A delegation from the All Kerala Small Scale Tread Rubber Manufacturers' Association (AKTRMA) and the Kerala Small Scale Industries Association (KSSIA) met Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal and Secretary for Resources Ajit Patil on 18 September 2025, to address the issue of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on tractor tread rubber used for retreading.

The delegation led by A Nisarudheen, State President of KSSIA and Alias Mathew, General Secretary of AKTRMA highlighted the negative impact of the current GST structure on small and medium-scale retreaders, which are crucial to the rural economy. They emphasised the need for GST rationalisation to ensure fair taxation and the long-term viability of the industry.

The industry bodies stated that both the Finance Minister and the Secretary for Resources were receptive to the concerns and gave assurances that the matter would be given serious consideration. They also promised a follow-up meeting once the process begins.

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In a significant advancement for materials science, Shin-Etsu Chemical has pioneered a new class of thermoplastic silicone, effectively overcoming the longstanding recyclability challenges associated with conventional silicone rubber. This innovation is a core component of the company's Silicones Solution-Engineering initiative, which leverages sophisticated silicon chemistry. Traditional materials are broadly categorised as thermoplastics, which can be remelted and recycled, and thermosetting plastics, which undergo a permanent hardening process that prevents recycling. Standard silicone rubber falls into the latter, thermosetting category.

This newly engineered thermoplastic silicone, however, represents a paradigm shift. It retains the desirable soft texture of silicone but introduces a suite of previously unattainable properties. The material is not only fully recyclable due to its thermoplastic nature but also achieves a unique combination of high hardness and exceptional elasticity. Furthermore, its composition allows for excellent transparency and ease of colouring, as it requires no inorganic fillers like silica. From a manufacturing perspective, it offers excellent processability, suitable for standard plastic injection moulding and even formulation into solvent-based coatings for diverse applications.

The potential uses for this material are extensive and novel. It is expected to enable new applications in consumer electronics, such as soft-touch components for mobile devices and sports equipment, and in the medical field for protective coatings on caregiving devices. By offering a spectrum of properties from rubber-like elasticity to plastic-like rigidity, Shin-Etsu can provide highly customised solutions. The product is scheduled for its first public reference display at the 14th PLASTIC JAPAN exhibition, taking place at Makuhari Messe from 12 to 14 November 2025.

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In a strategic move to secure its supply chain, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has entered into a partnership with India's Epsilon Carbon. The two companies have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to explore a long-term arrangement for the supply of liquid coal tar pitch, a critical raw material for aluminium smelting.

This initiative, launched at the Gateway Gulf Forum 2025 in Bahrain, is designed to enhance Alba’s operational security and efficiency. Concurrently, it supports Epsilon Carbon's strategy to establish a new coal tar pitch melting facility within the Kingdom of Bahrain. The agreement paves the way for future detailed negotiations, which will include trial deliveries and the finalisation of quality and commercial terms.

Ali Al Baqali, CEO, Alba, said, “Our collaboration with Epsilon Carbon marks an important milestone in Alba’s journey to reinforce supply chain reliability and maintain the highest standards of quality. This partnership not only secures a key input for our operations but also supports the growth of Bahrain’s industrial sector. We are confident that this alliance will deliver lasting value for both organisations.”

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Our collaboration with Alba is an important step toward sustainable industrial growth. With our coal tar distillation capacity set to reach 750,000 tonnes by 2027 and a USD 20 million investment in the Kingdom of Bahrain, we aim to strengthen regional collaboration and supply chain resilience. This will not only reinforce the India – Kingdom of Bahrain industrial corridor but also help reduce the carbon footprint and realise our vision for a more sustainable and efficient aluminium industry.”

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A major new academic and industry reference, Sustainable Materials for Rubber and Allied Industries, has been released by CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. The 724-page volume brings together science, technology, policy and industrial practice to explore how one of the world’s most essential material sectors is transitioning towards sustainability.

The rubber industry plays a critical role in mobility, healthcare, defence, infrastructure and consumer products. Yet, for decades, most rubber compounds have relied on fossil-based feedstocks and additives. As the world confronts the realities of climate change, resource depletion and waste accumulation, the industry now finds itself at the centre of global discussions on sustainability and circularity.

This book addresses that challenge directly, not as a philosophical concept but as a practical and scientific journey. It examines the material, processing and policy transitions required to build a sustainable future for rubber and tyre manufacturing.

What the Book Contains

Structured across fourteen detailed chapters, the volume covers:

• Foundations of Sustainability and Circularity — explaining environmental, social and economic drivers shaping modern material science.
• Natural Rubber — explored as the industry's most significant renewable resource, along with sustainability challenges in cultivation and processing.
• Bio-Based and Sustainable Synthetic Rubbers — highlighting advances in monomers and green polymer chemistry.
• Sustainable Fillers, Fibres and Reinforcements — including biomass-derived fillers, recycled fibres and improved steel cord systems.
• Curing Systems, Antidegradants, Resins and Processing Aids — re-examined through environmental performance, toxicity and lifecycle impact.
• Thermoplastic Elastomers and Thermoplastic Vulcanisates — offering recyclable and energy-efficient solutions for multiple applications.
• Recycling, Devulcanisation and Circular Economy Models — reviewing the state of the art and emerging industrial-scale technologies.
• Global Regulation and Policy — outlining responsibility frameworks and sustainability compliance trends.

Throughout the book, laboratory research, practical industrial experience, and case-study insights are blended to provide a realistic and applicable reference for scientists, engineers, educators, sustainability strategists, and manufacturing leaders. The work recognises the progress already made by leading manufacturers while setting a scientific and technological roadmap for the years ahead.

The message is clear: sustainability is not merely a direction for the rubber industry — it is its future operating principle.

Short Note About the Authors

The book is authored by five recognised leaders in rubber science and sustainability:

• Professor Anil K. Bhowmick
• A globally respected polymer scientist and Research Professor at the University of Houston, formerly Professor of Eminence at IIT Kharagpur and founder of IIT Patna. He has over 600 research publications, multiple patents, numerous international awards and a distinguished record of advancing rubber science worldwide.
• Dr Rabindra Mukhopadhyay
• Director & Chief Executive of HASETRI and Director (R&D) at JK Tyre. With more than 45 years of industrial leadership, he is known for his contributions to reverse engineering, sustainable materials, circular economy practices and technology development in tyres and elastomers.
• Dr Jagannath Chanda
• Senior Research Scientist at HASETRI, specialising in sustainable composites, failure analysis and structure–property relationships, with significant contributions to academic literature and industrial innovation.
• Dr Barun Kumar Samui
• Principal Scientist at HASETRI with extensive industry experience in reinforcement textiles, composite materials and the performance optimisation of rubber products.
• Dr Riya Koley
• Postdoctoral Fellow at Polytechnique Montréal with research expertise in polymer chemistry, green additives, elastomer processing and nanomaterial-enhanced sustainable rubber systems.

Together, the authors bridge academic excellence, industrial experience and long-term engagement with global sustainability efforts — making this book both authoritative and practical for the future of the rubber and allied industries.

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The global natural rubber (NR) market experienced fluctuating prices in August 2025 as supply constraints coincided with signs of improving demand, the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) said in its latest Monthly NR Statistical Report.

The association noted that seasonal factors supported stronger consumption, particularly in China, where declining port inventories signalled healthier demand. However, heavy rainfall and labour shortages in key producing regions curtailed tapping activities, tightening supply conditions.

“Natural rubber prices experienced a fluctuating trend due to several factors, including constrained supply and improving demand,” ANRPC said. “Seasonal factors boosted consumption, particularly in China, where inventory reductions at major ports indicated improved demand. However, rainfall and labour shortages in producing regions limited tapping activities, tightening supply.”

According to updated data from member countries, global natural rubber production is projected to increase by 0.5 percent in 2025 compared with 2024, while demand is expected to grow by 1.3 percent over the same period.

The association said market sentiment had turned “increasingly optimistic” with stronger purchasing interest, driven by the traditional peak season for natural rubber, especially from the all-steel tyre and heavy-duty truck segments.

The ANRPC encouraged subscribers and stakeholders seeking more in-depth insights to refer to the full report or contact the ANRPC Secretariat for subscription details.

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