Kumho Petrochemical uses rice bran extract to make eco-friendly synthetic rubber

By Lim Chang-won Posted : August 5, 2021, 16:08 Updated : August 5, 2021, 16:08

[Courtesy of Kumho Petrochemical]


SEOUL -- In an effort to strengthen its portfolio in the synthetic rubber business, Kumho Petrochemical will produce an eco-friendly synthetic rubber complex by applying bio-materials made from rice bran extract. The complex containing bio-silica will be supplied to domestic and foreign tire companies and shoemakers.

Silica is a raw material for synthetic rubber. Kumho Petrochemical would extract the natural silica contained in the ash of carbonized rice bran and processes it into bio-silica that can be used in petrochemical products through chemical processing. The method can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70 percent compared to the previous method

Kumho Petrochemical would expand the production capacity of solution polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR) from 63,000 tons to 23,000 tons by the end of 2022. SSBR is a synthetic rubber product manufactured by solution-polymerizing organic solvents.

"We will continue to think about a sustainable future by improving the performance of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) management through the development of next-generation eco-friendly materials in the future," said Kumho Petrochemical CEO Baek Jong-hoon. ESG is a trendy corporate operation method that focuses on the use of green energy and environmentally-friendly management.
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