LEVERKUSEN, Germany (Aug. 12, 2009)—Lanxess A.G. said it will eliminate all distillate aromatic extract extender oils from its synthetic rubbers by Dec. 1, and has partnered with Swedish oil supplier Nynas to safeguard the supply of alternative products.
DAE oils are required to carry a label indicating high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These so-called labeled oils will be banned for use in tires in the European Union on Jan. 1.
Nynas supplies TDAE and naphthenic oils, both of which are non-labeled. The company didn't say how it will meet demand for mild extract solvent oils from customers
Lanxess started in 2006 to continuously switch all its rubber producing processes over to environmentally friendly oils at its European production sites, with all of them now being completely free of DAE. At the Brazilian subsidiary Lanxess Elastomeros do Brazil, a logistics network will be established in the near future to ensure a smooth transition to naphthenic oils.