Asahi Kasei reports increased rubber shipments

Tokyo –Asahi Kasei has reported improved sales and earnings at its performance polymers unit in its third quarter financial results – ended December 2015.

The gains were supported by lower feedstock costs and included “increased shipments of synthetic rubber for fuel-efficient tires”, the Japanese chemicals maker said.

The chemicals company is set to increase annual production capacity for hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomer (SEBS) by 30 percent at Kawasaki production site, the report also noted.

The start-up is scheduled for June, and the added capacity is expected to meet the growing demand for SEBS for medical applications in Europe and China, said Asahi Kasei in July 2015.

Asahi already increased production capacity for SEBS at its Kawasaki site by 20 percent in spring 2015.

The company has announced that its synthetic rubber and elastomer business has a policy of proactive expansion, focused on high-function and high-value added products.

“In particular, Tuftec and SOE. SEBS are high-performance and high-value added elastomers featuring excellent weatherability, heat resistance, and anti-abrasion properties,” it said.