Tosoh has decided to expand its chloroprene rubber (CR) production capacity, investing approximately 75 billion yen ($520 million) to build a second CR plant at its Nanyo Complex in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The new facility will increase annual production capacity by 22,000 tons, bringing Tosoh’s total CR supply capacity to 59,000 tons, combined with the existing 37,000-ton capacity. Construction...
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NOK Establishes NFC Technology Center in China
Seal manufacturer NOK in March opened the NFC Technology Center in Wuxi, China, to strengthen local development and accelerate growth in markets such as EVs. The center, managed by NOK-Freudenberg China (NFC), which oversees NOK’s seal business in China, is located in a new building at the first plant of Wuxi NOK-Freudenberg Oilseal Co., Ltd. (WNF), NFC’s largest production base....
Sanyo Trading Systematically Promotes Eco-Friendly Products
Sanyo Trading is focusing on expanding sales of products that address growing societal demands for environmental impact reduction and sustainability. As part of this effort, the company held a “Product Briefing (Environment Edition)” on May 29, targeting eco-friendly materials. The briefing, planned across the company with a focus on environmental solutions, showcased products from its rubber, chemicals, and mobility divisions,...
Japan Rubber Manufacturers Association Holds 35th Executive Meeting
The Japan Rubber Manufacturers Association (JRMA), chaired by Takashi Shimizu, president and CEO of Toyo Tire, held its 35th board of directors meeting. Before the meeting, the 2025 annual general meeting took place, appointing Takao Yamauchi, president of Yamauchi, as an additional auditor and Masahiko Fukuda, president of Marugo, as a supplementary director. The association represents Japanese rubber product manufacturers,...
Tosoh Develops World’s First Bio-Based Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene Rubber
Tosoh has developed a bio-based chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) rubber marketed under its Toso-CSM brand, and established mass production technology. This marks the world’s first development of a chlorosulfonated polyethylene product utilizing bio-based materials. Toso-CSM is widely used in industrial products, adhesives, rubber-coated fabrics, and handrails. Known for its high durability, it contributes to the extended lifespan of products and has...
Report: Rubber Industry Posts Higher Sales and Operating Profits in Fiscal 2024, Showing Solid Performance
The 19 listed rubber-related companies reported solid results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, with net sales and operating income up from the previous year, and net income almost unchanged. Belts performed well, especially overseas, and many auto parts companies, which had experienced sluggish growth in automobile production, were able to increase profits by shifting prices and implementing...