The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is observing Pollution Prevention Week (September 19-25, 2011) by launching a new tool designed to provide easy access to information about everyday products like home appliances, electronics and cleaning products that can save money, prevent pollution and protect health. The green products web portal is available at www.epa.gov/greenerproducts. The product categories include several relevant to the tire and rubber industries, including tire additives, mulch, hoses, coatings and insulation.
September 22, 2011
LANXESS to produce first bio-based EPDM rubber
The German specialty Chemicals group, LANXESS, announced on September 21 that it is targeting bio-based ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber production in Brazil by late 2011. This will be the first-ever commercial production of bio-based EPDM rubber. LANXESS states that it is strengthening its commitment to produce premium synthetic rubbers from bio-based raw materials. Additionally, LANXESS plans a bio-based form of ethylene produced by dehydrating sugar cane, a renewable resource. This underlines LANXESS’s “commitment to reducing CO2 emissions through sustainable production,” says Guenther Weymans, head of LANXESS’ Technical Rubber Products business unit. “We are very excited that our Brazilian plant will be the pioneer for bio-based EPDM.”
Bridgestone announces $1.2 billion investment in South Carolina
On September 21, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. announced construction of a 1.5 million ft2 manufacturing facility for off-road radial tires on a greenfield site in Aiken County, S.C. An additional 474k ft2 expansion of the existing passenger and light truck tire plant in Aiken County was also announced, which builds on a July announcement of a 266k ft2 expansion of the site. The projects total $1.2 billion and will add 850 jobs to the local economy.
“The announcement of this greenfield off-road radial tire plant is a major strategic investment by the global Bridgestone Group to enhance its supply systems, improve its sourcing flexibility and further strengthen the Bridgestone Group’s position as the global leader in the offroad radial tire segment,” said Gary Garfield, Vice President and Senior Officer, Bridgestone Corporation, and CEO and President, Bridgestone Americas.
Full phase one production is targeted for late 2015. Bridgestone did not disclose the new plant’s projected capacity.