Eneos Materials aims to "outgrow the market” for SSBR

Tokyo – Eneos Group has reported strong volume growth within its high performance materials segment, almost entirely driven by higher demand for solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR).

“Global demand for S-SBR is expanding, and our strategy is to outgrow the market,” said Eneos in a third quarter results announcement issued 13 Feb.

Over the nine months to 31 Dec 2025, Eneos Materials reported a 4% increase in operating profit to Yen14.3 billion, reflecting a Yen1.0bn “volume impact” of higher SSBR sales.

The growth, said Eneos, was partially offset by a decline in butadiene market prices and increased expenses due to inflation.

“With production across Thailand, Japan, and Europe, our three-site production footprint is capturing demand, and we are tracking well against the mid-term plan,” said the Japanese group.

Pointing to a recent decision to increase SSBR capacity at its facility in Yokkaichi, Japan (ERJ report), Eneos said it has targeted a 6% compound annual growth rate through to fiscal 2027 (ending March 2028).

This compares against the market growth rate of 3%, it added.

“We aim to exceed market growth by leveraging our strengths in close joint development with major tire manufactures and our global production/sales network,” Eneos added.