JLR To Use Tyres Made From Recyclable Materials On Its Vehicles

JLR

Tata Motors-owned British-luxury brand Jaguar Land Rover is said to become the first global automaker to commit to use tyres made from renewable materials as part of its sustainability commitment.

The automaker will soon become the first to soon adopt tyres made from more than 70 percent renewable and recycled materials, such as silica from rice husks and plant‑based resins at scale in its upcoming range of vehicles.  In fact, the upcoming select models from Range Rover are already planned to come with Pirelli’s new P Zero tyres, which contain silica used to enhance wet performance. The material is sourced from rise husks, a natural by-product of rice milling.

These tyres do away with fossil‑based polymers and resins, which are typically used to help optimise the balance between dry and wet performance. Instead, they use plant‑based alternatives such as agricultural by‑products or used cooking oils. By using recycled materials, they reduce reliance on primary source materials to help alleviate resource consumption. Furthermore, carbon black, a crucial filler in rubber compounds used to improve stability, strength and durability, is recovered from end‑of‑life tyres and recycled steel is used to enhance handling and stability.

The automaker believes that bio‑based and recycled materials are generally more sustainable to obtain, more energy efficient to process and easier to manage at end‑of‑life than virgin and fossil‑based materials such as synthetic polymers and silica obtained from conventional materials such as quartz sand, yet perform similarly.

Reuben Chorley, Sustainable Industrial Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “This is another example of how JLR is leading on sustainable design innovation in collaboration with its supply chain partners to deliver at scale, while reducing the environmental impact of our products. Achieving a more sustainable composition without compromising quality and performance is a challenge because of the complexity of tyre design. But working closely with Pirelli and leveraging both company’s expertise in procurement and engineering, we have been able to deliver this industry first.”
JLR and Pirelli are strengthening their commitment to sustainability with the introduction of the new P Zero tyre, featuring FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified natural rubber. This initiative builds on JLR's pioneering move last year to incorporate FSC-certified natural rubber across its entire vehicle portfolio, ensuring responsible sourcing within its supply chain.

Both companies are dedicated to increasing the use of recycled and bio-based materials in their products. All such materials will undergo third-party certification to verify their quality and quantity. The long-term ambition for JLR and Pirelli is to achieve 100 percent sustainable materials in their tyres.

Arkema Unveils Next-Gen Solution For Faster Polymer Curing

Arkema Unveils Next-Gen Solution For Faster Polymer Curing

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.

ANRPC Publishes Monthly NR Statistical Report For August 2025

ANRPC Publishes Monthly NR Statistical Report For August 2025

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.

Tokai Carbon Finalises Bridgestone Carbon Black (Thailand) Acquisition

Tokai Carbon Finalises Bridgestone Carbon Black (Thailand) Acquisition

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.

Hana RFID Joins Auburn University RFID Lab Board

Hana RFID Joins Auburn University RFID Lab Board

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.