AKRON, Ohio — March 3, 2026 — Flexsys, a global leader in advanced tire additives and material-science solutions, today announced that it has received the Chemical and Compounding Innovation of the Year Award, as part of the Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, recognizing its work to develop a 6PPD alternative for use in tires.

Flexsys’ world-class research and development team, in collaboration with highly regarded federal and independent research laboratories, set out to address one of the tire industry’s most important material challenges, the need for a next-generation alternative to 6PPD. The team tested hundreds of molecules across multiple chemistries before discovering highly promising candidates that meet the rigorous tire and environmental safety requirements it set out to achieve.

“We are honored to receive this industry recognition for our work, which reflects our commitment to delivering solutions that meet demanding performance requirements while advancing environmental responsibility,” said Neil Smith, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer.  “I’m incredibly proud of the Flexsys R&D team whose dedication and scientific rigor has allowed us to achieve this recognition.”

The Flexsys team has conducted extensive laboratory testing, both internally and with independent parties, and results demonstrate strong antidegradant performance, coupled with a favorable toxicological profile, from a chemical that is not a PPD. Tire performance testing is currently underway with select industry partners and Flexsys expects to share more details about the molecule selection later this year.

Smith added: “We believe collaboration across the tire and materials ecosystem is essential to developing durable, scalable solutions for the industry and look forward to continuing this journey together.”

“The Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence are recognized as the industry’s top accolades and aim to celebrate the best new technologies and innovations from all over the world,” said Matt Ross, editor-in-chief of Tire Technology International magazine. “On behalf of all of the judges, we extend our congratulation to the Flexsys team on this win and their work to find a replacement for 6PPD in tires.”

The awards are judged by a fully independent, international panel of journalists and industry experts, and are coordinated by Tire Technology International magazine, which is published by UKi Media & Events, the organizer of Tire Technology Expo.

Disclaimer

Flexsys is committed to achieving all its goals described in this press release, but there can be no guarantee that this alternative chemistry will be rapidly adopted (or at all), commercialized or that it will receive all required certifications and approvals.

About Flexsys

Flexsys is a global leader in advanced material-science solutions for the rubber and tire industry. Building on decades of chemistry and innovation expertise, the company develops and manufactures high-performance vulcanization, stabilization, and protection systems that enhance the durability, safety, and environmental performance of rubber products. Its portfolio includes Crystex™ vulcanizing agents, Santoflex™ antidegradants, and Duralink™ HTS post-vulcanization stabilizers.

Operating across four continents with seven manufacturing facilities, a technology center in Akron, Ohio, Flexsys continues to pioneer next-generation solutions that drive performance and sustainability across the global tire industry.

For more information, please visit www.flexsys.com.