Friends application. Launched in 2019 with the vision of providing a comprehensive digital tool for rubber farmers, the platform has since evolved to serve a broader agricultural community, including palm growers. It is designed to streamline access to information, services and various support mechanisms, creating a direct link between the company, farmers and supply chain participants.

A key recent development is the introduction of the Friends Shop feature and the Friends Point rewards system. This enhancement integrates local merchants from communities nationwide into the application, allowing farmers to conduct convenient transactions while helping to lower their daily expenses. The points accumulated can be used as cash equivalents or exchanged for a wide range of benefits, including essential goods and services, thereby stimulating local economic activity. The platform’s utility has also been extended to Sri Trang Group employees and the general public, who can now earn and redeem points for discounts or payments at participating outlets such as supermarkets, fuel stations and coffee shops. This expansion ensures the app delivers practical, lifestyle-oriented advantages to a wider user base.

According to Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul, the application was originally conceived under the concept of ‘One App, Complete Services for Rubber Farmers’ to strengthen farmer engagement, improve coordination efficiency and ensure fully traceable and transparent produce trading. Beyond these operational goals, it also opens new marketing channels for local communities and fosters deeper collaboration across the agricultural value chain. The company is actively broadening its network of partners to diversify the benefits and merchant options available to users.

Currently, the Sri Trang Friends platform has attracted over 150,000 registered users, with more than 40 community merchants across various regions either already onboard or preparing to join. This growth underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging a Thai-developed digital solution to empower modern farmers, reinforce local economies and drive sustainable long-term progress within the nation’s agricultural sector.

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Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd (HSCL) has officially launched commercial production at its new 70,000 metric tonne per annum speciality carbon black line in Mahistikry, West Bengal. This brownfield expansion elevates the company’s total carbon black manufacturing capacity to 250,000 MTPA, with 130,000 MTPA specifically dedicated to speciality grades at this single location. As a result, the Mahistikry facility now holds the distinction of being the largest site in the world for speciality carbon black production.

The development represents a pivotal achievement in the company’s strategic roadmap, solidifying its global standing in the advanced materials sector. By significantly increasing its speciality portfolio, the company is better positioned to meet the rigorous demands of high-value industries such as plastics, inks, paints and coatings. The project integrates cutting-edge process technology with stringent quality controls and energy-efficient systems, ensuring that premium-grade products are consistently delivered to an international client base.

Financially, the new capacity is set to positively influence revenue streams and bolster margins over the coming years. The expanded scale not only enhances operational efficiency and supply chain dependability but also accelerates the company’s ability to innovate and respond to market shifts. As worldwide demand increasingly favours tailored, high-performance carbon solutions, this enhanced infrastructure provides a distinct competitive edge through improved agility and product development capabilities.

Anurag Choudhary, CMD & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd, said, “The commencement of commercial operations of our 70,000 MTPA Speciality Carbon Black line at Mahistikry marks the beginning of the next phase of growth in our advanced carbon materials journey. With this expansion, Mahistikry becomes the world’s largest single-location Speciality Carbon Black facility, with a capacity of 130,000 MTPA. This milestone significantly enhances our production capabilities and positions us strongly to capture rising global demand in premium, application-specific segments such as plastics, inks, paints, coatings and other specialised industries. We remain committed to disciplined expansion, operational excellence, sustainability and delivering high-performance solutions that create long-term value for all stakeholders.”

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Solvay has announced that it will optimise the soda ash production capacity at its Torrelavega site in Spain from 600 kilotonnes to 420 kilotonnes, effective from the third quarter of 2026 and pending the required consultation process. This decision is a direct response to ongoing global oversupply and persistently high energy and carbon costs in Europe.

By optimising its operational level, the company aims to strengthen the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of its remaining production at the facility. The Torrelavega site will continue to serve regional customers by focusing on soda ash and premium sodium bicarbonate, with supply guaranteed through both local operations and Solvay’s global network. Importantly, sodium bicarbonate production will remain unaffected.

This adjustment also supports the company’s commitment to the energy transition, including a major biomass initiative designed to significantly reduce coal usage at the site. As a result of the capacity reduction, a net decrease of up to 77 positions is expected. Solvay is committed to managing this transition responsibly and will engage closely with employee representatives to develop socially supportive solutions and measures for those impacted.

Etienne Galan, President of Solvay Soda Ash & Derivatives, said, “Solvay is taking decisive steps to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of its soda ash operations. Soda ash is critical for essential applications, and Solvay remains firmly committed to the business. We are strategically investing now to cement our competitiveness for decades to come, including the deployment of carbon neutral soda ash processes as part of our energy transition roadmap. At the same time, we urgently need the regulatory framework to align with our industrial reality and the investments that are needed for this transformation.”

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