Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber’s new policy framework, which was approved in the recently general assembly, will provide a clear framework for GPSNR company members to establish/ update supply chain commitments through their natural rubber purchasing policies.

It covers specifies key commitment details to no deforestation/conversion/degradation, upholding human rights, supply chain transparency and monitoring and reporting.

Members who joined GPSNR before the GPSNR General Assembly 2020 will be expected to have policies or other documents aligned with these requirements within 6 months after adoption by the General Assembly. Members who join after the GPSNR General Assembly 2020 will be expected to align with these policies within 6 months of joining GPSNR.

aModeled around the Platform’s 12 Principles of Sustainable Natural Rubber, the new policy framework sets out eight overarching themes that include commitments to legal compliance, community livelihoods, healthy, functioning ecosystems (including no deforestation), and respecting all human rights.

“This is a tremendous milestone for the Platform and for the natural rubber industry. In just under two years, GPSNR members developed and approved concrete policy commitments for companies to integrate into their sustainable natural rubber policies. Today, and despite the challenges we all faced during this global pandemic, GPSNR members send a signal to the world about their commitment to achieving a fair, equitable and environmentally sound future” said GPSNR Director Stefano Savi.

Around 85% of the world’s natural rubber is produced by smallholders. In order to transform a sector that is primarily reliant on smallholder producers, GPSNR is embracing smallholder inclusivity and a concept of shared responsibility through the establishment of a Shared Responsibility Working Group, which will identify how the responsibilities and costs of implementation can be equitably distributed across all stakeholder categories, with the understanding that smallholders should not carry the burden of a higher cost to implement sustainability activities in complying with the policy or implementation guidance to be developed.

“Smallholders are a crucial link in the natural rubber value chain, and they have a key role to play in driving awareness on-the-ground and setting the global agenda for sustainable natural rubber” remarked Director Savi.

This year, GPSNR welcomed 28 smallholder members from seven rubber-producing countries. These smallholders now constitute a newly approved standalone category and play an equal role in decision-making within GPSNR alongside the other four categories: producers, processors, and traders; tire manufacturers and other natural rubber makers/buyers; car manufacturers, other downstream users and financial institutions; and civil society.

GPSNR’s virtual General Assembly drew more than 120 attendees, including members of the Platform, partners and invited guests. In addition to voting on resolutions, GPSNR members also elected representatives to the 2020-2021 Executive Committee, which comprises representatives from each of the membership categories. And for the first time, three newly elected smallholder producers with diverse geographical backgrounds will participate in Executive Committee discussions and decision-making.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Vipal Rubber has launched the VT290, a tread designed for truck drive axles used on motorways and paved roads, targeting regional and long-distance transport operations in Europe.

The product is available in widths of 240mm, 250mm, 260mm, 270mm and 280mm. It is designed to provide traction and stability on dry and wet roads, as well as in demanding conditions involving snow.

Frederico Schmidt, General Manager of Vipal EMEA, said, “The launch of the VT290 reinforces Vipal’s ongoing commitment to offering technologically advanced solutions suited to the specific characteristics of European roads and climate.” “We want to further consolidate our presence in the region, delivering a high value-added product that combines innovation, operational efficiency and safety,” he added.

The VT290 carries the M+S marking and 3PMSF certification. Its design includes side sipes and grooves intended to help remove snow and mud from the tread, improving grip on slippery surfaces.

The tread pattern is also designed to distribute engine torque more evenly, helping to reduce uneven wear. Tie bars between the tread blocks add structural stability, supporting vehicle control during driving.

Fabrício Nedeff, Commercial Manager of Vipal EMEA, said, “With the VT290, weare responding directly to the real needs of fleet operators and truck drivers, combining performance, adherence and efficiency in different driving conditions. [RS2.1]In addition to expanding options for our customers, the product strengthens business opportunities for our partners in the region,”

Vipal said the launch would expand its offering for retreaders, distributors and fleet operators in the European market.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) published its Monthly Natural Rubber Statistical Report for August 2026, noting firmer prices in several markets. Supply constraints, stable downstream demand and persistent geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty shaped the month. Renewed conflict and disruptions to major shipping routes added further pressure.

Physical prices for major grades moved in different directions. SMR-20 in Kuala Lumpur averaged USD 2.31 per kg, up 4.25 percent from July, while STR-20 in Bangkok rose 1.40 percent to USD 2.39 per kg. RSS-3 dropped 4.18 percent to USD 2.80 per kg, but RSS-4 in Kottayam gained 0.57 percent to USD 2.92 per kg. Latex-in-bulk fell 4.73 percent to USD 1.73 per kg. Brent crude averaged USD 91.08 per barrel, driven by concerns over possible restrictions on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East instability, which raised energy supply risks and strengthened the oil market risk premium.

On trade, China's imports climbed 3.39 percent month-on-month, while India fell 10.18 percent and Malaysia dropped 8.24 percent; Viet Nam rose 5.08 percent. Exports advanced 5.63 percent in Viet Nam but declined in Thailand (-5.24 percent), Indonesia (-5.36 percent), Malaysia (-1.48 percent) and Cambodia (-1.88 percent).

Global production is projected to rise 0.6 percent to 15.039 million tons in 2026 from 14.952 million tonnes in 2025, after revisions to Thailand's 2025 output and updated 2026 estimates for Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Weather, including erratic rainfall and drier Southeast Asian conditions, affected output. August 2026 production was estimated at 1.396 million tonnes, down 4.51 percent from 1.462 million tonnes a year earlier. Demand is forecast to grow 0.4 percent to 15.356 million tonnes in 2026 from 15.301 million tonnes, with the largest consumption gains expected in China, Malaysia and Cambodia. Prospects depend on vehicle sales, tyre production, shipping conditions and weather-related supply disruptions, while steady EV-linked demand supported modest growth led by China and India. The ringgit traded between RM4.02 per USD and RM4.09 per USD, and the baht between 32.68 and 33.34. The SHFE January 2027 contract averaged 18,109 CNY per tonne, up 7.78 percent month-on-month, while the SGX November 2026 contract averaged USD 2.24 per kg, up 4.32 percent.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd., a global speciality carbon and carbon black manufacturer, has broadened its emissions accounting to include value chain impacts beyond its direct operations. The move advances measurement and management of Scope 3 emissions across its supply and distribution network, according to the company.

The initiative spans Epsilon Carbon’s integrated carbon complex in Vijayanagar, Karnataka. That site has a production capacity of 500,000 tonnes per annum of speciality carbon and 215,000 TPA of carbon black. It combines carbon manufacturing with energy circularity efforts in one integrated ecosystem. The company assessed material Scope 3 categories under GHG Protocol guidelines.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect and arise from purchased goods and services, transportation, business activities and downstream product use where relevant. The assessment gives Epsilon Carbon clearer visibility into emissions outside its direct control and a foundation for spotting reduction opportunities. It builds on existing operational emissions and energy efficiency work.

The company previously reported a 98 percent Scope 2 reduction against its baseline year. A 17 MW captive power plant uses waste heat from carbon black operations, energy consumption intensity fell 6 percent from baseline, and 77 percent of energy needs came from waste heat recovery, avoiding over 89,000 tonnes of CO₂. Epsilon Carbon now emphasises supplier engagement, data transparency and circularity, aligning disclosures with global sustainability frameworks to track value chain emissions consistently and develop measurable reduction initiatives.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Meaningful climate action requires us to look beyond the boundaries of our operations and understand the impact of the entire value chain. Scope 3 measurement gives us greater visibility into the emissions and enables deeper engagement with our partners and suppliers. Building this visibility will help us make more informed decisions as we scale our operations and advance our decarbonization plans.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

HS HYOSUNG has formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the State Government of San Luis Potosí, with the signing taking place at the World Trade Center Mexico City. The event formed part of the Korea-Mexico Business Forum, held alongside the Korean economic delegation's visit to Mexico.

Attending officials included Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico's Secretary of Economy, and Mario García Valdez, Secretary of Economic Development of San Luis Potosí. The two sides confirmed their shared resolve to back the company's local investment and regional growth. Separately, HS HYOSUNG's leadership met bilaterally with Secretary Ebrard to elaborate on its strategic vision and investment plans.

The agreement sets out a phased expansion of HS HYOSUNG's investments in San Luis Potosí beginning in 2027, with the goal of creating a major advanced materials production hub that bolsters supply for North American and wider global markets. The company's advanced materials span tyre cord, a flagship world-leading product, along with mobility, energy, aerospace and defence applications. Its North American operations, spanning Mexico and the United States, turn out tyre cord, airbag materials and mobility interior components for global leaders such as General Motors and Goodyear, underpinned by a highly dependable global supply chain.

Nak-yang Sung, CEO, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS, said, “This investment goes beyond establishing a simple manufacturing base – it reflects our strategy to turn Mexico into a pivotal hub connecting North America with global supply networks. We are also committed to strengthening local supply chains and creating high-quality jobs to contribute directly to the region's industrial ecosystem.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!