LANXESS remains on track despite the impact of the coronavirus crisis: Following the third quarter, the specialty chemicals company is confirming and narrowing the corridor for the guidance for 2020 and now expects EBITDA pre exceptionals for the full year to come in between EUR 820 million and EUR 880 million. Earnings were previously expected in the range of EUR 800 million to EUR 900 million.

 “We are continuing on course in the troubled waters of the coronavirus crisis and have specified our 2020 guidance. We want to deliver what we announced in spring. Given these volatile times and the many uncertainties, this is a great achievement of the entire LANXESS team and I am very proud of this,” said Matthias Zachert, Chairman of the Board of Management at LANXESS AG.

 LANXESS will be paying a special bonus for the extraordinary commitment of its employees during the coronavirus pandemic. “In particular, our colleagues at the plants played a crucial role in keeping our business running during the crisis,” said Zachert. “With this bonus, we would like to thank them and all the others who have made special contributions over the past months.” In total, LANXESS will distribute a high single-digit million euro amount. The amount of the payment varies from employee to employee. In Germany, the special bonus will be paid out in December. Different rules apply in the other countries.

 Coronavirus crisis affected business figures

 The coronavirus crisis continued to affect business figures in the third quarter. At EUR 193 million, EBITDA pre exceptionals was 28.3 percent down on the prior year’s figure of EUR 269 million. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals declined to 13.2 percent, against 15.8 percent in the prior quarter. In addition to the pandemic, a planned major maintenance shutdown in Belgium, effects from reduced selling prices and adverse exchange rate effects, particularly relating to the U.S. dollar, burdened the result. By contrast, business in the Consumer Protection segment continued to develop well. There were also positive signals from the markets compared with the previous quarter.

 “In many businesses, we are seeing indications that things are taking a turn for the better. Demand in key customer industries, including the automotive sector, picked up again in comparison to the second quarter. China and the U.S., in particular, are providing positive stimuli,” said Zachert.

 Group sales amounted to EUR 1.461 billion, down 14.3 percent on the previous year’s figure of EUR 1.704 billion. Net income from continuing operations fell by 68.4 percent from EUR 79 million to EUR 25 million.

 Segments: Consumer Protection remains strong pillar

 Demand in the Advanced Intermediates segment stabilized in both business units compared with the second quarter, so that sales volumes almost reached the previous year’s level. However, given lower selling prices and negative exchange rate effects, sales and earnings were down year on year. Sales decreased by 14.4 percent from EUR 549 million to EUR 470 million. At EUR 65 million, EBITDA pre exceptionals was 28.6 percent lower than the prior year’s figure of EUR 91 million. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals was 13.8 percent, against 16.6 percent in the prior year.

 The coronavirus pandemic continued to impact the Specialty Additives segment also in the third quarter. Sales volumes declined significantly, particularly due to lower demand from the automotive and aviation industries. Lower selling prices and negative exchange rate effects also had a negative impact. Sales fell by 18.5 percent from EUR 503 million to EUR 410 million. At EUR 65 million, EBITDA pre exceptionals was 33.0 percent lower than the prior year’s figure of EUR 97 million. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals decreased from 19.3 percent to 15.9 percent.

 The Consumer Protection segment remained a strong pillar of the Group thanks to a strong agrochemicals business and good demand for disinfectants. In addition, the positive portfolio effect from the acquisition of the Brazilian biocide manufacturer IPEL offset adverse exchange rate effects. With EUR 278 million, sales were stable year on year. At EUR 59 million, EBITDA pre exceptionals was 7.3 percent higher than the prior year’s figure of EUR 55 million. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals picked up to 21.2 percent, against 19.9 percent in the prior year.

 The Engineering Materials segment was impacted by weak demand in the automotive industry, particularly in Europe, although this did improve compared with the previous quarter. At EUR 285 million, sales were down 19.3 percent on the prior year’s figure of EUR 353 million, also due to lower selling prices and negative exchange rate effects. A planned major maintenance shutdown in Belgium weighed on EBITDA pre exceptionals, as did weak demand, prompting a 44.1 percent downturn in earnings from EUR 59 million to EUR 33 million. The EBITDA margin pre exceptionals of 11.6 percent was below the figure of 16.7 percent posted in the prior year.

 LANXESS continues to improve sustainability credentials

 After LANXESS announced a year ago that it would become climate neutral by 2040, the specialty chemicals company has now set itself new goals for sustainable water management. As part of its “Water Stewardship Program”, LANXESS will initially strengthen sustainable water management with specific local projects at four sites in the areas with the greatest water stress. The aim is to reduce absolute water withdrawal at these sites by 15 percent by 2023. The experience gained from these projects should help to further improve water performance globally.

 LANXESS has also improved its MSCI ESG rating from BBB to A. The climate strategy, the well-formulated principles of corporate governance and the robust efforts in the area of chemical safety have led to the improvement.

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A new bio-based cut & chip resin for the most demanding applications.

NaugaShield BIO-TR 30 is SI Group’s latest advancement in bio-based performance resins designed to significantly improve cut and chip resistance in high-severity rubber applications. With approximately 75 percent bio-based content, this innovative material delivers on sustainability targets while exceeding the performance typically associated with petroleum-derived resins, making it a strong choice for applications such as OTR tyres in mining, construction and agriculture, mining conveyor belts, rubber tracks and mill linings.

Cut and chip resistance is a complex set of material behaviours, including static mechanical strength, dynamic response under deformation and ability to withstand sharp impacts and abrasive environments. In demanding applications such as mining or agriculture, materials must tolerate repeated high-strain loading and resist the initiation and propagation of tears. NaugaShield™ BIO-TR 30 was developed precisely to meet these conditions, demonstrating notably low dynamic heat buildup and excellent tear strength – characteristics closely tied to enhanced cut and chip resistance and long-term durability under cyclical loads.

To evaluate its performance, NaugaShield BIO-TR 30 was benchmarked in an Off-road Rib Tread formulation against two widely used industry references: a gum rosin/semi-aromatic C5/C9 resin combination and a styrenated DCPD resin. All materials were tested at an equal loading of 10 phr to provide a direct and unbiased comparison. Under these conditions, the bio-based resin consistently outperformed both alternatives, offering a stronger balance of reinforcing behaviour, improved tear propagation resistance and superior resistance to thermal degradation during dynamic flexing. Further improvements were achievable by reducing the amount of free extender oil in the compound, underscoring the resin’s adaptability in formulation design and its ability to unlock even greater performance when optimised.

These laboratory indicators were corroborated through extended Coesfeld Cut & Chip testing (see chart), in which compounds were subjected to up to 3,000 cycles at 200 rpm under a 200N applied force. Formulations containing NaugaShield BIO-TR 30 exhibited substantially lower mass loss and maintained tread surface integrity more effectively than the hydrocarbon and gum rosin-based-benchmarks. The performance advantage was even more pronounced in compounds adjusted for lower free oil content, confirming that the resin can be tailored to meet the durability requirements of the most challenging operating conditions.

The strong performance of NaugaShield BIO-TR 30 in OTR tread compounds can be readily transferred to other rubber goods that encounter similar wear mechanisms. Applications such as mining belts, agricultural and construction tracks or mill linings benefit from the resin’s ability to reinforce the rubber matrix, reduce crack growth under repeated impact and maintain structural cohesion under high-strain deformation. This versatility allows manufacturers to integrate a 75 percent bio-based resin that supports sustainability by reducing fossil-based content and helping end products last longer while maintaining – and often improving – operational performance across multiple product lines.

NaugaShield BIO-TR 30 is currently available in commercial quantities, enabling compounders and manufacturers to move directly from laboratory evaluation to pilot- and production-scale trials.

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Kuraray Co., Ltd. marked its 100th anniversary on 24 June 2026, with a commemorative ceremony at the Tokyo International Forum. The company live-streamed the event to its domestic and overseas locations, enabling employees worldwide to join the celebration simultaneously and strengthening the Group's collective spirit.

The speciality chemical company expressed deep appreciation to its stakeholders and predecessors for their enduring support throughout the century. Leaders also reaffirmed the organisation's determination to pursue new challenges collaboratively as it embarks on its next hundred years.

Hitoshi Kawahara, President, Kuraray Co., Ltd.

President Hitoshi Kawahara called for uniting values across diverse countries, regions, languages and cultures during this pivotal moment. He advocated for realising ‘One Kuraray’ by actively connecting people, technologies and knowledge beyond conventional organisational and business boundaries to co-create fresh value.

Kuraray originated in 1926 in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, with the commercial production of synthetic rayon. Over the past century, the company built its reputation on distinctive technologies, including PVA fiber, PVOH resin, CLARINO man-made leather and EVAL EVOH resin, guided by its mission to achieve what no other company can for people and the planet. Today, Kuraray operates across 32 countries and regions. The company now views its centennial as a launching point for tackling social challenges through innovation and for unlocking new possibilities in the years ahead.

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Cabot Corporation has once again achieved the top-tier platinum designation from EcoVadis, maintaining this elite status for six consecutive years. This accomplishment secures the company’s place among the global elite, as only one percent of all businesses scrutinised by the rating agency receive this highest mark. The outcome reflects the firm's sustained emphasis on driving tangible environmental and social advancements while upholding rigorous disclosure standards across its operational network.

The assessment framework employed by EcoVadis examines more than 150,000 entities worldwide, spanning numerous sectors and geographies, with evaluations rooted in established sustainability benchmarks. Cabot registered its most significant annual performance jump this cycle, with a five-point increase in its cumulative score, driven largely by enhanced results in the ethical conduct segment. Additionally, the company retained its exceptional standing in both environmental stewardship and workforce rights, securing the maximum possible recognition in those two critical areas.

With EcoVadis consistently tightening its evaluation parameters to mirror emerging global norms, Cabot has responded by intensifying its own internal sustainability measures. The organisation has concentrated on elevating operational effectiveness and data visibility, ensuring its practices remain responsive to the increasingly stringent expectations of stakeholders and rating bodies alike.

Underpinning this trajectory is a deeply ingrained organisational culture focused on iterative refinement and long-term value creation. By persistently elevating its sustainability agenda, Cabot reinforces its reputation as a proactive industry participant, dedicated to aligning corporate performance with broader societal and environmental objectives.

Jennifer Chittick, Senior Vice President, Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) and Government Affairs; Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “We are encouraged by this year’s EcoVadis results, which reflect meaningful progress across our sustainability programme and our largest year-over-year score increase to date. These results demonstrate how greater transparency, stronger cross-functional collaboration and disciplined execution are helping us strengthen how we operate while advancing progress toward our 2030 sustainability goals.”

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Nokian Tyres has secured a position among TIME Magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies for 2026, claiming the 100th spot on a prestigious roster of 750 global enterprises. The annual compilation, produced in partnership with the research firm Statista, recognises organisations demonstrating exceptional environmental and social performance after a comprehensive evaluation of thousands of candidates worldwide.

The selection process weighed verified sustainability credentials, including active participation in the UN Global Compact and Science Based Targets initiative-approved emission reduction goals. Assessment also incorporated third-party ratings from entities like CDP and MSCI, alongside rigorous scrutiny of each company’s transparent operations, ethical governance and overall commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ultimately distinguishing Nokian Tyres for its holistic approach to corporate accountability.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “This is a great acknowledgment of our long-term sustainability work and motivates us to keep improving. We want to enable drivers to make more sustainable tyre choices without compromising on performance. Renewable and recycled materials and lower rolling resistance help cut tyre lifecycle emissions, while rigorously tested tyres improve grip and safety, especially in demanding weather conditions. Proactive sustainability measures also benefit our customers: responsible sourcing reduces risks, and innovative, high-performing tyres with lower environmental footprint make it possible for our customers to offer higher-value solutions to their own clients.”

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