Cabot takes E2C to OTR retreading

BOSTON—Cabot Corp. believes it can take tire industry sustainability further with its expanded line of Engineered Elastomer Composites (E2C). Initially launched with the aim of helping to create more sustainable off-the-road and mining tires, E2C now has application in retreading.

The composite already has been successful in the manufacture and operational use of retreaded 35-inch- and 63-inch-rim diameter tires in North and South America.

"Retreading is a prime example of the circular economy as worn tires are repaired for reuse rather than being disposed as waste," Cabot said in a new release. "As tire manufacturers and mining companies look to decrease their environmental footprints, retreading OTR tires can save tires from landfills and enable fleets to operate more sustainably."

E2C pre-mixed composite solutions debuted in 2020 and were developed using Cabot's propriety mixing process for carbon black and natural rubber. When used in retreads, Cabot said, the composites can extend the life of the retread by 30 percent, while at the same time reducing tire costs through improved productivity and reduced downtime.

Because E2C are delivered in pre-mixed form, they reduce the number of steps required for mixing and allow rubber compounders to diversify offerings, Cabot said.

"We are excited to offer our state-of-the-art elastomer composites, which offer best-in-class tread compound performance to the OTR retread industry," David Reynolds, vice president and general manager of Cabot Engineered Elastomer Composites, said in a statement. "In addition to enabling further reductions in cost per hour, the use of E2C solutions in OTR retreads can extend retreading into the most demanding OTR applications. This increases the opportunities for retreading as a sustainable solution for the mining industry and aligns with our purpose to create materials and solutions that enable a more sustainable future."