Speciality materials company Trinseo reported a third-quarter net loss of USD 87 million, driven largely by restructuring and other charges totalling USD 26 million. 

This follows recently announced restructuring efforts aimed at streamlining operations. The company posted an adjusted EBITDA of USD 66 million, marking a USD 25 million increase year-over-year.

Despite a one percent year-over-year decline in net sales to USD 868 million, the company attributed an eight percent decrease in sales to intentional reductions in low-margin areas like polystyrene and latex binders. However, a seven percent increase from higher raw material prices partially offset this decline.

Commenting on the company’s third-quarter performance, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trinseo, Frank Bozich said, “As expected, market conditions and Adjusted EBITDA were sequentially similar to the prior quarter. Despite continued weak demand in many of our end markets, particularly building and construction and appliances, we saw significant year-over-year profitability improvement largely as a result of our restructuring actions and continued moderation of European input costs.”

Third Quarter Performance by Segment

Engineered Materials: The segment posted a 12 percent rise in net sales, reaching USD 207 million, driven by increased sales volume in consumer electronics and medical applications. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment rose by USD 20 million to USD 25 million, benefiting from improved margins and a favourable product mix.

 Latex Binders: Net sales increased eight percent to USD 242 million, primarily due to higher prices that offset a drop in sales volume for paper and carpet applications. Adjusted EBITDA increased by USD 8 million to USD 26 million, reflecting improved margins and a positive regional and product mix.

Plastics Solutions: Net sales rose three percent year-over-year to USD 268 million, driven by higher raw material costs. Adjusted EBITDA climbed USD 11 million to USD 28 million, aided by higher fixed cost absorption and inventory builds in preparation for the closure of the virgin polycarbonate facility in Stade, Germany.

Polystyrene: This segment saw a 28 percent year-over-year decline in net sales to USD 151 million, impacted by a 35 percent decrease in volume after the closure of the Terneuzen, Netherlands, facility and a reduction in low-margin sales. Adjusted EBITDA rose by USD 5 million to USD 4 million due to higher margins and cost savings from the Terneuzen facility exit.

Fourth Quarter Outlook

Trinseo projects a net loss of between USD 71 million and USD 81 million in the fourth quarter, with adjusted EBITDA expected to range from USD 40 million to USD 50 million. Bozich noted that while fourth-quarter EBITDA is anticipated to dip from year-end seasonality, restructuring benefits should sustain profitability above prior-year levels. The company also expects positive free cash flow due to seasonal working capital improvements.

Commenting on the fourth quarter outlook, Bozich said, “We expect Adjusted EBITDA to be sequentially lower from year-end seasonality, but still higher than the prior year due to the benefits from our restructuring initiatives. We also expect free cash flow to turn positive in the fourth quarter due to typical seasonal working capital improvements.”

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In a major step to advance its global manufacturing footprint, China’s Triangle Tyre has unveiled plans for a new facility in Cambodia. The company will invest CNY 3,219 billion (approximately USD 462 million) to construct a tyre plant in Svay Rieng Province, with construction slated to commence in March 2026. This project represents a cornerstone of the firm’s international expansion strategy and a deepening engagement with the Belt and Road Initiative.

The future facility is designed to produce six million high-performance passenger car tyres and one million commercial vehicle tyres annually. It will employ proprietary manufacturing technologies developed by Triangle Tyre. Output from the Cambodian plant is primarily destined for key international markets, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Establishing a local, wholly-owned subsidiary will facilitate the project's implementation and ongoing operations. Company officials position the investment as a strategic move to optimize global supply chain and sales networks while enhancing overall market competitiveness. Financial projections indicate the project is expected to generate average annual revenues of approximately CNY 2,585 billion (approximately USD 371 million) upon reaching full production, with an estimated investment return rate of 15.1 percent.

This overseas capacity expansion is viewed as a direct response to China’s ‘Go Global’ policy. It aims to secure new market opportunities and sustainable profit growth, thereby strengthening the company’s position for long-term development in the global tyre industry.

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Hankook Tire commences its second year as the exclusive tyre supplier for all classes of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), beginning with the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo from 22 to 25 January. This 94th edition of the legendary event, covering 339 kilometres across 17 special stages in Monaco and France, is renowned for its unpredictable Alpine conditions. The challenge of rapidly changing surfaces, from tarmac to snow and ice, makes tire selection and performance absolutely critical to competitive success.

For this demanding opener, Hankook will provide its advanced Ventus Z215 tarmac tyre, engineered for precise handling and cornering stability on dry roads. To tackle winter conditions, the company will supply its Winter i*cept SR20, available in both studded and non-studded versions to ensure exceptional traction and control on snow and ice. These products incorporate the brand's latest motorsport technology, developed in collaboration with participating manufacturers to meet the championship's rigorous demands.

Beyond the technical partnership, Hankook plans to enhance its fan engagement throughout the 2026 season. Initiatives include operating ‘Brand World’ marketing booths at service parks for events like the Croatia Rally and Vodafone Rally de Portugal, alongside hosting ‘Stage Hospitality’ at select regional rallies. These efforts are designed to offer unique brand experiences to spectators and partners, solidifying Hankook's premium global image. The company will also leverage its official digital channels to share real-time updates and rally content with a worldwide audience.

The 2026 WRC calendar comprises 14 rounds spanning Europe, Africa, South America and Asia. Having established its technological leadership since becoming the exclusive supplier in 2025, Hankook aims to build on its proven record of consistent performance under extreme conditions, supporting another fiercely competitive championship.

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Continental has enhanced its gravel range with the introduction of the Terra Adventure Graphite-Reflex, a tyre engineered for visibility and extended exploration. This new model incorporates a Graphite Reflective sidewall strip, certified to the R88 standard, to dramatically improve rider visibility during low-light and night-time riding. This key safety feature empowers cyclists to venture further with confidence, bridging the gap between gravel and cross-country mountain biking without compromising performance.

The tyre builds on a foundation of proven off-road technology, featuring a fast-rolling, open tread pattern derived from Continental's mountain bike expertise. This design ensures reliable traction across diverse surfaces, from soft soil to hardpack. Reinforced shoulder knobs provide secure cornering, while a specific 3-3-4 centre stud arrangement offers stability under braking and smooth handling over mixed terrain. Underpinning this capability is Continental's Grip Compound and protective Trail Casing, which work in concert to deliver durable, all-condition performance.

Fully tubeless-ready and hookless rim compatible, the Terra Adventure Graphite-Reflex is available in multiple widths to suit different riding preferences. Ranging from a speed-oriented 45 mm option to a plush 55 mm version, each tyre is constructed to offer long-distance durability and consistent control, making it a versatile choice for riders who demand both safety and uncompromising capability on their adventures.

Alexander Haenke, MTB and Gravel Product Manager, Continental Tires, said, “With the new Terra Adventure Graphite-Reflex, we’re expanding our gravel tyre portfolio for riders who want to venture further with greater confidence. By integrating R88-certified Graphite-Reflex, we’re improving low-light visibility and offering riders extra peace of mind on extended or unpredictable routes. Whether you’re tackling dark-season gravel rides or pushing through late-night bikepacking miles, Terra Adventure Graphite-Reflex adds a meaningful safety advantage without compromising style or performance. At Continental, we’re dedicated to creating products that align with every rider’s adventure – and with this new addition, the journey can continue long after the sun goes down.”

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The Rubber Division, American Chemical Society has announced the recipients of its 2026 Science and Technology Awards, recognising seven researchers for contributions to elastomer science, sustainability and manufacturing innovation.

Dr Rabindra Mukhopadhyay has been named winner of the Sustainability in Elastomers Award, which recognises advances that reduce environmental impact and improve material compatibility across the elastomer value chain.

The Sustainability in Elastomers Award, sponsored by ACE Laboratories, was established in 2018 as the Bioelastomer Award and later expanded to reflect broader sustainability goals. It carries a USD 3,000 prize, an engraved plaque and travel support.

Dr Mukhopadhyay is Chairman of the Indian Rubber Institute and Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Hari Shankar Singhania Elastomer and Tyre Research Institute. He also serves as Director (R&D) at JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. He is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Indian National Academy of Engineers, the Institution of Engineers India, the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, the Indian Society of Analytical Scientists and the Indian Institute of Quality.

He is a Visiting Faculty Member at a number of Indian universities, including the Indian Institute of Technology, and serves as a Senate Member of the Indian Institute of Technology (Patna). He is also a Member of the Academic Advisory Board of Techno India NJR Institute of Technology, a Member of the Governing Council of the Rubber Skill Development Centre, and a Member of the Advisory Board of Certification Services at the British Standards Institution. Mukhopadhyay has spent 38 years in the polymer industry, with a focus on education, training and research in rubber science and tyre technology, and has authored more than 175 research papers and holds six patents.

The division’s highest honour, the Charles Goodyear Medal, has been awarded to Dr Gregory McKenna. Sponsored by HF GROUP, the medal recognises invention or innovation that has made a significant contribution to the rubber industry. The award includes USD 6,000, a gold medal, a framed certificate, lifetime membership of the Rubber Division and travel expenses.

Dr Will Mars has been selected for the Melvin Mooney Distinguished Technology Award, sponsored by Lion Elastomers. The award recognises sustained technical contributions to rubber science and technology and includes USD 3,000, an engraved plaque, lifetime membership and travel support.

The George Stafford Whitby Award for Distinguished Teaching and Research has been awarded to Dr Rigoberto Advincula. Sponsored by Cabot Corporation, the award honours international excellence in polymer science education and research and includes USD 3,000, an engraved plaque and travel expenses.

Dr Clément Robin is the recipient of the Sparks-Thomas Award, sponsored by Endurica. The award recognises scientific contributions by early-career researchers within 25 years of earning a bachelor’s degree and includes USD 4,000, an engraved plaque and travel support.

The Chemistry of Thermoplastic Elastomers Award has been awarded to Dr Timothy Lodge. Sponsored by Renkert Oil, the award recognises advances in the chemistry of thermoplastic elastomers, particularly work leading to new commercial or patentable materials. It carries a USD 4,000 prize, an engraved plaque and travel expenses.

Dr Gerard Nijman will receive the Fernley H Banbury Award, also sponsored by HF Group, for innovations in rubber processing equipment, instrumentation and manufacturing technology. The award includes USD 3,000, an engraved plaque and travel support.

The Rubber Division, ACS Science and Technology Awards programme has recognised achievement in rubber and elastomer science since 1941. Award recipients will be formally recognised at a forthcoming Rubber Division meeting, where they will deliver technical lectures on their work.

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