Versalis and Bridgestone: co-developing innovative elastomers for high-performance tyres

Eni's chemical company, Versalis, and Bridgestone EMIA, operating in advanced mobility solutions, have signed a joint development agreement for the research, production and supply of synthetic rubber with advanced properties. The research and development divisions of the two organizations will collaborate, using an “Open Innovation” model, to develop technologies and new elastomer grades, including SBR, for the production of high-performance tyres. Versalis will leverage the expertise of its Research Center at Ravenna and Ferrara, while Bridgestone will use its Technical Center Europe near Rome.

The elastomers produced by Versalis are used in the premium, consumer market segment and are designed to ensure high performance in tyres including dry handling and wet grip. They also decrease abrasion, to extend the designed lifespan, resulting in a more sustainable tyre that reduces the consumption of raw materials in the long-term.

Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis, commented: “This agreement combines our technological knowledge with that of Bridgestone, a world leader in this sector, to accelerate the development of grades and applications in tires improving their performance, starting from raw material. Beginning to explore supply chain synergies with an excellent partner will bring a new innovative lift in the sector and strengthen high-value technical and commercial collaboration”.

Emilio Tiberio, COO and CTO of Bridgestone EMIA commented: “At Bridgestone, we know that ground-breaking innovation and sustainable mobility can’t be achieved without collaboration. We are pleased to strengthen our existing partnership with Versalis and believe that the technology we co-create will be a differentiator for our future products”.