Zeon expands SSBR output to support fuel-efficient tire production

Tokyo – Zeon Corp. has completed an expansion project at its synthetic rubber production facility on Jurong Island, Singapore, to support the production of high-performance, fuel-efficient tires.

The Japanese group has installed a new production line for high-grade solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) at the plant and upgraded the existing facilities, Zeon said in a 2 June statement.

The move reinforces the group’s ‘dual-site system’ for SSBR supply from Singapore and its Tokuyama facility in Japan.

According to Zeon, the expansion project was recently completed, with commercial production scheduled for 2026 following a test production phase.

Operational since 2014, the Singapore facility initially had an output of 30–40 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa).

In 2015, Zeon announced plans to double SSBR production at the Singapore site.

With the expansion completed, Zeon will have a combined SSBR capacity of 125ktpa across its plants in Singapore and Japan.

The group said it aimed to become “the best owner of SSBR in the market by raising the ratio for high-grade products that significantly improve the wet grip, rolling resistance, and abrasion resistance of tires.”

In addition to enhancing fuel efficiency, SSBR also helps reduce tire wear particle emissions and improve wear resistance.

Zeon claims its SSBR technology enables “advanced control of molecular structure and superior terminal modification” processes.

With the additional capacity in Singapore, Zeon said it aims to build “a robust global supply system and add higher value to its SSBR business.”