According to the market study “Global Tires” from the Freedonia Group, world demand for tyres is forecast to reach 3.2 billion units in 2022. In value terms, sales of tyres are projected to advance 4.9 % per year, boosted by expected increases in raw material prices and the continued development of higher quality tyres.

FRX Polymers Inc., a supplier of polymeric halogen-free flame retardant solutions, has been named to the “2019 Global Cleantech 100 List”, which recognizes the world’s leaders in sustainable innovation. The company, which earned the distinction for the sixth time in the last ten years, was recognized for its successful commercial work for its Nofia flame retardant products. Cleantech Group released the tenth Global Cleantech 100 report on 28 January 2019 at its annual Cleantech Forum in San Francisco, CA, USA.

Trinseo has increased prices for all ABS and SAN grades in Europe.

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released the Natural Rubber Trends & Statistics, December 2018. In 2018, world production of natural rubber (NR) accounted 13.960 million tons, an increase of 4.6 % from 13.350 million tons on a year-to-year basis, said ANRPC Secretary General Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Bich.

Kuraray announced that it will present its Mowital, Poval and Liquid Rubber (K-LR) brands, including a new heat-resistant PVB material and two new high-molecular polyvinyl alcohols, at the European Coatings Show (ECS) 2019 from 19 – 21 March 2019 in Nuremberg, Germany.

Lanxess is showcasing its extensive range of products and versatile solutions for manufacturing tyres at the Tire Technology Expo (TTE) 2019. These include environmentally friendly Rhenodiv release agents, Rhenomark tyre marking paints, Rhenoshape tyre vulcanisation bladders, Rhenogran aramid-fibre masterbatches, additives, accelerators and antidegradants. The company is represented at the event by its Rhein Chemie and Advanced Industrial Intermediates business units.

Arlanxeo is highlighting its latest achievements and developments in new eMobility oriented technologies at the Tire Technology Expo (TTE) 2019. The products are marketed under two brands: X_Butyl, which stands for premium butyl rubber products, and Buna, which stands for a multilateral range of butadiene rubber products. In the tyre sector, Arlanxeo’s rubber products are said to offer exceptional dynamic properties, strong impermeability, good resilience and grip, reduced rolling resistance, and high durability to ensure tyre performance while decreasing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Saudi Aramco on 22 February 2019 signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding its downstream presence in the Zhejiang province, one of the most developed regions in China. The company aims to acquire a 9 % stake in Zhejiang Petrochemical’s 800,000 barrels per day integrated refinery and petrochemical complex, located in the city of Zhoushan.

The Indonesian government has announced three new policies that aim to jack up the price of natural rubber, which has hit a record low since 2018. Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution said the new policies would restrict natural rubber exports, expand the domestic use of rubber in construction, and replant rubber plantations.

In passenger cars, “green” tyres have already proven to be effective in conserving resources. Evonik has now developed the silica Ultrasil 9100 GR that, according to the company's latest findings, is particularly suitable for use in truck and bus (TBR) tyres. In contrast to passenger car tyres, these use mainly natural rubber, which, in combination with the silane, places special requirements on the silica.