Lanxess to convert E-SBR to S-SBR at Triunfo, Brazil site

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL/LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY: Lanxess is strengthening its standing as the world’s leading producer of high-performance rubber. Following a feasibility study, the German specialty chemicals company has decided to convert production of emulsion styrene butadiene rubber (E-SBR) used in standard tires to solution styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR) used in high-performance “Green Tires” at its site in Triunfo (Rio Grande do Sul) in southern Brazil. Lanxess is the first company to carry out such a conversion.

The future capacity for S-SBR in Triunfo will be 110,000 metric tonne per year, exactly the same as the current E-SBR capacity. The switch in production technology represents an investment of €80 million, which will be financed from the company’s cash-flow. Up to 500 temporary workers will be needed during the conversion phase. The plant will produce the latest grades of S-SBR at the end of 2014.

“We are delighted to announce another major synthetic rubber investment in Brazil, which underscores our commitment to our sites and employees here. We want to provide our customers with the best technology they deserve in order to fulfill their expansion plans in this important market,” said Werner Breuers, Board Member, Lanxess.

© WOC News