WEB EXCLUSIVE: The world’s first partially bio-based EPDM rubber is expected to be produced by Lanxess AG of Germany (parent of Lanxess Corp., Pittsburgh) by the end of this year. EPDM, used on its own and as an impact modifier in PP-based TPVs and other plastics, is usually made from oil- or gas-derived ethylene and propylene monomers. Lanxess will make its new Keltan Eco with ethylene derived from sugarcane ethanol by Braskem S.A. in Brazil. Braskem will provide the bio-ethylene via pipeline to Lanxess’ existing EPDM plant in Triunfo, Brazil. Initial production batches will amount to several hundred metric tons.