MILAN, Italy—Pirelli & C. S.p.A. has reached an agreement with Russia's Rosneft Oil Co. to identify within three months a new partner to develop rubber materials, including the production of styrene-butadiene rubber.
According to Pirelli, Rosneft and a future partner will analyze how the joint production of synthetic rubber could begin, while Pirelli will collaborate in research and development.
Pirelli said the agreement calls for the possibility of it entering into a long-term supply agreement to purchase the SR jointly produced by Rosneft and the new technological partner. The company said SBR is of particular interest because it is an eco-friendly material used in the production of green tires, which improves fuel efficiency and grip in both wet and dry conditions.