Monday, January 21, 2019 - Valley Cottage, NY - Future Market Insights (FMI) provides key findings on the global silica for S-SBR market in its latest report titled, ‘Silica for S-SBR Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013-2017 and Opportunity Assessment 2018-2028.’ The market viewpoint on the global silica for S-SBR market remains optimistic, with market value expected to increase at a CAGR of 7.2 percent during the forecast period (2018– 2028). Among types, the untreated segment is expected to expand at a significant growth rate, in terms of value, over the forecast period. However, there has been a noteworthy rise in demand for treated type of silica for S-SBR since the last few years from North America and Europe. Silica is used as a reinforcing filler and has been replacing conventionally used carbon black in tires. The use of silica for S-SBR has led to improvements in rolling resistance. Silica for S-SBR has also been responsible for improving fuel efficiency by 5-7 percent and reducing carbon emission by ~20 percent. The sales of silica for S-SBR is estimated to be valued at $619 million by the end of 2018, witnessing a year over year growth of 7.2 percent over the period 2018-2028. China is estimated to have accounted for a value share of 22.1 percent in the global silica for S-SBR market by 2017 end, and is anticipated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period in the global silica for S-SBR market. North America also holds significant position, both in terms of production and consumption of silica for S-SBR. Injection of silica in the nano-pores of S-SBR causes interpenetration and maximum space/pore filling. This results in tight polymer-filler (silica) interlocking, which eventually leads to lower hysteresis and thus, higher rolling resistance. Silica for S-SBR is used in modern passenger car tires’ threads as reinforcing filler. Silica is also widely used as a performance-enhancing filler for tires, industrial goods and as a non-black reinforcing agent for footwear soles, especially athletic shoes. Increasing stringent regulations regarding tire labeling in countries such as North America, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea, are anticipated to drive the demand in the silica for S-SBR market. The use of silica for S-SBR significantly enhances tire performance. The magic triangle. i.e., wet grip, abrasion resistance and wear resistance, shows significant improvements with the use of silica for S-SBR in tires. Silica for S-SBR leads to better grip and braking during winters. Thus, a rise in demand for silica for S-SBR in winter tires is expected during the forecast period. Tire makers have switched to silica for S-SBR made tires to cut down rolling resistance by 20 percent and increase fuel efficiency by 5 percent. Road transport contributes ~20 percent share to CO2 emission in the EU and other developed countries. The footwear segment is also anticipated to witness a rise in demand for silica for S-SBR. The use of silica in footwear soles results in a highly wear resistant sole that does not leave scrapes on the floor. Major manufacturers have also entered into strategic partnerships with the global tire manufacturers to ensure long term supply of silica for S-SBR application. Over the past few years, the global manufacturers have also expanded their product offerings for the use of silica for S-SBR for the non-tire thread applications. On the basis of application, the silica for S-SBR market is anticipated to be dominated by the tire reinforcement segment. Silica for S-SBR made tires offer higher fuel efficiency, which consumers prefer these days, and thus, the demand in the silica for S-SBR market is anticipated to increase during the forecast period. From a regional perspective, a significant share of the global silica for S-SBR market demand is projected to come from North America and European regions. Tire labeling regulations and governments’ efforts to cut down CO2 emissions have led to a further rise in demand for silica for S-SBR. The silica reinforced S-SBR market is anticipated to witness a rise in demand from winter tires in the country. SEA and other Pacific has witnessed a rise in demand for silica for S-SBR owing to the growing automotive industry in the ASEAN region. Regions such as Japan and South Korea has also witnessed a noteworthy rise in demand for silica for S-SBR owing to the increase in the use of high performance tires for heavy and medium vehicles apart from the passenger cars. Some of the key players whose profile has been covered in the global silica for Silica for S-SBR market study are Trinseo, Lanxess Aktiengesellschaft, LG Chem, Dynasol Group, Taiwan Synthetic Rubbers Corporation, JSR Corporation, Sibur International GmbH and Sumitomo Chemicals Co. Ltd., among others.

Monday, January 21, 2019 - Akron, OH - Endurica is holding a one-day course teaching compounding strategies to improve the strength and lifetime of rubber components on January 22. This specialized training will benefit materials engineers, compounders, rubber chemists, product development engineers, research and development scientists, and rubber laboratory managers at manufacturers of tires and rubber parts and companies that supply raw materials. Course objectives are understanding rubber fatigue and how failure characteristics are influenced by materials selection and compound structural features; learn compounding strategies to improve strength and fatigue lifetime; and understand the right testing methods to characterize rubber durability efficiently in the laboratory. This is a one-day course to be held from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the University of Akron. The course includes lectures and classroom exercises focused on understanding fatigue behavior of rubber and developing compounding approaches to improve durability. Lunch and snacks are included. The course instructor is Dr. Chris Robertson, an international authority on polymer science and rubber compounding for performance. He brings over 15 years of materials research and product development experience at tire and rubber companies and raw materials suppliers. Robertson is co-inventor of 32 patents, co-author of 55 publications in peer-reviewed journals, and serves as associate editor of Rubber Chemistry & Technology. For more information, visit http://endurica.com/training/#compounding.

Monday, January 21, 2019 - Mumbai, India - Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) has opened a new headquarters office and research center to support its operations in India. Located in Mumbai, the new location brings together research and sales as well as business support functions, and enables the company to better meet customer needs across the region. Nouryon is significantly expanding its operations in India. Key projects include an expansion and upgrade of Nouryon’s organic peroxides facility in Mahad, which is close to completion, as well as a new monochloroacetic acid plant in Gujarat. The latter is a joint project with chemicals manufacturing company Atul, a part of Lalbhai Group, and is scheduled to start production later this year. “India is an increasingly important market for us and these investments clearly demonstrate our commitment to grow with our customers in the region,” said Charlie Shaver, CEO of Nouryon. “The chemical industry is regarded as a backbone of India’s agricultural and industrial development, and we see good opportunities for sustainable growth.” The company started operations in India in 1991 and currently serves customers in markets ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals, and plastics, rubbers and composites, as well as from personal care to paints and coatings, and oil and gas.

Monday, January 21, 2019 - Columbus, OH - Mettler Toledo announces that its application scientists will lead 'Thermal Analysis Basic Skills and Applications' seminars in Philadelphia, PA; Denver, CO; Oakland, CA; and Orange County, CA, in February. Thermal analysis has played an important role in Mettler Toledo since the early 1960s. Since the beginning, Mettler Toledo is said to have offered customers innovative thermal analysis solutions, products and services. Thermal analysis includes a number of versatile techniques and is firmly established as an analytical method for materials characterization. Thermal analysis solves problems and answers questions from research and development to quality control. All thermal analysts are encouraged to attend one of these complimentary seminars, with topics that include: new innovations and applications; differential scanning calorimetry; DSC sample prep and experimental conditions; DSC effects and curve interpretation; and DSC applications and case studies. All seminars are complementary, but advanced registration is required. Each event will include a light breakfast, refreshments and lunch. Philadelphia, PA – February 12, 2019 Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport 4101 B Island Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19153 Denver, CO – February 14, 2019 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver 3203 Quebec St., Denver, CO 80207 Oakland, CA – February 19, 2019 Hyatt House Emeryville San Francisco Bay Area 5800 Shellmound St., Emeryville, CA 94608 Orange County, CA – February 20, 2019 Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim North 3100 E. Frontera St., Anaheim, CA 92806 Visit the events page at www.mt.com for more information.

Monday, January 21, 2019 - Akron, OH - Younger drivers (millennial/Gen Z) are more than 1.5 times more likely to identify popular emojis correctly than the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning symbol, revealed a new study commissioned by Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires. In fact, 49 percent of younger drivers and 39 percent of overall drivers were unable to recognize the TPMS warning symbol in the survey of more than 1,000 U.S. drivers. The lack of awareness of the TPMS symbol, an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure of a vehicle’s tires, is a clear sign that some drivers are in the dark on what the light means and what to do when it is triggered. Maintaining the correct tire pressure is critical to the safety, control and comfort of one's ride, and can help save money. Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires want to be the destination to clear up the confusion for consumers unsure what to do when their TPMS light illuminates. That is why they are offering drivers free tire care checks, including free tire, air pressure and TPMS inspections. Possible causes for the TPMS light illuminating include a tire puncture, leaking tire due to rim damage and fluctuating temperatures as seasons change. Improper tire pressure can lead to uneven treadwear, decreased gas mileage and poor handling. “Nobody knows tires like Goodyear, and if the TPMS light goes on or you want to know if it is time to replace the tires, Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires have the knowledge and expertise to help keep a car performing optimally this winter and beyond,” said Fred Thomas, vice president and general manager, Goodyear Retail. The study also found that most drivers surveyed are not taking precautionary actions to prepare their cars for winter. Among drivers who live in areas with usually cold winters, less than half (42 percent) get their tires checked in advance of the winter season. And almost two in five winter drivers (37 percent) do not take any action at all to prepare their cars for winter unless they have an issue. As a general rule of thumb, drivers should check their tires monthly, especially during temperature shifts of 10 degrees or more.

Monday, January 21, 2019 - Valley Cottage, NY - While processed and packaged food and beverage products are prominently shaping the demand for conveyor belts, increasing automation across industries is also raising significant demand worldwide. A study published by Future Market Insights projects a moderate revenue growth outlook for agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belts with a CAGR of 4.9 percent during 2018-2028. The synthetic rubber segment is expected to dominate the global market in terms of value during the entire forecast period. The global sales of agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belt are likely to reach beyond $3 billion in 2020, witnessing a steady yearly expansion in 2019 and 2020, says the report. Consistently growing installation of conveyor belts at a growing number of automated assembly lines set up in production plants will continue to generate robust demand for conveyor belts, according to the report. Europe, one of the two key regions for growth of agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belt market, has been the global agricultural hub. The EU has been playing a pivotal role in empowering local producers and farmers through CAP (common agricultural policy). The ultimate objective of promoting local farming activities and supplement the overall food production levels is likely to propel sales of agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belts in coming years. Favorable government initiatives, improving food policies and evolving FDA guidelines collectively highlight growing significance of food production safety, security, speed, sustainability, efficiency, transport and logistics across the agricultural and F&B industries. FMI thus expects emergence of a slew of lucrative deployment opportunities for agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belt manufacturers. Leading manufacturers continue to invest in research and development of innovative, high performance materials for belt conveyors, thereby unlocking a heap of application opportunities in the near future. A growing focus of manufacturers on strategic mergers and acquisitions is likely to direct them towards an enhanced portfolio of offerings that intends to capture a larger market share through an extended outreach across the agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belt landscape. The global market for agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belt is a highly fragmented landscape, with tier 3 players holding a major share of the revenue. Looking at the intensity of competition on the global agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belt landscape, a majority of global as well as regional players are striving to introduce maintenance service packages with an objective to cater to the growing demand for onsite conveyor belts maintenance. As a typical conveyor belts system has an average life span of four years and requires timely maintenance check for superior performance, a wide scope lies for the incorporation of technologically advanced monitoring systems. Companies are likely to leverage their technical expertise in maintaining a differentiating edge over competition, projects the report. The report also explains that the criticality of meeting multiple international regulatory standards such as FDA and EU norms remains paramount for conveyor belt manufacturers. This, especially in case of food safety management, remains a longstanding challenge raising the quality bar for manufacturers. As indicated by the report, companies operating in agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belt landscape are constantly extending efforts to address the concerned challenges and thereby satisfy the desired regulatory guidelines. While the competitive landscape assessment presented in the report by FMI discusses in detail the key company profiles followed by their strategic developments of late, it intends to help market stakeholders spot the most actionable strategic insights that potentially support their growth in the long run. Some of the companies active in agricultural and food grade rubber conveyor belt market that have been covered in the report include Continental AG, Cobra Group, Fenner PLC, and Artego SA.