23 May 2012
ERJ staff report (LMH)
Singapore -- Speciality chemicals company LANXESS predicts a bright future for the synthetic rubber industry, pointing towards the global megatrends of green mobility and rapid urbanisation as drivers of the demand for rubber in the next few years.
Dr. Ron Commander, Global Head for the Butyl Rubber business at Lanxess AG, made this prediction at the World Rubber Summit 2012, currently held at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore.
The conference, which will run from 23-24 May, is a unique and exclusive platform for the top minds of the global rubber community to discuss and debate major trends and fundamental issues shaping the future of the rubber industry. In his speech, titled 'New Technology and the Future of Synthetic Rubber', Dr. Commander presented challenges and opportunities within the synthetic rubber segment.
Figures from the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) supported Dr. Commander's prediction, showing that global rubber consumption increased by 4 percent in 2011, reaching 25.8 million tonnes. Of the increase, synthetic rubber consumption increased by 6 percent.
Dr. Commander also outlined his thoughts on how green mobility and rapid urbanisation will contribute to this growth in demand for synthetic rubber. He noted also that rapid urbanisation of cities will translate to a massive, sustained building boom, which will in turn lead to an increased demand for high-performance synthetic rubbers.
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Press release from Lanxess
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