LANXESS Developed Alternative to Tyre Additive 6PPD
The firm has registered a new chemical, Vulkanox 4060, to address environmental toxicity concerns.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Chemistry
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LANXESS has developed Vulkanox 4060 as an alternative to the common tyre additive 6PPD. The new product, which contains N,N'-Dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, aims to mitigate the acute toxicity associated with 6PPD transformation products in aquatic life.
Why it matters
The development addresses environmental risks linked to 6PPD quinone, which has shown acute toxicity in coho salmon. By providing a safer alternative, the company seeks to align tire manufacturing with evolving ecological standards.
Studies confirmed that CCPD quinone shows no observed acute effects in coho salmon up to the solubility limit, contrasting with the toxicity of 6PPD quinone. The product has successfully completed EU REACH registration under Annex VII.
The players
LANXESS
This global specialty chemicals company employs approximately 11,500 people across 32 countries.
The details
LANXESS selected CCPD based on rigorous evaluations of degradability, bioaccumulation, aquatic toxicity, and regulatory compliance. The product underwent extensive testing by both the developer and customers to ensure its technical performance matches that of 6PPD.
Timeline
In 2025, LANXESS reported sales of 5.7 billion euros.
Initial commercial production is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Big Picture
The registration follows the mandates of EU REACH regulations, signaling a pivot toward more environmentally sustainable chemical additives in industrial applications. This transition marks a departure from legacy additive chemistries that have faced scrutiny over their impact on aquatic ecosystems.
The commercialization of this additive could lead to safer consumer vehicle components that reduce environmental runoff. Future widespread adoption may shift industry manufacturing standards for tires, potentially influencing regional ecological health.
The takeaway
The move reflects a broader industry trend of replacing chemicals with documented environmental toxicity with rigorously tested alternatives. Manufacturers and regulators are increasingly prioritizing aquatic safety metrics in the early stages of chemical product development.
What happens next
Initial commercial production of Vulkanox 4060 is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Further reading
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