Flexsys has created what it says is the tyre industry’s first practical and scalable alternative to 6PPD, marking a major step toward replacing a chemical used for decades but now under regulatory pressure.

The company said the new antidegradant is the result of several years of research and testing with federal laboratories, independent scientific groups and tyre makers. Early results show the material could match the performance and safety of 6PPD while avoiding the environmental risks linked to 6PPD-quinone, a transformation product identified in 2020.

Flexsys said the new chemistry provides the short- and long-term protection needed to stop tyres cracking or ageing. It is also designed to fit into existing rubber compounds with minimal changes, which could help manufacturers adopt it quickly. The company added that the product meets environmental and regulatory benchmarks, including criteria set by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Importantly, the new molecule is not part of the “PPD” family, meaning it does not form quinone during use. Flexsys said this would remove the environmental impact associated with 6PPD-quinone. The company is also using many of the same intermediate chemicals already used in 6PPD production. This could allow manufacturers to rely on existing factory assets and speed the shift to the new technology.

“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to responsible innovation, built on decades of expertise in tire protection chemistry,” said Carl Brech, Chief Executive Officer of Flexsys. “Our solution is formulated to deliver the performance and reliability that tire makers expect and is designed for future environmental and regulatory standards.”

6PPD has been essential to tyre durability for 50 years. But studies published in 2020 showed that 6PPD-quinone could harm aquatic species, including coho salmon. Regulators and tyre producers have been looking for a safer option since then. Flexsys said its new antidegradant meets this challenge without reducing tyre safety.

“Our team set out to develop a next-generation antidegradant that meets the tire industry’s highest performance standards without compromising tire safety, while also reducing toxicity,” said Neil Smith, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer. “I could not be more proud of the perseverance and dedication of the Flexsys R&D team. Our group has been highly motivated by both the technical challenges of this project as well as the positive societal impact that this work will ultimately have.”

Flexsys acknowledged support from the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub in Akron, Ohio, part of the U.S. EDA Tech Hubs programme.

The company is now working on process optimisation to allow large-scale production. It is also in discussions with regulators around the world to secure approvals for commercial use. Testing with tyre makers is continuing.

“Flexsys is helping set the direction of the tire industry for the coming decades with this development,” Brech said. “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring this breakthrough to the market as soon as possible.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, a global price increase for all polymer products with effect from 1 April 2026. The price hike will range from USD 440 per MT to USD 700 per MT, or as individual contract terms permit, with the exact price change varying according to the polymer type and production location.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German specialty chemicals company LANXESS has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of functional additives for the manufacture of tyres and speciality rubbers. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by 15 to 50 percent.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing geopolitical conflict, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Orion S.A., a global speciality chemicals company, has announced a global price increase for its portfolio of speciality carbon black. These changes, which are set to take effect immediately or as soon as individual contract terms permit, will see prices rise by up to 25 percent.

In a strategic move to address persistent market volatility, the company is also implementing a variable surcharge on top of the base price increase. The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German chemical group WACKER has announced a price hike across its global polymers portfolio, responding directly to significant upheavals in international commodity markets triggered by the recent military conflict in the Middle East. This geopolitical instability has created pronounced distortions throughout the supply chain, leading to a sharp escalation in the costs of essential inputs. The company is experiencing substantially higher prices for crude oil and natural gas as well as for various other raw materials and logistics services.

To address this challenging economic landscape and offset the considerable burden of increased raw material and transportation expenses, the chemical group is implementing price adjustments effective 1 April 2026. The updated pricing will apply to several key product categories, specifically including polymer dispersions, a variety of resins and dispersible polymer powders. This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue delivering its products reliably amidst the volatile market conditions.

The final scale of these price increases is not a fixed, across-the-board figure but will be determined by specific variables. It will largely depend on the original source of the product, with goods manufactured at the company’s European and Asian production sites being most affected. Furthermore, the terms outlined in existing customer contracts will also play a crucial role in defining the exact extent of the adjustment, ensuring a tailored approach to the implementation of this necessary price correction.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!