In November 2012, Europe will be introducing a standardized tire labeling which will inform customers on three key performance attributes: fuel efficiency, wet grip performance, and exterior rolling noise.
The label design for fuel efficiency and wet grip is similar to existing energy efficiency labels (e.g. household appliances) with A being the highest performing tire in its category and G the currently least performing.
The exterior noise is expressed in a value in decibels, accompanied by one, two or three sound waves with one wave being the quietest tire and three waves the noisiest one.
As a response to tire labeling, the Styron R&D/TS&D Rubber Team has developed functionalized SSBR and is continuously working to introduce new grades that will deliver greater performances.
"Let's give you one example which speaks by itself to demonstrate how powerful the technology is," according to Olivier Véron, Sales & Marketing Manager, Styron. "With the introduction of Styron's Generation II SSBR 4602 compared with our Generation I SSBR 4601 for the Rolling Resistance we can move from the rating C to B, while maintaining all the other properties identical like the grip and the handling."
As a result for the whole tire life (~35,000 km), this represents:
By using Styron's technology we provide customers two advantages: the reduction of greenhouse gas impact for the planet and we enable drivers to save money.
Styron is a leading global materials company and manufacturer of plastics, latex and rubber, dedicated to collaborating with customers to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions. Styron's technology solutions are used by customers in industries such as home appliances, automotive, building & construction, carpet, commercial transportation, consumer electronics, consumer goods, electrical & lighting, medical, packaging, paper & paperboard, rubber goods and tires. Styron had approximately USD 6 billion in revenue in 2011, with 20 manufacturing sites around the world, and 2100 employees.
More information can be found at www.styron.com.
Any technical descriptions and product information provided in the above announcement are not legally binding. The quality, price and performance of our products will be specified in individual contracts with our customers. Unless otherwise explicitly agreed, the official product specification shall prevail in the form published from time to time.