LANXESS, a leading specialty chemicals company, has launched Vulkanox HS Scopeblue, a revolutionary rubber additive designed to significantly enhance the sustainability of tire production. This innovative antioxidant empowers tire manufacturers to achieve their environmental goals by producing longer-lasting, more eco-friendly tires.

Vulkanox HS Scopeblue is a sustainable variant of the well-established antioxidant Vulkanox HS (TMQ), a crucial component in protecting tires from the detrimental effects of oxygen and heat. This new iteration maintains the proven effectiveness of its predecessor while drastically reducing its environmental impact. The additive is engineered with low volatility and minimal migration tendency, ensuring optimal performance and durability in tire applications.

A key highlight of Vulkanox HS Scopeblue is its significantly reduced carbon footprint, boasting a reduction of over 30% compared to conventionally manufactured TMQ. This achievement is attributed to the utilization of biocircular acetone and renewable energy in its production process. LANXESS employs a mass-balanced approach in an ISCC PLUS-certified plant in Germany, ensuring the integrity and traceability of the sustainable raw materials used.

The chemical structure of Vulkanox HS Scopeblue remains identical to traditional Vulkanox HS, allowing for seamless integration into existing tire manufacturing processes. This "drop-in" solution eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming modifications, enabling tire manufacturers to swiftly transition to more sustainable production practices.

This groundbreaking product is marketed under the LANXESS Scopeblue label, which signifies products with a demonstrably low carbon footprint or a high proportion of circular raw materials. This initiative underscores LANXESS's commitment to developing sustainable solutions that contribute to a circular economy.

"With Vulkanox HS Scopeblue, we have developed another product that enables our customers to manufacture tires more sustainably and meets the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials," stated Dr. Holger Graf, head of the Functional Tire Additives business line at the LANXESS Rhein Chemie business unit. "By extending the lifetime of tires while reducing their ecological footprint, we are making a significant contribution to a more sustainable future."

The launch of Vulkanox HS Scopeblue comes at a critical time, as the automotive and tire industries face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Consumers and regulators alike are demanding products with lower environmental impacts, driving manufacturers to seek innovative solutions. This new additive provides a tangible pathway for tire manufacturers to enhance their sustainability credentials and meet these evolving demands.

By incorporating Vulkanox HS Scopeblue into their production, tire manufacturers can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also contribute to the longevity of their products.