Versalis’ breakthrough technology for new butadiene-based di-block stereoregular polymers for the development of innovative compounds (BDSP), has been awarded “Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year” at the Tire Technology International Awards 2018, the independent European award program for the tire industry. The awards were judged by a panel of international tire industry experts, analysts, business members and academia. The award ceremony took place on February 21 at the Tire Technology Expo in Hannover, Germany.

As a strategic project within the Versalis’ research and development program, BDSPs technology is meant to provide considerable benefits in particular to the tire industry, taking advantage of innovative features such as a noticeable reduction of fuel consumption and compliance with seasonal requirements. In addition, the use of this technology will contribute to a reduced environmental impact from aged tires, which will be more easily recyclable and have all the potential applications open to a wide range of commercial segments, both in thermoplastic and elastomeric areas. It is in fact the single polymeric chain that can be modulated during polymerization with an amorphous and a crystalline part, which makes the product capable of new applications and performances.

In 2017 Versalis was awarded Environmental Achievement of the Year for the bio-butadiene (bio-BDE) technology developed in partnership with Genomatica.

The Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, founded in 2008, reward the smart thinking and hard work of the tire design and manufacturing industry. The shortlist is compiled from nominations received from the readers of Tire Technology

International, and with the input of the magazine's editorial team. It is then sent to the independent panel of international tire industry experts for them to cast their votes and determine the winners, with the presentations being made at Tire Technology Expo in