New Versalis Elastomers for Bridgestone: In Search of More Sustainable Mobility

Bridgestone 's need to produce tires that have an ever greater sustainability connotation pushed it to create an agreement with Versalis which is a world leader in chemistry, with cutting-edge operating platforms also in the chemical recycling sector.

Versalis, in fact, Eni's chemical company , leader in the production and marketing of elastomers, and Bridgestone EMIA, leader in the field of advanced mobility solutions, have signed a joint development agreement for research, production and supply of synthetic rubber with advanced properties.

The agreement is based on an Open Innovation model, i.e. complementary activity between the Research and Development divisions of the two companies which will focus on the development of technologies and new grades of elastomers, including SBR - Styrene Butadiene Rubber, for the production of high performance tires.

Versalis will leverage the skills of the research centers in Ravenna and Ferrara, while Bridgestone will involve its European Technical Center near Rome.

The elastomers produced by Versalis find application in the premium market segment, standing out for properties that guarantee high tire performance in terms of handling on dry surfaces and grip on wet surfaces.

They also stand out for being less subject to abrasion, which guarantees greater durability, resulting in a more sustainable product capable of reducing the consumption of raw materials in the long term.

«With this agreement we combine our technological knowledge with that of Bridgestone, a world leader in the sector, to accelerate the development of grades and applications in tires in order to improve their performance, starting from the raw material - commented Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis (Eni) - Having started a synergistic path with an excellent partner in the supply chain will lead to a new innovative drive in the sector and the consolidation of a high-value technical and commercial collaboration."

«At Bridgestone we know well that innovative revolutions and sustainable mobility are not achievable without a collaborative process - declared Emilio Tiberio , Technical and Operational Director of Bridgestone EMIA - We are happy to consolidate our partnership with Versalis and we are certain that the technology that we will be able to create together will make the difference for our future productions."

Info: ENI