Asahi Kasei formally opens solution SBR plant
ERJ staff report (BC)
Singapore – Asahi Kasei Chemicals (AKC) held an opening ceremony on 11 July on Jurong Island, Singapore, for its new solution-polymerised styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) plant which began commercial operation in April 2013.
The first production line at the plant is producing 50 000 tonnes per annum; the second line, which is under construction, will produce S-SBR at the same rate.
AKC’s rationale for the investment is rapidly growing demand in Asia for tires with better performance, including fuel-efficiency, tightening environmental regulations and rising production of tires in emerging markets due to greater “motorisation”. It points to S-SBR formulations as an effective means of boosting tire performance and efficiency.
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