Epsilon Carbon, a leading producer of carbon black and speciality carbon products, has rolled out a dedicated fleet of eight LNG-powered tanker trucks to transport coal tar. The company claims it is the first in India’s coal tar industry to adopt LNG vehicles for inbound logistics.

The new fleet is expected to reduce logistics-related emissions while improving efficiency and reliability in raw material movement. According to the company, the LNG tankers will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20–25 percent, nitrogen oxides by up to 90 percent and almost eliminate particulate matter emissions compared with diesel trucks. They are also projected to deliver 5–10 percent better fuel efficiency, lowering operational costs over the long term.

This development follows Epsilon’s earlier introduction of electric trucks in 2023 and LNG containers in July for customer-bound carbon black logistics. Together, these initiatives form part of the company’s broader strategy to decarbonise its operations and build a low-carbon logistics model.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Road logistics is central to India’s economy, and as one of the largest players in our sector, we recognise the responsibility to make it cleaner and more efficient. At Epsilon Carbon, sustainability is core of how we operate and grow. The introduction of our LNG-powered tankers is a transformative step in advancing raw material logistics, reducing emissions, and driving long-term value for our stakeholders. With this initiative, we are not just keeping pace with environmental expectations but are setting new standards for sustainable freight movement and contributing meaningfully to India’s Net Zero 2070 journey.”

Each tanker has an operational range of about 730 kilometres, making it well-suited for long-distance coal tar transportation. The company plans to progressively expand its LNG tanker fleet in line with capacity requirements, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and compliance with tightening environmental regulations.

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Arkema has launched its next-generation solution for polymer curing called Luperox NeatCure. Unveiled at the K 2025 Show, this innovative product is a formulated organic peroxide in granular form, specifically created to accelerate curing times across various processes, including extrusion and injection moulding.

A primary benefit of its dust-free composition is a significant enhancement in workplace safety, minimising the risks associated with handling powdered substances. Developed in response to evolving regulatory demands, this technology enables manufacturers to achieve greater productivity and efficiency. The company says the new solution ensures rapid curing while fully maintaining the performance integrity of the final elastomers and polymers.

Tilo QUINK, Senior Vice President Performance Additives, said, “The launch of Luperox® NeatCure® illustrates our ability to bring responsible innovation to the market, combining safer handling with superior efficiency. We are proud to support our customers with solutions that help them meet both their productivity goals and sustainability commitments.”

Romuald DE HAUT DE SIGY, Global Group President Functional Additives, said, “Luperox® NeatCure® is more than a new product; it’s the breakthrough that will set a new standard in the Cross-linking Organic Peroxides market. Thanks to our advanced formulation expertise, we can deliver a solution that not only optimises curing performance but also ensures the highest level of safety and compliance. This is a decisive step forward to our customers in elastomers and polymers processing.

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its Monthly NR Statistical Report for August 2025, providing an overview of key developments in the global natural rubber sector.

According to the report, a number of reasons, including limited supply and rising demand, contributed to the volatile pattern in natural rubber prices this month. Consumption was increased by seasonal considerations, especially in China, where stronger demand was evidenced by inventory reductions at key ports. However, tapping efforts were restricted due to manpower shortages and rains in producing regions, which tightened supplies.

Global natural rubber (NR) output is expected to increase slightly by 0.5 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, according to recent data from ANRPC member countries. At the same time, a 1.3 percent increase in demand for natural rubber is anticipated in 2025. As buying demand increased, the market sentiment got more positive, especially when the customary peak season for natural rubber, notably for heavy-duty vehicles and all-steel tyres, began.

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Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. has finalised the strategic acquisition of Bridgestone Carbon Black (Thailand) Co., Ltd. from Bridgestone Corporation and Asahi Carbon Co., Ltd. The transaction, valued at roughly THB 2.05 billion (USD 56 million approximately), was officially completed on 30 September 2025. This move represents a significant expansion of Tokai Carbon's carbon black operations within the key Southeast Asian market.

Subsequent to the deal's closure, the newly acquired entity has been rebranded as Thai Tokai Carbon Product Rojana Co., Ltd. The company's ownership is now held by Thai Tokai Carbon Product Co., Ltd. at 99 percent and Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd. at one percent, making it a consolidated subsidiary. Tokai Carbon has appointed its Executive Officer, Tatsuhiko Yamazaki, as the new Managing Director to lead the organisation.

This acquisition is a calculated step in Tokai Carbon's wider plan to bolster its global presence and reinforce its production and supply chain capabilities. The company anticipates that this will solidify its standing in the international carbon black sector, which serves the tyre, rubber and various industrial markets. While the specific financial effect on its 2025 results is still being assessed, the move is a clear part of its ongoing growth strategy across Asia.

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Hana Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of radio-frequency identification inlays, has joined the board of Auburn University’s RFID Lab, marking its deeper engagement in setting industry standards for the technology.

The appointment positions the California-based company, which holds ARC Quality certification, alongside other industry participants in shaping research and standards development at the Alabama-based laboratory, which is recognised as a leading academic centre for RFID testing and certification.

RFID technology uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects automatically and has seen growing adoption in the retail, logistics, and manufacturing sectors for inventory management and supply chain tracking.

“I am excited and honoured to once again collaborate with the Auburn RFID Lab Board, representing Hana RFID,” said Jeremy Liu, chief technology officer of Hana RFID. “This opportunity allows us to contribute to the future of RFID by ensuring quality remains a top priority. Hana is proud of its strong position in the RFID world, and we are committed to supporting our partners with the finest, smartest products available. Together, we will keep moving the industry forward.”

John Erdmann, president and chief executive of Hana RFID, said: “The Auburn RFID Lab has been a key contributor since the very beginning, helping to create a strong and trustworthy RFID ecosystem. We are grateful for this foundation and see our board membership as a chance to give back to the community. Hana will be a fully engaged member – providing continuous feedback, and sharing our knowledge to ensure RFID adoption continues to grow on a solid, reliable base.”

The company, which operates manufacturing facilities globally, did not disclose the term of the board appointment or specific initiatives it plans to pursue in the role.

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