Kumho Petrochemical to produce eco-friendly rubber compound out of rice bran

Kumho Petrochemical Co. will produce an eco-friendly synthetic rubber compound made of rice bran-based bio-silica.

Silica improves fuel efficiency, braking power, and wear resistance of synthetic rubber for tires.

After extracting silica from the ash of carbonized rice bran, the South Korean chemicals maker will process it into bio-silica that can be used for petrochemical products.

This method reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70 percent compared to existing methods.

Kumho will supply this bio-silica compound to major tire and shoe manufacturers in South Korea and abroad.

Due to the growth potential of the bio-silica market, Kumho plans to expand its synthetic rubber production capacity from 63,000 tons to 123,000 tons by the end of next year.