The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., will continue to supply its ADVAN racing tyres as the control tyre for the Japanese SUPER FORMULA Championship for the next several years from 2023. Yokohama Rubber has been the control tyre supplier for Super Formula since 2016. From 2023, the company plans to supply racing tyres made from sustainable materials. Development of these tires will begin this year. 

The supply of racing tyres made from sustainable materials will be carried out in support of the Super Formula Next50 (SF NEXT50) project. The SF NEXT50 project is being promoted with the cooperation of various companies that share the common goal of creating a sustainable motorsports industry by responding to changes in the environment surrounding the automobile and motorsports industries, including the promotion of SDGs and carbon neutrality, the company said in a statement. 

In its development of racing tyres for SF NEXT50, Yokohama Rubber plans to use various naturally derived compounding agents, such as silica produced from rice husks, oil from oil palm fruit nuts, and orange peels. Rubber recycled from scrap tires also will be used. Yokohama Rubber plans to use sustainable materials that will not negatively affect racing car performance. The tyres will be tested during trial runs of the future formula racing car that will be conducted by JRP before and after each Super Formula race this year, with development of the 2023 control tire scheduled to be completed by the end of the Super Formula season. Yokohama Rubber will continue its development of sustainable racing tyres after 2023, with the aim of supplying control tires in 2025 that have a sustainable material content ratio of 35% or more without any sacrifice in sports performance, the release said. 

Yoshihisa Ueno, President of Japan Race Promotion, said, “We have worked closely with Yokohama Rubber, Inc., over the past several years to take Super Formala to another level. We are extremely pleased to take on new challenges with them, as part of the SF NEXT50 project. As we work towards the realization of carbon neutral, while at the same time developing racing tyres that place less of a burden on the environment, and from the perspective of our ‘driver’s first’ initiative, we ponder the question “what is the best tire solution for one of the top races in the world?” We hope it will be a big step forward by developing sustainable racing tires for the future of motorsport, as well as for the automotive industry on a whole, and from a promoter’s perspective, we also strive to increase both the overall image and value of SUPER FORMULA.” 

Masataka Yamaishi, Yokohama Rubber President and Chairman of the Board, said, “In support of JRP's SF NEXT50 concept for sustainable motorsports activities, Yokohama Rubber will continue to supply the control tires for SUPER FORMULA races from 2023 while also continuing our effort to develop racing tires that use sustainable materials. We regard this ESG activity as one of our business activities aimed at maximizing the sales ratio of high value-added products in our consumer tire business. Yokohama Rubber will be expanding its use of renewable and recyclable raw materials in the future, with the aim of using those materials in our tires without sacrificing the vehicles driving performance. Toward that end, we look forward to supporting SUPER FORMULA, Japan’s penultimate race series, and to developing and testing tires under the extreme conditions typical in the races.” (TT) 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Zeon Corporation and Visolis Inc. have formalised their partnership by signing a binding term sheet, marking a pivotal advancement in the commercialisation of bio-based isoprene monomer and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

This collaboration, which now moves from technology verification towards project implementation, is built upon the progress made since their initial memorandum of understanding in March 2024 and the subsequent joint feasibility study announced in April 2025. Bio-based isoprene monomer serves as an essential component in the production of synthetic rubbers and various other materials, while SAF is increasingly recognised as a critical next-generation fuel for reducing carbon emissions within the aviation industry.

The newly established term sheet outlines a foundational agreement on the key elements required for a final investment decision. These include defining the business structure and the respective roles of each company, establishing technology and development strategies and advancing detailed engineering for the proposed production facility. Furthermore, the agreement covers the evaluation of potential sites, the process for engaging with suppliers, securing necessary regulatory approvals and planning the financing pathway.

The envisioned facility is set to commence commercial-scale output after successfully demonstrating mass production capabilities for biomass-based isoprene and SAF, utilising Visolis’ proprietary technology. Both companies are now committed to expediting the path to full-scale production and ensuring a steady supply of these sustainable products to the global market.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Zeon Corporation has deepened its commitment to digital chemistry through a strategic investment and partnership with Chemify Limited, secured via its corporate venture arm Zeon Ventures Inc. Chemify, a growth-stage UK enterprise, is reshaping molecular research by integrating digital tools with automated laboratory systems. Its proprietary Chemputation technology translates molecular targets into executable chemical code, which operates directly on robotic platforms to complete integrated Design–Make–Test–Analyze cycles without manual intervention. This closed-loop automation allows Chemify to explore previously inaccessible areas of chemical space while reducing the timeline from concept to synthesized compound by up to tenfold.

A cornerstone of Chemify’s capability is its recently inaugurated Chemifarm in Glasgow – one of the most sophisticated automated facilities in the world for molecular design and construction. The facility enables accelerated iteration and autonomous synthesis of novel small molecules, converting chemical code into tangible compounds with unprecedented efficiency. These advances are critical for developing functional, synthesisable molecules that can contribute solutions to urgent global issues spanning public health, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Zeon has been at the forefront of adopting digital methodologies in chemical R&D, recognising their transformative potential from an early stage. This investment is positioned to strengthen Zeon’s internal digital chemistry efforts and catalyse the invention of novel materials capable of addressing complex societal needs. The move aligns with Zeon’s STAGE30 corporate strategy, which targets a rise in revenue contribution from four key growth sectors – Mobility, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Telecommunications and Green Transformation – to 48 percent by fiscal 2028. By backing pioneering enterprises and cultivating advanced materials, Zeon continues to advance its dual vision of a sustainable planet and a secure, progressive society.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Rubber Board of India has announced the opening of an application window for financial aid for sulphur dusting to combat powdery mildew disease in rubber plantations for the year 2026. The scheme is open to all Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPS) operating in both traditional and non-traditional growing regions.

From 10 to 20 February 2026, eligible societies must submit their applications online through the 'ServicePlus' portal on the official Rubber Board website. Societies requiring help with the submission process are advised to contact their nearest Rubber Board regional office or field station, or to consult the board's website for further guidance.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pyrum Innovations AG has welcomed the official recognition by French authorities on 17 January 2026, which classifies tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) as a legitimate raw material for the chemical sector. This pivotal regulatory milestone for pyrolysis oil derived from end-of-life tyres substantially enhances the product’s integration into established chemical value chains. It also provides greater predictability for future purchase and partnership frameworks, thereby accelerating the development of industrial material cycles.

For Pyrum, which processes scrap tyres through pyrolysis to recover pyrolysis oil, industrial carbon black and steel, this decision underscores the critical need for standardised and reliable regulatory conditions. Such clarity is fundamental for scaling investments, production volumes and supply chains, particularly as the chemical industry and circular economy converge. The establishment of clear product categories is essential to ramp up the market for high-quality recycled raw materials.

The company remains committed to tracking further developments in France and the wider European dialogue regarding the classification and application of recycled feedstocks. Pyrum’s overarching objective is to expand industrial-scale recycling solutions for scrap tyres. This regulatory progress directly supports the company’s mission to secure long-term, quality-assured supply agreements with partners across the chemical industry, thereby advancing a more sustainable and circular economic model.

Pascal Klein, CEO, Pyrum Innovations AG, said, “The decision in France is an important step for the industrial use of pyrolysis oil from waste tyres. It supports a trend that we are seeing in many markets, where the chemical industry is seeking reliable, technologically robust and clearly classified alternative raw materials.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!