China unveils €125m project for ‘bio-based degradable rubber’

Rudong, China – In China, a project to industrialise the production of “bio-based degradable polyester rubber" has been launched in the eastern county of Rudong, near Shanghai.

The county celebrated the opening of ‘Jiangsu green elastomer material industry academician collaborative innovation centre’ on 20 July, said a statement by the local authority.

On the same day, a deal was signed to industrialise the production of the ‘degradable polyester rubber’, said the Rudong County’s official website.

The signaturies were: Jiangsu Henghui Security Co.; Beijing University of Chemical Technology and Academician Zhang Liqun's scientific research team. 

Estimated to cost Yuan1 billion (€126 million), the plant will produce 110 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of the polyester rubber, the statement added.

No further details on the timeline of the project or the technology to produce the rubber was provided.

Representatives from major Chinese tire makers were reportedly present at the signing ceremony.