Georg Brunstam appointed as HEXPOL AB CEO

Georg Brunstam appointed as HEXPOL AB CEO

Georg Brunstam, chairman, HEXPOL AB (publ), has been appointed as president and CEO of the company, effective November 2020. Peter Rosén, currently CFO and interim CEO, has also been appointed as deputy CEO for HEXPOL AB (publ).

Brunstam’s chairmanship ends as he assumes the new role.

Brunstam has previously been President and CEO for HEXPOL AB (publ) 2007-2017.

”During the last two quarters I have, as a daily involved Chairman of the Board, together with our interim CEO and the whole management team worked intensively to implement major changes and improvements within the HEXPOL Group. The changes give a better customer focus and a significantly lower cost level, and in addition, the long-term strategy has been strengthened. I am very inspired to continue this work, as President and CEO, during a long time ahead. During the spring, I will also reduce the number of external board assignments significantly.” – Georg Brunstam

”The Board is very satisfied that Georg and Peter, now on a permanent basis, will continue the work to further improve the development of HEXPOL in the short and long term” says Alf Göransson who has been on the Board of HEXPOL since 2007 and who is now proposed new Chairman of the Board by the Nomination Committee.

ANRPC Attends Malaysia’s Hari Raya Open House

ANRPC Attends Malaysia’s Hari Raya Open House

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) recently participated in a Hari Raya Open House event. The gathering was organised by Malaysia’s Rubber Development Division, which falls under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities. This occasion allowed the ANRPC to connect with important figures within the natural rubber sector. By bringing together various industry partners, the open house successfully created an atmosphere of goodwill and strengthened existing relationships.

The ANRPC has conveyed its genuine gratitude to the event’s hosts for their warm reception and thoughtful organisation. The association acknowledged the importance of uniting stakeholders in such a meaningful celebration, which helps reinforce shared goals and collaborative spirit across the sector.

ARLANXEO Launches Expanded Innovation Center Asia In China To Drive Regional R&D

ARLANXEO Launches Expanded Innovation Center Asia In China To Drive Regional R&D

ARLANXEO has officially opened its Innovation Center Asia (ICA) in Changzhou, China, transforming the former Regional Technical Center into a full-fledged Asian innovation hub. This upgrade significantly strengthens the company’s global research and development network, with a clear focus on serving the local Chinese market as well as broader regional needs. The expansion reflects ARLANXEO’s commitment to advancing performance elastomers through targeted regional investment.

Now boasting larger facilities, an expanded team and new laboratory equipment, the Innovation Center Asia is equipped to handle rubber compounding, processing, physical testing, chemical analysis, battery prototyping and more. A dedicated chemistry lab has been added to support the nearby HNBR plant and global HNBR research activities. Located alongside ARLANXEO’s EPDM and HNBR plants in Changzhou, the centre fosters close customer collaboration to address evolving market needs. It also works in tandem with the company’s Dormagen, Germany, innovation centre, jointly developing new testing methods, exploring advanced technologies and delivering innovative product solutions worldwide.

The inauguration event featured speeches from Herman Dikland, ARLANXEO’s Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, and Hong Sun, Managing Director of ARLANXEO China. Joining them at the ceremony were company representatives, key customers, local government officials and academic partners from various universities. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and shared interest in driving innovation forward.

Herman Dikland, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, ARLANXEO, said, “Innovation is a core driver of ARLANXEO’s sustainable growth, and China plays an important role in our global innovation ecosystem. This state-of-the-art laboratory facility puts us in an excellent position to advance our R&D capabilities and reinforce our market position. We look forward to driving frontier innovation together with our passionate and creative China team while bringing China-based innovation into solutions for global markets.”

Hong Sun, Managing Director, ARLANXEO China, said, “The inauguration of the Innovation Center Asia reflects our commitment to supporting the rapid transformation of China’s rubber industry during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. With growing demand for advanced materials and customised formulations, the new centre will further strengthen our proximity to customers, enhance our agility in meeting market needs and better support the upgrading of the entire rubber industry.”

ARLANXEO Strengthens Global EPDM Portfolio Through Extended PRC Partnership

ARLANXEO Strengthens Global EPDM Portfolio Through Extended PRC Partnership

ARLANXEO has strengthened its role in the synthetic rubber industry by expanding its marketing and sales agreement for EPDM rubber produced by Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Company (PRC), a joint stock company formed under the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This new arrangement became effective in February 2026, granting ARLANXEO exclusive rights to market all EPDM grades coming from PRC’s facilities, which will continue to be sold under the Keltan KSA product name.

This extension of the Keltan KSA business highlights ARLANXEO’s dedicated commitment to the worldwide EPDM market. By combining the original Keltan line with the Keltan KSA portfolio, the company now offers customers a uniquely broad and comprehensive range of EPDM solutions, ensuring a more complete service across diverse applications.

John Sawaya, Chief Business Officer, ARLANXEO, said, “Through this expanded agreement, we are further enhancing ARLANXEO’s position as the global supplier for EPDM synthetic rubber.”

Himadri Speciality Chemical Named ‘India’s Leading ESG Entity’ By Dun & Bradstreet

Himadri Speciality Chemical Named ‘India’s Leading ESG Entity’ By Dun & Bradstreet

Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd. has been named ‘India’s Leading ESG Entity’ by Dun & Bradstreet in its report, ‘ESG Horizons: Now and Next 2026’. The honour acknowledges how deeply the company has woven environmental, social and governance considerations into its main business approach. By focusing on clean technologies and building out the lithium-ion battery value chain, Himadri proves that responsible manufacturing and sustainable expansion go hand in hand.

Dun & Bradstreet arrived at this decision using its own ESG Intelligence Framework Rating, which looked closely at the company’s performance during FY25 across key environmental, social and governance indicators. Winning this distinction shows how consistently Himadri works to generate lasting value for everyone connected to the business while keeping industrial practices responsible. Anurag Choudhary, CMD and CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, has explained that ESG thinking drives their innovation efforts from the ground up. Through breakthroughs in advanced materials and battery technology, the firm actively pushes forward the global movement towards a cleaner economy.

Several real-world achievements back up Himadri’s reputation for sustainability leadership. All eight of its manufacturing sites operate on a zero-liquid discharge basis. The company generates enough clean power internally to cover 100 percent of its electrical energy needs. Beyond environmental measures, Himadri has also built a strong global presence, supplying specialised chemical solutions to clients spread across 56 different countries.

A business model rooted heavily in research and development along with circular use of resources allows Himadri to keep sustainability at the centre of its growth story. By integrating these principles rather than treating them as an afterthought, the company ensures its long-term impact on both industry and the environment remains positive.