Ecosky-3103 and TDAE do the same job in a rubber compound: TDAE is an aromatic-extract by-product of petroleum refining, while Ecosky-3103 is a 100% bio-based oil made from tall oil derivatives. Technically, Ecosky-3103 is a drop-in replacement for TDAE; the biggest difference is carbon footprint: per the producer declaration Ecosky-3103 is -1771.1 kg CO2/tonne (carbon-negative) whereas TDAE carries roughly +2900 kg CO2/tonne. So the compound's carbon burden drops sharply with no change in function.

What are TDAE and Ecosky-3103?

TDAE (Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract) is the most widely used petroleum-based process oil in the tyre industry as an extender and plasticiser; it is the reduced-PAH version of DAE that complies with REACH and EU PAH restrictions. In a rubber compound it wets the filler (carbon black, silica), improves processability of the mix and sets the final hardness/flexibility balance.

Ecosky-3103 is a 100% bio-based, carbon-negative rubber process oil made from tall oil (pine oil) derivatives. It performs the same functional role: as a plasticiser and extender oil it improves filler dispersion, but comes from renewable forest biomass rather than a fossil source. For the product definition, production route and core properties, see the Ecosky-3103 overview article.

Carbon footprint and sustainability

PropertyEcosky-3103TDAE
Carbon footprint-1771.1 kg CO2/t~+2900 kg CO2/t
Bio-based content100% (ASTM D6866)0%
SourceTall oil derivative (forest by-product)Petroleum refining extract
REACH statusRegisteredRegistered
EUDROut of scopeNot applicable
Food chainDoes not enterNot applicable

Both figures should be read together: switching from TDAE to Ecosky-3103 creates a difference of roughly 4,600 kg CO2 per tonne (from about +2900 to -1771.1). This shows up directly in Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and Scope 3 accounting and gives tyre and rubber manufacturers a tangible contribution to their sustainability targets.

BİO BAZLI ÜRÜNLEREcosky-3103 (Bio-Based Rubber Process Oil)KORKİMYA supplies Ecosky-3103 to tyre and technical-rubber manufacturers looking for a TDAE/MES replacement, together with a sample and technical data sheet.

Technical equivalence: is there a performance gap?

Ecosky-3103's viscosity profile sits in a similar range to TDAE: 200-500 mm²/s at 40°C and 20-40 mm²/s at 100°C (ASTM D445). This allows it to be used in existing mixing and extrusion processes with no noticeable change in processability. Density at 15°C is 955-995 kg/m³, flash point (COC) min. 220°C and typical glass transition temperature (Tg) about -65°C; the low pour point supports cold-weather performance.

  • Compatibility: works in natural rubber (NR), SBR, BR, EPDM and IIR compounds; blends with TDAE, MES and naphthenic oils in any ratio.
  • Filler dispersion: carbon black and silica wetting behaviour is similar to TDAE; preserves mix homogeneity.
  • Transition strategy: use as a full replacement, or blend partially with petroleum-based oil for a gradual switch.
  • Content safety: free of phthalates and PAHs, total sulphur max. 2.0%.

When TDAE, when Ecosky-3103?

If only the lowest unit cost matters and carbon reporting is not on the agenda, TDAE is a known option. For manufacturers who want to lower product carbon footprint, make a bio-based content claim, or meet sustainability requirements in the EU market, Ecosky-3103 is the practical way to reach those goals without disrupting the formulation. R&D validation is recommended for each formulation.

Safe handling

Although Ecosky-3103 is a non-flammable process oil, vapour can form above the flash point; store in closed containers away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Use chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection to avoid skin and eye contact, and always follow the product's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Can Ecosky-3103 replace TDAE without changing the formulation?

In most cases, yes. Ecosky-3103 is designed as a drop-in replacement for TDAE and has a similar viscosity profile. Even so, R&D testing per formulation is recommended to confirm the final compound's hardness, cure and ageing behaviour.

Why is Ecosky-3103's carbon footprint negative?

Its feedstock, tall oil, is a forest-derived by-product of kraft paper production. The CO2 captured during tree growth plus low production emissions together yield a net-negative balance of -1771.1 kg CO2/tonne (ISO 14067) per the producer declaration.

How large is the carbon difference between TDAE and Ecosky-3103?

TDAE carries about +2900 kg CO2/tonne and Ecosky-3103 -1771.1 kg CO2/tonne; the gap is roughly 4,600 kg CO2 per tonne. This difference is directly visible in product carbon footprint and Scope 3 accounting.

Which rubber types does Ecosky-3103 work in?

It is compatible with NR, SBR, BR, EPDM and IIR, and can be blended in any ratio with TDAE, MES and naphthenic process oils, which makes a gradual transition easy.

Is Ecosky-3103 REACH-registered?

Yes, Ecosky-3103 is REACH-registered for the EU market; TDAE is registered too. Ecosky-3103 is additionally free of phthalates and PAHs.