Tatneft to build NBR, XNBR rubber plants in Russia 

Togliatti, Russia – Russian energy giant Tatneft has signed a license and engineering agreement with Italian chemicals supplier Versalis for the construction of two rubber production plants in Togliatti, southwestern Russia.

Under the agreement, Tatneft will build a 70 kilotonne per annum (ktpm) nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) plant and a 30ktpa carboxylate styrene butadiene rubber latexes (XSBR) unit in Togliatti using Versalis technologies, said a 15 Nov statement. 

NBR rubbers are marked by high resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons, gasoline and lubricants, as well as good flexibility at low temperatures, making them suitable for use in various industrial fields.

XSBR latexes are used in the production of adhesives, paper and cardboard coverings and mat bases, among other products.

Tatneft acquired the Togliatti rubber assets from Sibur in late 2019.

The facility manufactures 60 kilotonne per annum (ktpa) of copolymer rubbers; 75ktpa of butyl rubber, 80ktpa of butadiene; 82ktpa of isoprene rubbers and 120ktpa of MTBE high-octane fuel component, according to Tatneft’s website.

At the time of the acquisition, Tatneft said it aimed to strengthen the vertical integration of its Kama Tyres business with the takeover and increase its value.