Zeon has developed a new polymer for winter tires

Zeon Corp. has developed a new hydrophilic styrene-butadiene rubber for use in the production of winter tires. The Nipol BR1300 material is made using polybutadiene as the base, and the Japanese company claims an "unprecedented level of hydrophilicity" that will increase the level of grip when in contact with water.

After completing the development of the material with consideration for the requirements of the tire industry, Zeon began commercial production of the new polymer at its Shunan plant (Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan) in May 2025.

"In the future, we will continue to create innovations by refining our technologies and actively collaborating with other companies," Zeon said.

ERJ notes that Zeon is currently optimizing its rubber portfolio, and by 2026, it plans to discontinue the production of low-margin products to focus on the production of high-margin rubber.