Qingdao, China (May 15, 2012) – Qingdao Okin Rubber Industry Co., Ltd shas igned a contract with the Rubber Professional Research Institution of Qingdao University. The two sides will work together to research and develop new technologies and new materials in rubber and plastic sealing industry, especially in TPVs and TPEs to substitute for EPDM.

Qingdao Okin Rubber, a unit of of Xinhua Xinyue Group, has been growing. Until now, the company's products include rubber seals, foamed rubber sheets and silicon products, among other rubber products series. In future, through this new cooperation with Qingdao University, the company will research and develop new technologies and materials in the rubber sealing industry.

"Because of EPDM price rise, labour cost increase and more and more competitors, we think we need to use of the new material of TPV and TPE, to let us stand on the top of the rubber sealing industry. Based on the cooperation with the institution of Qingdao University, we could save some cost and improve our quality. We are making efforts to survive the current bad economic atmosphere." said Mr. Song, the CEO of Qingdao Okin Rubber.

Press release on ERJ