The Polymer Industry Cluster, in partnership with The University of Akron (UA), has announced the selected location for a new innovation pilot facility dedicated to provide crucial resource for innovators by offering the specialised space and equipment needed to transition new materials from research to market.

A significant advancement for Northeast Ohio's polymer industry, the new scale-up facility will be built on the UA campus next to the existing National Polymer Innovation Center building. This proximity is designed to foster a powerful collaborative environment, giving users direct access to the centre’s advanced resources and expertise. Its location at the heart of the region's polymer corridor will provide a centralised hub for businesses and researchers across the area.

A primary goal of the initiative is to fill a recognised void in the product development cycle. The facility will offer turnkey operational space for both startups and established companies to conduct initial production runs and refine their manufacturing processes before committing to full-scale commercial operations. This support is vital for de-risking innovation and accelerating the launch of new advanced polymer products.

Funding was secured through a USD 31.25 million award from the State of Ohio's Department of Development, granted under the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub programme. This state investment is further strengthened by an additional USD 10.4 million in matching contributions from local partners. The construction timeline is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, following the vacating of the current Lincoln Building on the site and pending final state approvals. This project underscores a shared commitment to strengthening Ohio's position as a global leader in polymer science and manufacturing.

Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer, Polymer Industry Cluster, said, “This project underscores Akron’s position as the hub of polymer innovation. By placing this facility next to NPIC and close by other polymer and engineering labs, we’re ensuring that entrepreneurs, researchers and industry partners have the tools, environment and support needed to transform new ideas into commercial realities.”

UA President R J Nemer said, "The University of Akron is excited to make room for the polymer facility project. As the number one institution in the world for polymer science and plastics engineering, we look forward to working with our Akron area partners to elevate polymer research, expand development and amplify production right here at the UA campus."

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said, “Locating the Polymer Industry Cluster innovation pilot facility on The University of Akron Campus demonstrates the importance of the University as a force for education and innovation within the pipeline of polymer development from idea to industry. This new addition complements the work of Bounce Innovation Hub, builds a new resource for our industry partners and highlights the City of Akron as the centre of polymer innovation at the state and national level. This new facility will be just a short walk from Akron's Rubber Worker statue in the heart of downtown which illustrates the importance of Akron's rubber past as a foundation for our polymer future.”

Mark Smale, Executive Director – Advanced Polymer Science, Bridgestone Americas and co-chair of the Polymer Industry Cluster, said, “This facility will represent a transformational step for the Polymer Industry Cluster. It will attract start-ups seeking to validate new materials, researchers aiming to commercialise discoveries and established companies looking to innovate without interrupting their current operations.”

Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro said, “This new facility is not just an investment in physical infrastructure. It’s an investment in the future of our economy. By strengthening our position as the global centre of polymer innovation, we are attracting new jobs and talent and ensuring that groundbreaking research and manufacturing will continue to thrive right here in our region for generations to come.”

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A delegation from the All Kerala Small Scale Tread Rubber Manufacturers' Association (AKTRMA) and the Kerala Small Scale Industries Association (KSSIA) met Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal and Secretary for Resources Ajit Patil on 18 September 2025, to address the issue of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tractor tread rubber used for retreading.

The delegation led by A Nisarudheen, State President of KSSIA and Alias Mathew, General Secretary of AKTRMA highlighted the negative impact of the current GST structure on small and medium-scale retreaders, which are crucial to the rural economy. They emphasised the need for GST rationalisation to ensure fair taxation and the long-term viability of the industry.

The industry bodies stated that both the Finance Minister and the Secretary for Resources were receptive to the concerns and gave assurances that the matter would be given serious consideration. They also promised a follow-up meeting once the process begins.

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Solvay is expanding its global circular economy strategy by converting its Asian production of highly dispersible silica (HDS) to use certified circular raw materials. Beginning in 2026, its plants in Qingdao, China, and Gunsan, South Korea, will transition to using ISCC+ certified waste sand. This major initiative is projected to make over half of the region’s HDS output circular, directly aiding tyre makers in their goal of incorporating over 40 percent sustainable materials by 2030.

This transition provides tyre manufacturers with a cost-effective, high-volume circular Zeosil silica that integrates seamlessly into existing processes without the need for reformulation. The move builds on the successful conversion of Solvay’s Livorno, Italy, facility to using rice husk ash and reflects a coordinated, global shift towards circular sourcing. It also supports the broader sustainability goals of Solvay Silica, including the adoption of low-emission technologies like electric furnaces to minimise the carbon footprint of its products worldwide.

By pioneering circular silica from diverse feedstocks and regions, Solvay is fostering more resilient and sustainable supply chains through innovative partnerships across the entire value chain.

An Nuyttens, President of Solvay’s Silica Business unit, said, “Solvay’s circular silica helps improve fuel efficiency and EV range, offers long-lasting wear benefits, improves safety, while advancing sustainability. This is more than innovation - it’s a reinvention of how we source, produce and collaborate across the value chain.”

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Following the formal approval of its foundational design, Sinopec has announced the construction of a new green, high-end rubber materials facility in Tianjin, China. The project, which was initially revealed in 2023, represents a total investment of CNY 2.452 billion (approximately USD 344.65 million). Its production output will include 100 kilotonne per annum (ktpa) of solution styrene butadiene rubber and an equal volume of nickel-based butadiene rubber.

Operated by Sinopec’s Beijing Yanshan branch, the venture will be funded through a combination of 70 percent bank loans and 30 percent company capital. The initial construction phase, focused on piling work for processing units, storage areas and auxiliary facilities, is valued at CNY 28 million (approximately USD 3.94 million) and scheduled for completion within 31 days.

This new rubber plant is an integral component of the larger Sinopec Nangang high-end materials industrial cluster, which also features a recently completed 1.2 million tonne-per-year ethylene complex. Encompassing a 277,004 sqm site with a built area of 43,522 sqm, the facility is projected to become operational in 2027.

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Elkem ASA, a global leader in advanced silicon-based materials, has announced a significant advancement in silicone sustainability with the successful validation of a new mechanical recycling process for High Consistency Rubbers (HCR). This innovation provides a scalable method for recycling crosslinked HCR waste and reintroducing it into new product formulations. The process achieves re-incorporation rates of over 50 percent while maintaining the excellent mechanical properties required for high-performance applications. This breakthrough demonstrates how material engineering can enable a more circular economy for silicones, helping to reduce waste and the carbon footprint while meeting rising market demand for sustainable solutions.

This mechanical recycling process expands Elkem's comprehensive silicone recycling strategy, which now encompasses both chemical and mechanical pathways. The ability to integrate multiple recycling technologies allows the company to tailor its approach based on the type of waste material, specific carbon reduction goals and the performance needs of the final product.

The development is a key outcome of the open innovation project ‘RENOV’ (Recycling & Reincorporation of Elastomer Materials), focused on creating technologies for recycling and reincorporating crosslinked elastomer waste. The project, supported by the French environment agency ADEME, unites Elkem with industrial partners Hutchinson and Nexans, as well as several CNRS-affiliated laboratories. A primary objective is to evaluate market acceptance and identify the most promising commercial and environmental applications for mechanically recycled HCR.

High Consistency Rubbers are valued for their exceptional strength, thermal stability and electrical insulation properties, making them critical components in industries ranging from electric vehicles and aerospace to medical devices and electronics. Elkem will present samples of the recycled material and detail this new technology at the K 2025 trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 7–14 October 2025.

Joséphine Munsch, R&T sustainability leader at Elkem, said, “This breakthrough demonstrates the power of purpose-driven innovation aligned with market expectations. After two years of development, we are proud to present a first proof of concept for mechanical recycling of HCR, opening the door to new industrial applications and reinforcing our ambition to leverage pragmatic, science-driven solutions to lead and accelerate the transition to a circular economy for silicones.”

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