PPG, Oriental Silicas enter distribution agreement 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – US speciality chemicals supplier PPG has reached a strategic agreement with Taipei, Taiwan-based Oriental Silicas Corp. (OSC) for the distribution of select products in the Asia Pacific region.

As part of the agreement, OSC, a “leading producer” of silicas, sodium silicate and factice products, will act as a sales representative for a number of PPG silica materials used by tire manufacturers.

The products include select low- and high-surface-area PPG HI-SIL silica range and PPG Agilon performance treated silica, said a PPG statement 27 Oct.

The additives, said PPG, help lower the rolling resistance and improve wear properties in tire tread compounds; improve rubber mixing efficiency and reduce volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions from the manufacturing process.

In addition, they can increase the amount of natural rubber used in tires to deliver improved wear and tear resistance and support the use of bio-based materials. 

“[The agreement is] part of our ongoing effort to expand service capabilities and introduce innovative products in the Asia Pacific market for new and existing tire customers,” said PPG’s Gilles Gressier. 

The move, he said, is in response to ‘high demand’ from the region’s tire manufacturers for precipitated silica. 

“This agreement allows us to address their evolving challenges, including innovations for ultra-high performance, winter and electric vehicle tires,” said the PPG global business manager, tire and battery, precipitated silica. 

Furthermore, PPG said the agreement represents “a critical step” for its silica business in establishing a foundation in the Asia Pacific region.

“This partnership will benefit the growing number of tire manufacturers in the Asia Pacific market that want to introduce high-performing tires with low rolling resistance,” said Tim Lin, president, OSC. 

“With the tire market’s focus on next-generation offerings, we believe that our partnership will continue to drive growth, incredible value for our customers and innovation in the marketplace.” 

PPG Hi-Sil silica product portfolio includes low-surface-area materials for improved winter tire traction and hysteretic properties in non-tread applications and high-surface-area materials for improved treadwear and rolling resistance. 

Part of PPG’s sustainably advantaged product portfolio, PPG Agilon performance silica products are based on a platform of chemically modified precipitated silica and engineered to help improve fuel efficiency, traction and wear resistance.