Lanxess Developed Tyre Additive Alternative
The company has registered a new chemical, Vulkanox 4060, intended to replace the salmon-toxic additive 6PPD.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Chemistry
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Lanxess has completed the EU REACH registration for Vulkanox 4060, a chemical additive designed as a safer alternative to 6PPD in tyres. The product, which contains N,N'-Dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine, is slated for initial commercial production by late 2026.
Why it matters
The development addresses the environmental toxicity of 6PPD, whose breakdown product, 6PPD quinone, has been linked to acute lethality in coho salmon. By providing a substitute that lacks these specific toxicity concerns, the industry aims to mitigate a significant source of aquatic pollution.
Vulkanox 4060 uses N,N'-Dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine (CCPD) as a replacement for the industry standard 6PPD. Studies indicate that CCPD quinone shows no observed acute toxicity to coho salmon up to its solubility limit, effectively bypassing the lethality linked to the current additive.
The players
Lanxess
A German specialty chemicals company with 11,500 employees that focuses on advanced intermediates, additives, and consumer protection products.
The details
Lanxess selected CCPD based on its degradability, bioaccumulation profile, and aquatic toxicity metrics. The substance acts as a protective additive within the rubber compound of tyres to prevent degradation. To ensure it meets industry requirements, the product underwent rigorous technical testing by both Lanxess and its customers to verify its physical performance against the incumbent 6PPD chemistry.
Timeline
2025: Lanxess reported total annual sales of 5.7 billion euros.
Q4 2026: The company plans to begin initial commercial production of the new additive.
The Tech Race
This development follows recent scientific consensus regarding the high toxicity of 6PPD quinone in salmon-bearing waters. Lanxess is now moving to bridge the gap between this environmental research and industrial reality by readying a viable chemical substitute for global tyre manufacturers.
The transition to this new additive will initially affect the manufacturing and supply chain of tyre producers who prioritize environmental compliance. Consumers will likely see tires utilizing this chemistry reach the market following the start of commercial production in late 2026.
The takeaway
The chemical industry is pivoting toward safer alternatives to avoid the ecological damage caused by tyre wear particles. Stakeholders should track the Q4 2026 production ramp-up to see how quickly this new additive reaches mass-market adoption in the global tyre supply chain.
Further reading
For more on the developments in sustainable materials and industrial additives, visit the Chemistry section.
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