Today's News

Natural rubber market forecast at $30 billion by 2033

The demand for natural rubber continues to rise due to its affordability, lightweight properties, and suitability for a wide range of applications. From insulating materials to tires for cars and airplanes, natural rubber remains indispensable across diverse sectors, driving its consumption to an estimated value of US$ 30,914.3 million by the end of 2033.

Evonik donates $80,00 to youth and STEM programs in Louisianna

Beneficiaries of the donation included the Kids on the Move STEM Summer Camp, the St. John 4-H Club, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Kids on the Move aims to provide a safe and engaging learning environment for children ages 4-13 and addresses the needs of disadvantaged and at-risk youth in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Hyundai approves three Continental tire models for its Tucson

The South Korean car manufacturer has given Continental three approvals for its SUV. The Tucson runs worldwide from the factory on either energy-saving EcoContact 6 or comfort-optimized PremiumContact 6 tires. For the Asia-Pacific region, Hyundai has also approved the CrossContact LX Sport, which is designed for light off-road driving

Yokohama Tire introduces the new all-terrain Geolandar A/T4

Santa Ana, CA – Yokohama Tire’s all-new GEOLANDAR A/T4™ G018 is designed to take drivers just about anywhere, on- or

Goodyear reports first quarter net loss of $57 million

Goodyear’s first quarter 2024 sales were $4.5 billion with tire unit volumes totaling 40.4 million. First quarter 2024 Goodyear net loss was $57 million (20 cents per share) compared to a Goodyear net loss of $101 million (35 cents per share) a year ago. The year over year improvement was driven by increases in segment operating income. The 2024 period also included several significant items including, on a pre-tax basis, Goodyear Forward costs of $28 million and rationalization charges of $22 million, compared with pre-tax rationalization charges of $32 million in 2023. Goodyear Forward costs are comprised of advisory, legal and consulting fees and costs associated with planned asset sales.

Belt Power acquires Phoenix-based Avtech Industrial Products

Conveyor system belting and component distributor Belt Power expands in the Southwest with Phoenix-based Avtech Industrial Products.

Founded in 2000, Avtech is a distributor of conveyor belts, motors, drives, hose and fittings, gearboxes, and other industrial products. It offers installation, fabrication and repair services.

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Chemicals and Materials

   

The United States Environmental Protection Agency issues new rules for chloroprene emissions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule that will significantly reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants, including ethylene oxide and chloroprene. Once implemented, the rule will reduce both EtO and chloroprene emissions from covered processes and equipment by nearly 80%. A requirement for these facilities to conduct fence line monitoring for key toxic chemicals is included, and EPA will make the data publicly available to better inform and safeguard nearby communities.

Extrusion

   

Leibinger develops specialized ink for extruded PVC cable marking

EIBINGER announces the developed a special ink for cable marking and meter marking of extruded goods, one that adheres reliably to PVC materials. This ink is resistant to plasticizers which means it can prevent the effect described above of accidental transfer prints. With a Blue Wool Scale (BWS) ranking of 8, it also possesses exceptional UV stability.

Testing & Instruments

   

ACE Laboratories completes installation of its new wiper blade testing system

ACE Laboratories has announced another new testing capability. This latest addition provides the ability to test and analyze windshield wiper blades and wipe systems.
The custom engineered testing system allows ACE to include energy consumption analysis as part of the testing protocol in addition to traditional durability analysis. ACE’s testing system also allows for customization to nearly all windshield types with angle and pressure controls to ensure testing is completed according to OEM specifications.

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