Raw materials
• Raw rubber consumed: 106,100 (115,400) tons
The principal raw materials are polymers and metal components, as well as additives including softening agents (oils), fillers, such as carbon black, and vulcanizing agents (sulfur, peroxides). Of the raw rubber used, approximately 38 (31) percent is natural rubber and 62 (69) percent is synthetic rubber.
As a chemical user, Trelleborg is affected by the EU chemical legislation REACH. Activities to adapt the Group's operations to REACH continued in 2010, with a focus on communication with suppliers and customers regarding REACH-related issues to ensure compliance.
The continuous process of compiling an inventory of the chemicals used in the Group’s production plants continued during 2010. Critical processes, application areas and questionable chemicals have been identified, to ensure compliance with laws and ordinances, such as the European REACH regulations (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals).
Trelleborg has a Chemicals Forum, a group of chemicals experts representing the various business areas in the Group. One of the main tasks of the Chemicals Forum is to analyze the use of chemicals and, when necessary, suggest alternative substances.
In 2010, the Chemicals Forum, under the leadership of the Group Environment function, will further develop the processes and work related to limiting the use of or phasing out questionable chemicals.
