ERJ News: Rubber Industry Players of the Week

1.    Elastomer for Sustainability (E4S) Top 10
This week’s top spot goes to everyone participating in the Elastomers for Sustainability (E4S) programme, which is set for its first revision in the Nov/Dec issue of European Rubber Journal magazine. As per the launch of the Top 10 in July, the programme comprises five categories: Automotive components; Construction, including recreational areas; Consumer, medical and other GRGs; Industrial products; and Tires. How many new entrants will there be, and can anyone knock Asahi Kasei’s project off top spot?    Read more

2.    GPSNR votes for smallholder inclusion
Also bringing rubber sustainability to the fore this week, the Singapore-based Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) held its second annual general assembly on 23 Sept. A key decision concerned the further inclusion of smallholders in decision-making processes of the natural rubber value-chain platform.   Read more

3.    Tire Cologne 2021 offers “hybrid event” to counter Covid impact
Top marks also to Tire Cologne 2021 organisers MesseKoeln for devising a “hybrid” version of the tire trade expo that addresses continuing uncertainties over Covid-19. The new approach, as announced 24 Sept, will see the event being offered in two “parallel strands".   Read more

4.    Siemens logistics system to support Kama truck tire expansion
In Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, Siemens Russia has extended its partnership with Kama Tyres as the Russian tire manufacturer aims to more than double production capacity for truck tires.   Read more

5.    Pirelli among founders of CFO taskforce for sustainable development
Back on the sustainability track, Pirelli announced that it is the only tire maker to join a new UN initiative to increase investment in sustainable development goals (SDGs).  Read more

6.    China tire exports continue to rise in August
Encouraging to see China’s tire industry continue its rebound from the Covid downturn, reporting an 8.2% year-on-year increase in new tires exports in the month of August.  Read more

7.    Italian private equity fund acquiring Manuli oil & marine business
Expecting better times ahead, Ibla is acquiring the oil and marine business of Manuli Rubber Industries (MRI), with a view to further invest in the company and “relaunch” it to gain more market share.  Read more

8.    Avon wins €80m deal for helmet supply to US army
Continuing to buck the general downward trend, Avon Rubber plc has won a “sole-source contract” worth up to $93 million (€80 million) to develop and supply the US Army with head protection systems.  Read more

9.    ETRMA in “urgent” call over new chemical substances database
Proactive as ever, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) is among a coalition of 40 industry organisations urging the European Commission to delay the implementation of a substances of concern in products (SCIP) database.  Read more

10.    Top Glove posts record-high growth in profits
Rubber gloves manufacturer Top Glove Corp. Bhd has seen its financial results soar over the past year, with the outlook for the industry “very promising” in the short-term.   Read more

11.    Car market decline to have long-term impact on elastomer demand
Recessionary conditions following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic "have affected and will affect" the supply and demand of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), particularly within the automotive industry, according to an industry official.  Read more