The right raw materials can provide immediate sustainability benefits

KINGSPORT, Tennessee

Tire manufacturers can make immediate progress toward aggressive sustainability goals with the right raw materials, according to Eastman Technical Service Representative Andy Kosal, who will discuss the topic during IEC 2020, a virtual conference scheduled for Oct. 19–23.

"Rather than looking at the latest and greatest piece of machinery, which could involve millions of dollars in capital expenditures, changing raw material is really low-hanging fruit," Kosal said. "You can do this today and get immediate benefits."

Kosal is one of four Eastman tire experts who will address this year's International Elastomer Conference, which draws rubber industry educators, customers, manufacturers, and suppliers. His talk, "Crystex Cure Pro: Sustainability Benefits From a Raw Material," is on Monday, Oct. 19, from 1–1:30 p.m. EDT.

Kosal said studies and customer experience have shown that Eastman Crystex Cure Pro^™ insoluble sulfur can result in energy savings and reduced CO₂ emissions thanks to faster mixing times, along with a reduction in the amount of scrap rubber and scrap tires due to the balance of properties the latest generation of the iconic brand offers.

"During larger-scale mixing trials, we've seen a 30% reduction in energy needed to produce the same quality of mix as a direct result of using Crystex Cure Pro," Kosal said. "That alone can go a long way in helping achieve the aggressive sustainability goals put forth by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association."

Registration for conference talks is available now at  https://www.rubberiec.org/register_now.cfm.

Eastman IEC 2020 presentations include:

• "Resin-Polymer Compatibility and Partitioning as a Tool for Optimizing Tread Performance," Mark Arigo, associate application research scientist, Monday, Oct. 19, 12:30–1 p.m. EDT
  
• "Crystex Cure Pro: Sustainability Benefits From a Raw Material," Andy Kosal, principal application development and technical service rep, Monday, Oct. 19, 1–1:30 p.m. EDT
• "High Sulfur Compounding for Highly Durable Components in Severe Service Applications," Jeffrey Lin, associate application research scientist, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 12:30–1 p.m. EDT
• "Comparison of Methods Assessing the Dispersion of Insoluble Sulfur in Rubber Compounds," Fred Ignatz-Hoover, technology fellow, Friday, Oct. 23, 1:30–2:30 p.m. EDT
   

About Eastman

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2019 revenues of approximately $9.3 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.
 

Media contact:

Alexis Dean
Marketing Communications
+1 (423) 229.3261
+1 (423) 367.9202 (mobile)
adean@eastman.com