Orion Engineered Carbons, a speciality and high-performance carbon manufacturer, has announced that it will invest in hard carbon black production at its Ivanhoe plant.

The company said in a statement that one of its soft carbon black manufacturing reactor lines will be converted to produce hard carbon black, a material typically used in tyre treads. According to the company, the material will improve a tyre's strength, minimise tread wear, allow engineers to fine-tune the performance of a tyre and protect it from UV radiation.

Corning Painter, CEO, Orion Engineered Carbons, said, "With the continued on-shoring of tyre production to the US, the carbon black supply-demand balance is getting tighter, particularly for hard carbon black. To help support this aspect of the automotive tyre supply chain, we are going to invest in converting a reactor at our Ivanhoe plant, increasing the domestic supply of hard black by about 30,000 tonnes (about 27,215 metric tonnes) per year by mid-2022. Soft black capacity will be decreased by about the same amount." (TT)

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its Monthly NR Statistical Report for June 2025, providing an overview of key developments in the global natural rubber sector. The latest data indicates a sustained downward price trend, primarily driven by improving supply conditions in major producing nations, elevated stockpiles at key ports and ongoing trade policy uncertainties.

Market analysts attribute the bearish sentiment to a combination of factors, including increased output from leading rubber-producing countries and subdued industrial demand, particularly from tyre manufacturers. These conditions have contributed to mounting pressure on prices, with limited signs of immediate recovery. The ANRPC notes that while production levels remain stable, cautious demand projections persist due to broader macroeconomic concerns, including potential trade disruptions and slowing global economic growth.

Projections for 2025 suggest a modest 0.5 percent increase in worldwide natural rubber production compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, consumption is anticipated to grow by 1.3 percent, reflecting a slight but uneven recovery across key markets. However, analysts warn that external factors, such as shifting US tariff policies and weaker-than-expected industrial activity, could further dampen demand growth in the coming months.

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Cabot Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Mexico Carbon Manufacturing S.A. de C.V. (MXCB) from Bridgestone Corporation for USD 70 million on a debt-free, cash-free basis, pending standard closing adjustments. The deal, which requires regulatory approval in Mexico, is anticipated to finalise within three to six months.

The MXCB facility, established in 2005, produces reinforcing carbons and is strategically located near Cabot’s existing Altamira plant, operational since 1990. This acquisition reinforces Cabot’s partnership with Bridgestone, ensuring long-term supply of reinforcing carbon products while expanding Cabot’s production capacity and global footprint. The facility’s versatility allows for the manufacture of additional reinforcing carbon products, enabling Cabot to meet diverse customer demands and pursue future growth opportunities.

By integrating MXCB, Cabot strengthens its position as a leading global supplier of carbon black, reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable materials to key markets. Bridgestone’s decision to sell MXCB to Cabot reflects confidence in Cabot’s expertise and consistent performance as a trusted industry partner. This move aligns with Cabot’s long-term growth strategy and enhances its ability to serve customers worldwide.

Sean Keohane, President and CEO, Cabot Corporation, said, “We are excited to expand our global reinforcing carbons network and deepen our collaboration with Bridgestone. This acquisition aligns with our strategy to grow in core markets and reinforces our commitment to operational excellence, innovation and customer value. Our long-standing experience in the region and cultural alignment with the local team supports a smooth integration and long-term success. Importantly, this acquisition also further strengthens our position as a global leader in reinforcing carbons, enabling us to deliver innovative solutions and dependable supply to customers.”

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The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) has introduced its new Assurance System, a significant milestone in advancing sustainability across the natural rubber supply chain. Developed through extensive collaboration among GPSNR's Singapore-based members – including smallholders, producers, traders, tyre makers, automakers and NGOs – the system aims to tackle critical issues like deforestation, biodiversity decline, labour rights violations and human rights concerns.

The framework enables companies to align with GPSNR’s sustainability standards, evaluate supply chain risks, undergo independent verification and disclose progress transparently. A key innovation is its risk-based approach, which adjusts oversight based on the severity of environmental or social risks in specific regions or operations, optimising resource allocation. GPSNR also provides tailored tools and guidance to help members implement the system effectively, fostering accountability and improved practices industry-wide.

Stefano Savi, CEO, GPSNR, said, “This is more than a milestone for GPSNR. It is a pivotal moment for the entire natural rubber industry. With our organisational design finalised and both Shared Investment and Risk-Based Assurance in place, we’re ready to move into implementation. I look forward to the impact this will have on smallholder livelihoods, the environment and supply chain resilience.”

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  - Fayiah M BOUQUET August 05, 2025 19:52 PM

  This is a great step forward to ensuring sustainable standards and transparency for natural rubber industry.

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Giti Tire has developed a concept tyre made with 93 percent sustainable materials as the Singapore-headquartered manufacturer accelerates efforts to commercialise greener products by the end of the decade.

The prototype combines 53 percent renewable ingredients such as deforestation-free natural rubber, pine-based resin and silica derived from rice husks with 40 percent recycled materials including rubber, carbon black, steel and polyester fibres from plastic bottles.

“For Giti, this stands as both a milestone and a promise—a testament to the possibilities when scientific ingenuity encompasses environmental stewardship,” said Gao Qiang Sheng, R&D General Manager at Giti Tire. “The Giti team will continue pioneering sustainable ways to improve products while maintaining our signature balance of performance and safety in order to deliver driving enjoyment for all drivers.”

Giti said the tyre achieved a technical readiness score of 9 out of 10, underscoring the viability of its eco-friendly compounds in high-performance applications. Bio-based polymers, next-generation manufacturing techniques and advanced recycling processes all contributed to the breakthrough prototype.

The company is aiming to begin mass production of the material platform by 2030 as part of a broader push to reduce reliance on petrochemicals and lower carbon emissions across its supply chain.

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