ERJ Business Briefing - 2026

Tracking significant market and commercial developments within the international tire and rubber industries:

August 

The VCI has reported a slowdown in investment by chemical and pharma companies in Germany. After peaking at over €10bn in 2023, investments in property, plant and equipment recently fell to around €8.9bn. In the latest VCI member survey, 45% of companies expected declining investments in Germany, with only 20% planning to expand. Over 80% said Germany’s high costs as well as energy and climate policy were the greatest barriers to investment. Other factors were "unrelaible" economic policy and growing import pressure. Consequently, 43% of companies are “relocating investments abroad at least partially or even significantly.”

Metso is adding a service centre for mining customers in Minas Gerais, Brazil, taking its investment in South America to €45m over two years. The new unit is expected to start operations in Q1/28. Earlier investments included expanded capabilities in Antofagasta, Chile, and Parauapebas, Brazil, a new facility in Arequipa, Peru, and a new office in San Juan, Argentina. Metso also plans to invest in infrastructure for services and specialist technical support in Argentina. Metso said it has 20k units in operation across the region.

Bartell Machinery is expanding its Rome, New York plant to improve scheduling flexibility, reduce assembly and testing bottlenecks and allow more projects to be handled simultaneously. The expansion will include 30-tonne crane capacity to improve material handling, assembly and workflow. The company wants to manufacture larger and more complex machinery and increase throughput across its rubber, tire, wire & cable and oil & gas equipment lines.

Kobelco and Sensin Robotics have entered a capital and business alliance to promote digitalisation of manufacturing operations, using Kobelco’s DataLab data-analysis platform together with Sensin Robotics’ Sensyn Core solution-development platform. The companies will apply digital technologies to areas including equipment maintenance, automated inspection and construction management, combining material, operational, image, video, inspection and work-record data with AI analysis. The initiative aims to address labour and skills shortages. 

Epsilon Carbon has commissioned a 300ktpa speciality carbon facility at its Vijayanagar complex in Karnataka, increasing its total speciality carbon capacity to 600ktpa. The expansion makes the facility ‘one of India’s largest speciality carbon producers’ and strengthens supply to industries such as tires, aluminium, graphite and steel.

Teknor Apex has officially introduced its TekVentures corporate venture & innovation arm, which has invested in five early-stage materials, manufacturing and industrial-tech companies. The portfolio includes biomaterials developer Verde Biomaterials, circular fashion company Return to Vendor, bio-based coatings and adhesives developer LignoSphere, supply-chain software company FirstShift and industrial intelligence company SensFlo.

Tosoh Corp. has increased chloroprene rubber shipments and selling prices during the first quarter of fiscal 2026, supported by demand linked to tensions in the Middle East. In its quarterly results, published 4 Aug, the Japanese group said chloroprene rubber volumes rose as customers increased purchases following supply concerns related to the regional conflict. Selling prices, it noted, also increased as butadiene surged on the impact of the Middle East tensions.  ERJ report

French automotive supplier Akwel has reported an 18.7% year-on-year decline in first-half revenue, reflecting continued weakness in the automotive sector. Revenue for H1/26 fell to €415m. Q2 revenue declined 18.3% year-on-year to €208m. Exchange rates had an adverse impact of €2mn during the quarter. By region, EMEA sales fell 24.5% year-on-year to €264.3m, Americas by 5.6% to €136.1m, and Asia revenue dropped 11.8% to €14.6m.  ERJ report

Linglong Tire has become the 14th member and first Chinese tire manufacturer to join the GDSO (Global Data Service Organisation for Tyres and Automotive Components) as a full member. Established in 2022 by Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli, the international non-profit organisation aims to standardise and facilitate the global exchange of tire-related data. Linglong said it aims to contribute reliable data and support the development of industry standards and digital solutions.

Guizhou Tire’s US subsidiary North American Commercial Tire Resources (NACTR) has received just under $12m in tariff refunds and interest from US Customs and Border Protection following a US Supreme Court ruling invalidating tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Chinese tire maker said 7 Aug. CBP began processing refunds 20 April after the Supreme Court ruled in February that the IEEPA tariffs lacked statutory authority and were invalid from the outset.

A fire that broke out at a production facility of Sibur subsidiary Nizhnekamskneftekhim 31 July has been extinguished. The Russian producer said the fire originated on a polystyrene production line that was being unloaded due to external factors. No one was injured and emergency response teams contained the incident, with preliminary assessments indicating only minor damage to the facility.

US custom elastomer manufacturer Stockwell Elastomerics is investing $8 million to expand its Philadelphia manufacturing footprint, equipment and technical workforce. The company has acquired a facility adjacent to its existing campus, taking its total footprint to more than 100,000 sq.ft., with renovations and infrastructure work planned during 2026 and manufacturing operations expected to start in 2027. Stockwell has also added three compression moulding presses and a liquid injection moulding (LIM) press, as well as other manufacturing infrastructure. The company produces custom silicone gaskets, conductive elastomer EMI shielding components and precision elastomeric parts for industries such as aerospace, defence and medical.

Indian tire maker MRF has reported a 9.7% year-on-year rise in Q1/26 (to 30 June) sales to RS Crores 8,291.6 but profit from continuing operations down -2.0% to Rs Crores 474.4. The earnings decline was largely linked to raw materials costs – reportedly due to the Israel-US war on Iran. ‘Cost of materials consumed’ surged 26.7% year-on-year to Rs Crores 5,824.1, MRF's unaudited figures issued 12 Aug show.

Sri Lanka-based manufacturer of industrial solid tires ATIRE has announced a partnership with Bohnenkamp Eastern Group, a European wholesaler and distributor of tires and wheels for industry applications. Under the link-up, in place since February, Bohnenkamp has become distribution partner for ATIRE products across the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Romania.

For H1/26, Kuraray’s Isoprene unit posted a 15% year-on-year rise in sales to Yen45.9bn, and operating income of Yen1.8bn, versus a loss of Yen1.3bn in H1/25. Of its ‘Isoprene chemicals and elastomers business’, Kuraray said isoprene chemicals sales volumes fell due to “pull-forward in demand in the previous year caused by US tariff policies [and] stagnant construction demand in China." Elastomer sales volumes increased in the US, but were impacted "by intensified competition with Asian competitors in the European market and other regions.”

Mutares on 5 Aug completed its acquisition of Magna's Car Top Systems (CTS) business, which produces roof and aerodynamic 'kinematic' systems for the automotive industry. Started as a JV between Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Bietigheim-Bissingen-based CTS business has operations in Germany, Poland, China, Mexico and Japan. It generates sales of around €75m from the supply mainly of convertible tops, sliding/folding roofs and spoilers.

Chemicals company Lanxess is raising its prices for adipic acid  by an average of €150ton worldwide with immediate effect. The hike "reflects the ongoing, cumulative cost increases... including significantly higher raw material and energy costs," said a 6 Aug announcement. The adjustment, it added, was "necessary to ensure the long-term reliability and sustainability of supplies."

Tioxide has launched a second recruitment drive as it prepares to restart titanium dioxide pigment production at its Greatham plant in Hartlepool, UK in August. The company plans to create 60 additional jobs as it prepares to bring a second production line into operation, increasing the total number of positions announced since April to 130. Tioxide was created in earlier this year after LB Group acquired the Greatham site and associated TiO2 pigment assets from Venator in late April.

HF Group has reported on a recent customer event at its site in India, intended to promote collaboration, knowledge-sharing and technical exchange. The event, on 22-23 June, included a keynote address by CEO Ian Wilson, highlighting the rubber & tire machinery major’s “strategic vision, technological advancements, commitment to customer success, and future plans in India.” Technical presentations, meanwhile, showcased HF's latest advances in tire manufacturing, including: eCuring technology and mixing technology innovations.

Mutares has completed the acquisition of Sabic’s regional ‘engineering thermoplastics’ (ETP) business in the Americas and Europe for $450m. Representing the "largest transaction in Mutares’ history", the purchase has marked the establishment of the new “chemicals & materials” segment. The acquired business will operate under the new name NexPoint Materials in the future. ETP has a resin production capacity of 1,085ktpa and compounding capacity of 780ktpa, across eight producing facilities in the Americas and Europe. The business generates $2.5 billion in revenues.

BASF Group has posted Q1/26 sales up 16.2% year-on-year to €17.2bn, helped by higher prices (+11.5%) and volume growth (+7.3%). The pricing gains were driven by the group's chemicals, surface technologies, materials and industrial solutions units. Operating income (EBITDA before special items) improved 35.6% to €2.4bn, linked to a "significant earnings increase" in the materials, chemicals and industrial solutions segments.

July

UK-based Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) affiliate Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC) reported a 4% year-on-year decline in turnover and ‘other revenue’ to £3.03m (€3.5m) for 2025. Revenue from its ‘Rubber Consultants’ business fell 11% to £890k, while contributions from MRB edged up 1% to £1.87m. “Sundry and other income” decreased 10.2% to £269k. By region, UK turnover increased 7.2% year-on-year to £844k, but European revenues dropped 41% to £303k in 2025. Revenue from the rest of the world rose 2% to £1.89m (including MRB's contribution).

Hexpol has acquired Ancarano, Italy-based Vipa Group, a family-owned producer of polymer compounds, particularly for wire & cable applications. With 2025 sales of of €76.4m and around 80 employees, the acquired business operates two production sites in Italy, as well as an R&D center. Vipa will “significantly strengthen [our] wire & cable offering with exposure to electrification, data centers, telecom and smart buildings,” said Hexpol.

Tokai Carbon has temporarily shut down production at its Tanoura plant in Kumamoto prefecture following the earthquake that struck the region 28 July. Tokai Carbon reported no fatalities, serious injuries or major damage to buildings.  The Tanoura facility, part of the Fine Carbon business, produces isotropic graphite materials for semiconductor, solar cell, industrial applications, as well as for tire and wheel moulds.

Avon Technologies has secured a $20.1m (€17.5m) follow-on order for Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH Gen II) through its Team Wendy Ceradyne business. The order was placed by the US Defense Logistics Agency under a framework contract awarded in 2022. Avon said the contract 'reflects improving execution and delivery performance and reinforces Team Wendy's position on the programme.'

For its fiscal year to 31 March 2027, Shin-Etsu Chemical has forecast sales of Yen2,700bn and operating income of Yen700bn – versus prior-year figures of Yen2.573m and Yen635m respectively. “Given the various variable factors surrounding our business and their possible fluctuations, it is still difficult for us to forecast the full-year business results,” cautioned its 24 July statement.

Tokyo-based NOK Corp. is introducing new work uniforms to be worn at production sites, research locations, and other sites in Japan from October. The workwear items feature a unified design, designed to reflect NOK’s corporate identity. The designs were developed under the direction of creative director Kashiwa Sato of Samurai.  The aim, said NOK, is to “improve employee safety and comfort while strengthening a sense of unity across the group.”

Sumitomo Rubber Industries has expanded deployment of its proprietary Sensing Core software technology to Isuzu Motors' new Erga large route and shuttle buses, which went on sale in July. The buses are fitted as standard with a “wheel detachment prediction system” that detects loosening wheel nuts while the vehicle is in motion by analysing wheel speed and vehicle CAN data. According to SRI, the system alerts drivers through a warning display and buzzer and is designed to help prevent wheel detachment accidents and improve safety in public transport operations.

Hartalega on 28 July issued details of an analyst’s report, advising that Middle East tensions could help improve its earnings, though only to a limited extent. PublicInvest Research, it said, expects gloves prices to increase, while also noting caution among buyers. Competition from Chinese manufacturers is also expected to keep a lid on the predicted gains.

Ineos has received delivery of the first of two modules for Project ONE, its €5bn ethane cracker in Antwerp. The second module is expected to arrive "in the coming days," said a 28 July release. "Having been delayed in the Strait of Hormuz, their arrival marks the last major construction milestone before start-up, with first production targeted for H1/27."

Scandinavian Enviro Systems has reported a 72.2% year-on-year decline in first-half revenue to SEK7.6 million (€690,000) from SEK27.3 million, while its net loss widened 141.8% to SEK107.6 million. For the second quarter alone, revenue fell 98.5% year-on-year to SEK0.3 million from SEK19.9 million, while the net loss increased 27.8% to SEK27.1 million from SEK21.2 million.

Covestro has raised its full-year earnings forecast after reporting preliminary first-half 2026 earnings ahead of expectations. The German supplier reported preliminary first-half sales of €6.73 billion and earnings of €669 million, attributing the stronger performance mainly to higher selling prices while raw material cost increases lagged. Covestro now expects full-year earnings to be "significantly above" the 2025 level, compared with previous guidance for earnings to be broadly unchanged.

The global silicone elastomers market was worth $8.03bn in 2025 and is projected to reach $19.34bn by 2034, according to a Polaris Market Research report. The projected compound annual growth rate of 10.3% will be driven by "accelerating demand from EVs, medical devices, and advanced electronics."

The ERIKS name is set to disappear from the parts-supply market in the UK & Ireland following its recent acquisition by industrial components distribution major Rubix. Under the terms of the transaction, "we can't use the ERIKs name beyond the end of this month," confirmed Vince McGurk, CEO Rubix UK, Ireland and Iceland.  Read more

Airbus has recognised three Hutchinson aerospace units under its supplier quality programme. Fluid transfer systems sites in Fleury-les-Aubrais, France, and Sousse, Tunisia, received a 'special award' in their first year of participation, while Insulation materials systems facilities in Chemille, France, and Sousse were named 'best improvers.' Fabricated sealing systems plants in Amiens, France, and Lodz, Poland, retained 'accredited' status, the programme's highest recognition. Hutchinson said the awards reflect process stability, quality, delivery performance and continuous improvement.

Amaneos, part of Mutares has acquired the European automotive lighting business of Magna. The deal is a “transformational add-on" for Amaneos and its subsidiary LMS, combining exterior modules with lighting technologies under one industrial platform, said Mutares. With around 1,500 employees, the acquired business generated 2025 sales of around €200m. Magna has plants in Moncalieri, Italy and Kostrzyn nad Odr?, Poland), and engineering centres in Rivoli, Italy and Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Industrial products supply major Rubix on 1 July acquired French distributor and hydraulics specialist Thomé. Headquartered in Manom in north-east France, the acquired business has 44 employees and generates more than €17m in annual sales. The specialist hydraulics business complements and builds on the existing category expertise with 25 dedicated professionals joining the business through the transaction.

June

Pirelli North America has been named a 2026 Ford Supplier of the Year in the “Collaboration: Seek to Understand” category at the Ford Supplier Awards & Summit. Ford said the annual awards recognise suppliers that exceed expectations in quality, delivery and innovation. Pirelli said the recognition reflects its long-standing partnership with the automaker across a range of vehicle programmes.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries announced that its first Dunlop Falken summit for customers and dealers is taking place 22-28 June in Mallorca. Around 540 participants from 270 customer companies are attending across two sessions. The opening session hosted over 200 participants from Nordic countries and Germany – markets "that play a key role" in the replacement and dealership business. Phase 2 will bring together 340 participants from southern Europe, including Italy, Spain, Greece and France.

Major Pirelli stakeholders, Camfin, Marco Tronchetti Provera & C. (MTP Spa) and their investment vehicles CAA and Longmarch have moved to extend by five years, until 30 June 2040, the date from which the holding companies may be dissolved. The move, announced 19 June, reaffirms the companies' commitment as “stable and long-term” shareholders in Pirelli. The decision is also consistent with previously announced plans by MTP Spa/Camfin to increase their stake in Pirelli to up to 29.9%, with recent share purchases by CAA linked to that objective.

Evonik on 18 June announced new structural and cost-cutting measures from 2027-29, involving 3,200 job-cuts of which 2,150 will be in Germany - supported by increased efficiency, digitalisation, and outsourcing. Under current 2023-26 rationalisation and efficiency programmes, Evonik is already cutting around 2,800 jobs. The group also announced that it will discontinue its global polyester business in 2027, impacting sites in Witten and Marl, Germany, as well as Shanghai, China.

Olin Corp. and Huntsman Corp. on 16 June announced an all-stock ‘merger of equals’ to create a $12.5bn-turnover chemicals company called OlinHuntsman Corp. The deal is expected to generate savings & synergies of over $400m via the integration of upstream and downstream businesses: combining Olin's manufacturing and feedstock capabilities, including chlorine and caustic soda, with urethanes major Huntsman's downstream production and formulation operations. OlinHuntsman will have its HQ in The Woodlands, Texas.

Hyosung Advanced Materials displayed its latest defence-related innovations in InLEX Korea 2026 defence exhibition in Daejeon. Among other advanced materials, the company showcased “eco-friendly, high-strength” lyocell yarn and carbonised lyocell fabrics derived from the material for use in tire reinforcement. The event, said the company, provided an opportunity to show how its “advanced high-performance materials technologies can be applied” to the sector through continued R&D and localisation efforts.

Sri Trang Agro-Industry (STA) reported a turnaround in business performance Q1/26 versus the previous quarter - driven by a "gradual improvement in both the natural rubber business and the rubber glove business, following the impact of volatility in global natural rubber prices." For Q1/26, STA recorded total revenue from sales and services of THB26,842m, up 0.6% from the previous quarter. EBITDA stood at THB2,369, up 307.4% QoQ, reflecting a “recovery in operating performance” across the company’s two core businesses.

Biesterfeld has entered a distribution agreement with Osaka Soda covering the UK and Ireland market for high-performance elastomers and speciality additives. Under the partnership, Biesterfeld Petroplas will distribute Osaka Soda’s Epichlomer epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), Racrester acrylic rubber (ACM) and Cabrus polysulfide silane coupling agents. The companies said the products are targeted at automotive, industrial manufacturing and sealing applications requiring resistance to heat, oil, chemicals and weathering. 

Celanese Corp. is closing its engineered materials compounding facility in Ulsan, South Korea, as part of an optimisation of its global production network. The company said manufacturing and production operations at the site will cease immediately, with volumes transferred to Celanese plants in Nanjing and Shenzhen, China, and Silvassa, India. The Ulsan plant produces a range of engineering thermoplastics, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate and high-temperature nylon, for applications across multiple industrial sectors.

Milliken & Co. and Elkem have entered into a long term agreement under which Milliken will serve as Elkem’s exclusive North American distributor for select silane and siloxane materials. The collaboration, said the two partners, strengthens access to “a dependable, western sourced supply of key silicone building blocks” for customers across the region.

The European Commission has approved the proposed acquisition of BASF Coatings by investment firm Carlyle, subject to the divestment of Nouryon’s worldwide polysulfides business to a suitable buyer. Carlyle, which owns Nouryon, had offered commitments to address the Commission’s competition concerns. BASF Coatings develops and supplies coating products and solutions for the automotive industry, surface treatment technologies for industrial applications, and coatings and sealants for aerospace OEMs.

Goodyear announced 1 June that it has commenced a public offering of $750m aggregate principal amount of six-year senior notes. Goodyear said it intends to use the net proceeds to repay, redeem or repurchase its outstanding 4.875% senior notes due 2027 - the "4.875% Notes" - at or prior to their maturity on 15 March 2027.

Omya Performance Polymer Distribution has been appointed as the European distribution partner for SK Chemicals' Skypel thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE-E) portfolio, effective 1 July. Under the agreement, Omya will provide pan-European sales, technical support and application development services for the materials across automotive, electrical and electronics, wire and cable, consumer and other end-use sectors. The partnership builds on the companies' existing relationship in North America and expands Omya's TPE offering in Europe. 

Next Generation Analytics (NGA) has become wholly owned by majority shareholders DI Dr Friedrich Kastner and Corne Verstraten following the acquisition of the remaining 49% stake from NGH Next Generation Holding. NGA said the move creates a “clear” ownership structure and will support faster decision-making and investment. NGA companies are active in extrusion machinery, recycling technologies, film testing systems and extrusion dies, serving industries including rubber, plastics, medical, pharmaceutical, food and defence. Collin, part of the NGA Group, offers two systems in its portfolio for the rubber and elastomer industry: two roll mills for rubber and elastomers with liquid-controlled heating.

MAY

JK Tyre has reported an 11% year-on-year in sales for fiscal FY/26 (to 31 March) at $1,746m - its "highest ever annual consolidated revenue." Amid, "record volumes across segments," earnings (EBITDA) at the Indian tire maker reached $222m, 25% above the prior-year level. The performance was linked to "buoyant demand supported by GST and personal tax reforms, softening of interest rates, improved economic activity."  More to follow... 

Japan's Fukoku Co. Ltd has reported lower profits for the fiscal year ended 31 March, as rising raw material and labour costs outweighed productivity improvements and pricing measures. Full-year sales increased 0.4% year-on-year to Yen90bn (€487m), supported by “steady sales” in the ‘functional parts’, ‘life science’ and ‘hose’ businesses.  ERJ report

Aramco and Petronas have signed an agreement for the transfer of Aramco’s equity stakes in the PRefChem refining and petrochemical complex in Johor, Malaysia, to Petronas. Following completion of the transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, PRefChem will become a “wholly owned and operated subsidiary" of Petronas, said a 25 May statement. The agreement covers Aramco’s stakes in Pengerang Refining Company Sdn. Bhd. and Pengerang Petrochemical Company Sdn. Bhd., collectively known as PRefChem, located within the Pengerang Integrated Complex in Johor.

Wacker has completed the sale of 2.1 million shares in silicon wafer manufacturer Siltronic AG through a private placement to qualified and institutional investors. The shares were placed at €89.35 each in an accelerated bookbuilding process, generating gross proceeds of around €188 million for Wacker. The transaction represents 7% of Siltronic’s share capital and reduces Wacker’s stake in the company to 24%, although the Munich-based chemicals producer said it remains Siltronic’s largest shareholder.

Pirelli's three-year shareholders’ agreement involving China National Tire & Rubber Corp. (CNRC), Marco Polo International Italy, Camfin and Marco Tronchetti Provera & C. SpA (MTP) expired on 18 May and was not renewed. The agreement, originally signed on 16 May 2022 and effective from 19 May 2023, covered, among other matters, the governance of Pirelli. The company said the non-renewal had already been disclosed as part of Italy’s “Golden Power” procedures linked to notifications submitted by Camfin/MTP and CNRC. (ERJ report)

Celanese Corp. has announced another price increase in just over a month for a range of engineered materials, including TPVs. The hikes, all global regions and take effect 1 June, Celanese said 19 May. Price adjustments include flame-retardant Santoprene TPVs, which will see an increase of $0.30/kg in Asia, $0.10/lb in Americas and €0.15/kg in Europe. Hytrel, Bexloy and Neolast TPCs will also see an increase of $0.20/kg in Asia, $0.10/lb in Americas and €0.15/kg in Europe.

BASF has launched a new phase of its “Winning Ways” strategy focused on strengthening and growing its core businesses following the carve-out of its standalone units. The chemicals major said 20 May that it aims to reduce net cash fixed costs across its core operations by up to 20% by 2029, compared with a 2024 baseline, under a new programme called “CoreShift”. BASF has also established a Core Transformation Office led by Julia Raquet, who will report directly to CEO Markus Kamieth. According to BASF, the core businesses – Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions and Nutrition & Care – generate around €40 billion in annual sales. Kamieth said the company’s focus was to “leverage best-in-class competitiveness and synergies across our core businesses to lift their earnings power.” The group is already restructuring its Ludwigshafen Verbund site and reshaping global service units as part of efforts to simplify operations and improve profitability.

HF Group has been awarded Supplier Award 2025 by Continental in the category “service, maintenance, repair”, recognising the German machinery supplier’s after-sales support and service performance. The award highlights HF’s expertise in mixing and curing solutions, with a strong focus on “minimal downtime, reliable machine performance, fast response times, and proactive spare parts planning,” said HF in a statement. The group said it stood out for its “immediate support during critical breakdowns, global on-site service, rapid delivery of high-quality spare parts, and transparent, customer-focused collaboration.”

Dutch group TKH posted a 6.0% year-on-year decline in Q1/26 turnover at its ‘automated machinery - smart manufacturing systems’ division. Tire & rubber machinery major VMI generated 86% of division sales in 2025. The reverse was linked to “lower order intake in tire building machines (TBMs) in the previous quarters." Order intake for TBMs in Q1/26 “remained at lower levels, further impacted by the geopolitical circumstances,” added the 12 May update. On the full-year outlook for the group, TKH said "we reiterate our expectation for organic turnover and EBITA growth in 2026.”

Omya Performance Polymer Distribution has expanded its partnership with BASF to distribute Elastollan TPU across France, Switzerland, North Africa, Israel and the Middle East, effective 1 July. The agreement builds on Omya’s existing Elastollan TPU business in the UK and Ireland through Distrupol. BASF’s Elastollan TPU is used in applications including automotive components, industrial parts, consumer goods and electrical products.

Effective 1 June, or as customer contracts allow, Wacker Group will raise its prices for 'resins, dispersions, and dispersible polymer powders' sourced from its production sites in Europe and the US. Prices for these products will be increased by up to 15%, the company announced.

Asahi Kasei on 12 May announced plans to streamline operations at its Mizushima Works by fiscal 2030, aligning with its previously announced cessation
of ethylene production at Asahi Kasei Mitsubishi Chemical Ethylene Corp. Steps includes the discontinuation of the site's 3ktpa unit for the production of Duranol polycarbonate diol - a polyurethane feedstock for synthetic leather. Supply will be maintained via Asahi Kasei Performance Chemicals (China).

Effective 1 May, or as contracts otherwise allowed, Celanese Corp. increased prices in Asia for flame retardant Santoprene TPV products by $1.50/kg. Additionally, said the company, individual grades may be subject to higher increases than specified.

Pyrum Innovations AG has published its 2025 financial results, showing that revenue more than doubled compared to the previous year to €4.1m - from a prior-year €2.0m. In terms of profitability, Pyrum posted a consolidated net result of minus €10.0m, similar to 2024, adding that a "balanced EBITDA [was] expected for 2027."

Marangoni on 8 May announced a new partnership with Greenline Tyres and its owner Samir Amr to expand its presence in Morocco by delivering "sustainable, high-quality, and cost-efficient" tire retreading solutions based on its Ringtread and TRM technologies.  

Germany’s chemicals & pharma manufacturing industry saw a “significant decline” in overseas business at the start of 2026: exports falling across all regions, according to monthly economic data issued by industry association the VCI.  ERJ report

APRIL

Elkem has announced a price increase across its silicone product portfolio for customers in Europe and the Americas, effective 24 April or as contracts allow. The price adjustment ranges from 10% to 30%, depending on product categories and market segments. Elkem said the decision reflects “a sustained increase” in its cost base, driven by “inflation in key raw materials and chemical intermediates, higher energy and utility costs, and continued pressure on transportation and logistics. Additional cost impacts include packaging, labour, asset maintenance, and ongoing volatility in global supply chains.”

Michelin has reported first-quarter group sales of €6.17bn, down 5.4% year-on-year, with the entire decline attributed to adverse currency movements as the euro strengthened against the US dollar and most other currencies.

South Korea-based Nexen Tire posted Q1/26 sales of KRW838.3bn and earnings (operating profit) at KRW 54.2bn. Sales, it said, grew on a “strong performance” in Europe – helped by a recent plant expansion – and North America. Profitability improved on enhanced product mix and cost stabilisation efforts. Sales-share of high-value-added products such as premium OE, SUV and EV tires”continued to expand”, while 18”+ products reached 40% of total sales.

Tosoh Corp. is raising domestic prices for polyurethane raw material MDI and HDI-related products from 1 May, citing higher feedstock and energy costs. Prices for all MDI products will increase by at least Yen80/kg, while HDI and HDI derivatives will rise by Yen150/kg. Tosoh said the worsening situation in the Middle East, supply concerns from oil-producing countries and the continued depreciation of the yen had sharply increased raw material costs. 

UK-based tire retailer Loughton Tyres has entered “members’ voluntary liquidation,” according to a filing dated 2 April. Joint liquidators Ninos Koumettou and Constantinos Pedhiou of BTG Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP were appointed by members to oversee the process. The company, listed as operating a tire shop, is based in Loughton, Essex, and has been trading since 987.

Asahi Kasei on 24 April reported its filing of litigation for alleged infringement of its Chinese patent rights covering water-based grades of Duranol polycarbonate diol. The lawsuit against Shanghai Songxuan New Materials Co. Ltd and Huizhou Changlong Chemical Co. Ltd was filed 25 March at the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court. It seeks injunction against the manufacture and sale of products employing the polyurethane monomer/feedstock by both companies and compensation for damages.

Monheim am Rhein, Germany-based Oxea announced price increases for neopentyl glycol (NPG). The move was due to “significant and sustained increases in raw materials, energy, and supply chain costs, combined with ongoing supply and demand volatility. The increases, effective 24 April, add €280/t to molten NPG sold in Europe, and €250/t, $290/t and $0.13/lb for NPG slurry in Europe, RoW and N. America respectively.

Trelleborg AB reported “a good start to the year” with net sales for Q1/26 down 3% year-on-year to SEK8,606m - but up by 4% organically. While ‘structural changes’ increased sales by 2%, currency factors took a 9% toll. Earnings (EBITA), excluding items affecting comparability, fell 2% to SEK1,586m. EBITA margin at 18.4%, up from 18.2% a year ago, “was the highest margin ever for a first quarter.” Commenting, president and CEO Peter Nilsson said: “Despite the continued uncertainty in our external environment, our assessment is that demand in the second quarter will be somewhat higher than in the first quarter.”  More to follow...

Tosoh will raise prices for a range of elastomer products by Yen150/kg from 11 May, citing higher raw material and energy costs linked to Middle East supply concerns and the continued depreciation of the yen. The increase covers polycarbonate diols (PCDs) and derivatives, polyester polyols, thermosetting polyurethanes (TSUs) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs). The company said cost pressures have “reached a level that is difficult to absorb” and warned that further revisions may follow if conditions worsen.

Nokian Tyres has launched a long-term share-based incentive plan for management covering 2026-30, built around three rolling three-year performance periods. The first cycle (2026-28) will link rewards to relative total shareholder return (50%), average ROCE (40%) and reductions in Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions intensity (10%). The plan will cover around 100 participants, including the CEO and senior execs, with a maximum of 1.26m shares allocated for the first period.

PCBL Chemical said it has received the “Outstanding Performance Delivery (Domestic)” award at the Ceat 'vendor meet 2026', citing its focus on “efficiency, reliability, and seamless execution.” The company said the recognition reflects “strong collaboration and continuous improvement across operations”, highlighting its delivery performance for the tire maker.

Cooper Standard’s FlexiCore (ERJ report) automotive body seal has won a 2026 Environment+Energy leader award in the business & infrastructure category. The product is claimed to weight reduction of up to 44%, full recyclability and improved sustainability performance. According to the company,the seal, which replaces traditional rubber-metal designs, has already been launched in a front and rear closure application with “a global car maker.”

South Korea-based Nexen Tire on 22 April announced a US marketing initiative, encompassing stadium advertising, in-store promotions and mobile billboards. Features will include LED advertising in nine baseball arenas, targeting both in-stadium fans and TV audiences. In the retail space, Nexen is rolling out banner and digital advertising at more than 3,000 locations across North America.

Zeon Corp. has announced price increases for its elastomer products, citing a sharp rise in input costs linked to geopolitical developments in the Middle East. In a 21 April statement, Zeon said it will revise selling prices for a range of synthetic rubber products, effective for deliveries from 1 May. Read more

Ineos Inovyn on 21 April signed an agreement to sell its Italian chlor-alkali business to Esseco Industrial. The sale of the unit, which operates sites in Rosignano and Tavazzano, is expected to be completed during 2026. The sale will allow Inovyn to focus on its integrated European PVC and Chlor-alkali businesses, said Ineos.

Solvay has extended its global agreement with process automation specialist IMI to accelerate deployment of connected industrial sensors across its manufacturing sites. Under the expanded partnership, the Belgian group plans to increase the installation of industrial sensors from the current 5,000 units to 9,000 by 2027. The I-IoT sensors, already installed at 25 sites in 11 countries, “continuously measure vibration and temperature on critical equipment,” enabling teams to “track assets, prevent breakdowns and plan maintenance at the right moment.”

Nouryon is expanding production capacity for the Levasil-branded colloidal silica grades at its site in Guangzhou, China, in response to rising demand in Asia-Pacific. The materials, according to Nouryon, are used for applications including emissions control catalysts, electrical steel coatings and non-stick cookware. The move will “bring production closer to customers” and enable shorter lead times and a broader product range.

Denka Co. Ltd is raising the prices of its chloroprene products due to an increase in production costs. Effective 15 May, the price increase will be "$200 or more, or €180 or more, per tonne," Denka said 20 April. The group said it "continues to face challenges arising from rising production costs caused by geopolitical tensions." The price hike, it said, will ensure "a stable supply and maintain business continuity."

Celanese Corp. has announced a second price increase in just over a month for a range of engineered materials, including TPVs. The hikes, which mainly affect Asia, will take effect on 1 May and include flame-retardant Santoprene TPVs, which will see an increase of $1.50/kg in the region, the company said on 17 April.

Shin-Etsu Chemical is increasing its prices for silicones in Japan and globally, due to the recent Middle East conflict and the rise in crude oil and naphtha prices. Effective 1 May, all silicone products by Shin-Etsu’s silicone division will see a “10% or more” increase in prices, said the Japanese group 17 May. Read more

Resonac Corp. has announced that it will increase prices for its Showprene chloroprene rubber by more than Yen80/kg, effective for deliveries from 1 May, citing rising raw material costs linked to the situation in the Middle East. The company said cost pressures have moved “far beyond the limits of our self-help efforts,” adding that the increase is necessary “in order to maintain and continue this business.”

Flexsys increased prices for insoluble sulphur since 23 March, with rises of $0.60/kg in Asia, €0.45/kg in Europe and $0.40/kg in North and Latin America. The company cited “soaring raw material costs, energy costs, and freight costs,” driven by the conflict in Iran and the wider Middle East region and its impact on supply chains.

Effective 1 April, Klinger The Netherlands has acquired Conovalve, a Dutch specialist in control valve technology, particularly for the food & drink industry. The deal builds on a 20-year-plus partnership between two family-owned companies, through Klinger Italy’s Burocco control valves. The acquisition “is another step in building a stable and future-oriented platform for sustainable growth”, says Daniel Schibli, CEO of the Klinger Group.

In a recent update, UK polymers specialist MacLellan Rubber said it is “closely monitoring” the evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East and evaluating any potential impacts on global supply chains. "At this time, we do not anticipate any disruption to our subcontract manufacturing operations or our ability to supply our customers,” the company said 25 March - adding that it would “communicate any meaningful updates should conditions change.”

Arlanxeo on 10 April announced an agreement for the expansion of marketing and sales of EPDM rubber manufactured by Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Co. (PRC), a joint stock company formed under the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The expansion, it said, took effect in February, making Arlanxeo "the exclusive marketer of EPDM grades produced at PRC."

Cabot Sanmar, a joint venture between Cabot Corp. and India’s Sanmar Group, has broken ground on an project to expand the production of fumed silica manufacturing capacity at its existing plant in Mettur, southern India. Read more

MARCH

Arclin has officially closed its $1.8bn acquisition of DuPont’s Aramids business, adding the Kevlar and Nomex brands to its portfolio. The move expands Arclin’s presence across aerospace, EVs, electrical infrastructure, and personal protection, said the Alpharetta, Georgia-based materials specialist. The purchase will also strengthen Arclin’s global footprint with manufacturing facilities in Ireland and Spain.

Synthos ranked first among Polish companies for European patent filings in 2025, according to the EPO Technology Dashboard. The company’s applications focus on rubber and insulation technologies linked to sustainability. Read more

Huntsman Corp. has opened its expanded Performance Products facility in Petfurdo, Hungary, where operations were initiated at the beginning of this year. The move increases global capacity for polyurethane, coatings and electronics applications, said Huntsman, noting that demand for its Jeffcat amine catalysts is “continuing to grow across the globe,” with products used in applications including automotive seating, mattresses and insulation.

BASF has inaugurated its new integrated site in Zhanjiang, southern China, including a steam cracker with capacity of 1 million tonnes/year of ethylene. The German group said the unit is the ‘first of its kind’ “equipped with main compressors powered by 100% renewable energy,” enabling CO2 emissions to be up to 50% lower than conventional petrochemical sites.

Celanese Corp. has announced a price increase for a range of engineered materials products in response to various factors, including “recent market developments and global supply chain disruptions.” Effective 1 April, the hikes cover Celanese thermoplastic elastomers. The group will raise the price of Santoprene-branded TVP materials by $0.30/kg in Asia, $0.10/lb in Americas and $0.25/kg in Europe. Hytrel & Bexloy TPCs will see price increases of $0.25/kg in Asia, $0.10/lb in Americas and $0.20/kg in Europe.

In Tokyo, Zeon Corp. also announced that it will raise prices for petroleum resins and thermoplastic elastomers from 1 April, citing higher feedstock costs linked to geopolitical tensions. The company will increase prices for Quintone petroleum resin by Yen110/kg and SIS Quintac thermoplastic elastomer by Yen130/kg. The group said “a significant increase in the price of domestically produced naphtha is anticipated” due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Zeon added that the rise “far exceeds the limits of our own cost-saving efforts”, leaving it with “no choice but to revise our product prices”.

The city of Fulda has exercised its pre-emption right to acquire the former Goodyear site for €16 million. The US group shut down the Fulda factory as part of a broader restructuring of its German operations in 2024. At the time, the tire maker cited the “significant decline in demand, rising costs, and growing competition from low-cost Asian imports.”

Goodyear is halting tire production at its facility in Topeka, Kansas for a week between 5 and 12 April, the company has told ERJ. The move, said Goodyear, is part of the group’s ‘continual reviews and adjustment to production schedules’ to “balance demand and operate as efficiently as possible.” The Topeka plant produces commercial truck and bus tires as well as off-road tires and has a nameplate capacity of 7,000 units per day.

Kuraray has announced price hikes across a number of its products, citing rising feedstock and logistics costs. Read more

Wacker Chemie has announced an increase in prices for its silicones products, effective 1 April. In a 20 March statement, the German group said the conflict in the Middle East had led to “significant disruption in global supply chains, resulting in significantly increased costs for energy, raw materials and logistics.”  (Read more)

B&C Holding Osterreich has announced a voluntary public takeover bid for Semperit Aktiengesellschaft Holding, targeting all outstanding shares not already held by the B&C Group. The offer is priced at €15.00 per share and will be subject to review by the Austrian ‘takeover commission’ before the full offer document is published, said Semperit 18 March. Semperit said it will assess the bid and issue a formal statement from its management and supervisory boards within the statutory period following publication.

Russia’s tire production is expected to recover in 2026, with passenger car output forecast to grow by up to 11%, according to Cordiant. “For 2026, a gradual recovery in production is forecast, with moderate growth of up to 11%,” the company said, while noting the overall market could decline by 2% to around 46 million units. Cordiant said imports fell 10% in 2025 to 1.7 million units per month, with Chinese brands accounting for 75%, while domestic production dropped 22%. The company retained a 27% production share and expects a 10% decline in Chinese brand activity in 2026.

China’s Shandong Yongsheng Rubber Group broken ground on a $670 million tire manufacturing facility in Morocco in January, through subsidiary Goldensun Tire Morocco. Located near the 'Nador West Med' port, the plant will have annual capacity of 18 million tires once fully operational. The project will include manufacturing, R&D and logistics infrastructure, targeting export markets in Europe and Africa. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2027.

LBB Specialties has entered a distribution agreement with Kemitura to supply KemituraSil fumed silica products across the US and Canada. The materials will be targeted at coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers, and are available in hydrophilic and hydrophobic grades.

Continental’s ContiTech division has opened a new distribution centre in Changshu, in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu to strengthen its automotive aftermarket operations and supply chain in the region. The first phase of the site will focus initially on the “assembly, warehousing and distribution.”  (Read more)

Hutchinson SA has completed the acquisition of US-based Cox & Co., a supplier of ice protection systems for aerospace applications, as the French group expands its presence in the US market. The deal covers 100% of Cox & Co. as well as its subsidiary Prime Technology, which specialises in instrumentation for naval defence and industrial sectors. (Read more)

Flexsys will raise regional prices for insoluble sulphur from 23 March, citing rising input costs linked to the Middle East conflict. Increases will amount to $0.60/kg in Asia, €0.45/kg in Europe, and $0.40/kg in North and Latin America. The company said the adjustments are driven by higher raw material, energy and freight costs.

In Germany, Lanxess is increasing prices for diphenylamine (DPA) and alkylated diphenylamine (ADPA) by 50% or more for all non-contractual volumes with immediate effect, said a 17 March announcement. The move reflects significantly higher costs for energy, raw materials and logistics amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, the German group said. 

In the US, Kraton Corp. is increasing global prices for all polymer products due to increasing costs, the company announced 15 March. The increase will range from $440/t to $700/t, or as contracts allow. (Read more)

Yokohama Tire is to permanently close its tire plant in Salem, Virginia with effect from 18 March. The company has previously announced a reduction in output at the  unit and notified employees that production could cease in July.  After negotiations with unions "the two sides have agreed to expedite the closure of the facility," said a 13 March announcement. (Previous ERJ report)

Wacker’s polymers business is ‘significantly’ raising its prices for polymer dispersions, resins, and dispersible polymer powders, citing “significant distortions in commodity market worldwide” following the recent military conflict in the Middle East. Effective 1 April, the extent of the price adjustment will depend on “where the respective product is sourced and on existing contractual agreements,” said Wacker. Primarily products sourced at Wacker’s production sites in Europe and Asia are affected by the increase.

In Houston, Texas, Orion SA announced that it is increasing prices by up to 25% and introducing a variable surcharge to all of its speciality carbons, effective 13 March. This action, it said, is due to rising costs, supply chain disruptions and feedstock cost volatility related primarily to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Cabot also announced 12 March that it is raising prices globally for speciality carbon black products and speciality compounds, due to supply chain disruptions related to the Middle East conflict as well as escalating transportation, energy and feedstock costs. Price increases will be up to 20%, depending on the product and region and will be effective immediately.

Univar Solutions has expanded its distribution agreement with SI Group. The agreement "includes their portfolio of additives for plastics and adhesives, antioxidants, stabilisers, UV stabilisers, and impact modifiers, across select EMEA markets, Univar said 13 March. The growing collaboration, it stated, "reinforces the companies' commitment" to the plastics and rubber industries.

Lanxess announced 11 March that it has raised prices for its functional additives used in the manufacture of tires and speciality rubbers by 15-50% with immediate effect, citing “significantly higher costs for energy, critical raw materials and logistics amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.” 

An ABB/Sapio Research survey found that 63% of 2,700 senior decision makers – across 15 countries and 15 industries – have invested singnificantly in energy efficiency and a further 29% plan to soon. About 67% are using or ready to deploy digital energy?management tools. Said ABB: “What’s holding companies back now are organisational silos, skills gaps and a lack of usable data… The challenge is [to] turn intent into repeatable execution.” Read the full survey report.

Eneos Material Corp. is to acquire JSR Corp.’s rubber sales business for the electronics industry, the Japanese synthetic rubber (SR) producer announced. The unit has marketed and sold SR produced by ENEOS, since the latter’s formation in April 2022 through the spin-off of JSR's elastomer business. Read more

In the UK, Walker Rubber Ltd of Norwich has acquired Braintree-based Clingbrook Ltd. The deal for a near ‘seven-figure’ sum is linked to the retirement of the owners of the family-run business.  Clingbrook has spent 47 years supplying precision rubber mouldings, particularly to the bottling and packaging industry.  Established in 1941, Walker transitioned into rubber manufacturing in the 1960s and has since contributed to landmark projects including for King’s Cross station and the first road-going Tesla Roadster EVs.

Tire pyrolysis company Pyrum is introducing new names for its recycled raw materials with immediate effect. The thermolysis oil previously known as recycled oil will in future be listed under the name TTO (ThermoTireOil). The previously used term recovered carbon black (rCB) will be replaced by the new designation TTB (ThermoTireBlack). Pyrum's aim is to "strengthen its brand identity and emphasize the independence and quality of its products."  More to follow... 

BASF on 4 Mar announced global price increases of up to 20% for products in its antioxidant, process stabilizer and light stabiliser portfolio for ‘plastic’ applications. The price adjustment was "primarily required due to significant cost increases for essential raw materials, inflationary effects on fixed cost, and increases in freight rates." 

Rockwell has announced that wheel maker Ronal is implementing a centralised system to manage remote access across its global operations using its secure connectivity technology. The system enables control of authorised external access to its production sites through encrypted comms, role-based authorisation and monitoring functions designed to meet regulatory requirements, including the EU’s NIS2 cybersecurity directive.

HS Hyosung Advanced Materials said it plans to participate in the silicon composite anode materials business through Extra Mile Materials BV, which was established by Umicore. HS Hyosung said it intends to secure a stake in the venture through conversion of funds lent to Umicore in November last year.

Toyoda Gosei has completed the acquisition of all shares in automotive safety company Ashimori Industry (ERJ report), making the company a wholly owned subsidiary effective 1 March. The move follows a capital and business alliance launched in May 2021. TG said the full acquisition aims to “maximise synergies” in safety systems, particularly through the integrated development of airbags and seatbelts to improve vehicle occupant protection.

Jiangxi Black Cat Carbon Black has commissioned a 1ktpa production line for ‘high-dispersion water-based carbon black’ developed jointly with Beijing University of Chemical Technology. The company said the “industrialisation breakthrough” will expand its portfolio with both high-end and general-purpose water-based speciality carbon black grades. The new materials, it added, can reduce VOC emissions by over 50% compared with traditional solvent-based carbon black used in coatings and fibres.

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