Lanxess well equipped for imminent boom in demand for 'Green Tires'

摘要

Specialty chemicals company Lanxess expects a boost in demand for high-performance rubbers, due to the EuropeanUniontirelabeling legislation that comes into effect in 2012. "In order to meet the new legislation and the expected customer demand, our high-tech materials are essential," says Lanxess Chairman Axel C. Heitmann. "As the world's largest partner for the tire industry, we have adapted to the trend on time." According to the latest forecasts, around 2 billion tires will leave the manufacturer's production line by 2015, compared with around 1.6 billion at present. This is an increase of some 25 percent for the tire industry, Lanxess says. Because of the European Union tire labeling initiative, the market share of "green tires" made of high-performance rubber will increase from its present 35 percent to around 50 percent of the overall tire market.