In a landmark initiative to modernise rubber farming, the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), in partnership with Digital University of Kerala, has unveiled the Comprehensive Rubber Information System Platform (CRISP) mobile application. This innovative digital solution integrates advanced technologies with agricultural expertise to provide rubber growers with comprehensive, location-specific information at their fingertips.

The CRISP app offers a wealth of valuable features designed to enhance every aspect of rubber cultivation. Farmers can access detailed guidance on optimal farming practices including clone selection tailored to specific locations, scientific fertiliser recommendations and effective methods for controlling diseases and pests. The app also provides crucial knowledge about rubber tapping techniques and processing methods to maximise yield and quality.

Leveraging cutting-edge WebGIS technology, the platform delivers critical geospatial insights by identifying areas vulnerable to landslides and floods. This feature advises farmers on suitable agricultural practices while warning against risky operations in these sensitive zones, enabling better risk management and crop protection.

Beyond cultivation support, CRISP serves as a complete resource hub, offering information about Rubber Producers' Societies, Group Processing Centres, Rubber Board offices and nurseries across the country. Recognising the importance of market intelligence, the app now includes real-time updates on domestic and international prices for various rubber products such as sheet rubber, latex, cup lump and block rubber, benefiting both farmers and traders in making informed decisions.

By seamlessly combining Good Agricultural Practices with Information and Communication Technology, CRISP represents a significant leap forward in digital agriculture. The app bridges the gap between scientific research and practical farming, empowering India's rubber growers with knowledge to improve productivity, ensure sustainable practices and enhance profitability.

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Cabot Corporation said it has received improved environmental ratings from CDP, reflecting continued progress in water management and steady performance on climate disclosures.

In CDP’s 2025 assessment, the company was awarded an A- rating for Water Security, up from a B in 2024, and a B rating for Climate Change, unchanged from the previous year. Cabot said the water score exceeded both global and industry averages, recognising its approach to managing water-related risks and implementing sustainable water practices.

The Climate Change rating remained stable year on year, with improvements reported in areas including climate risk disclosure, value chain engagement and industry collaboration.

The latest scores extend a five-year pattern of incremental improvement, achieved amid more demanding reporting standards and rising expectations from regulators, investors and customers.

“We are proud that CDP’s independent assessment reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance environmental performance and transparency,” said Jennifer Chittick, senior vice-president for Safety, Health and Environment and chief sustainability officer. “The improvement in our Water Security score demonstrates our leadership in this critical area, and we remain committed to advancing our sustainability strategy across all domains. This progress was made possible by our dedicated, global team, and we remain focused on driving further improvements in the years ahead.”

CDP assesses companies on environmental impact across climate change, water security and deforestation, using a scale from D for Disclosure to A for Leadership. In 2025, more than 24,800 companies were rated, representing about two-thirds of global market capitalisation.

Cabot said the results underline its focus on transparency and responsible environmental management as it continues to execute its sustainability strategy.

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A USD 1.4 million equipment enhancement at Liberty Tire Recycling’s Cameron, North Carolina, facility is set to significantly boost its processing capabilities. This upgrade, enabled by the state’s sustainable financial backing of its scrap tyre programme, will allow the facility to handle an extra 3,300 tonnes of material annually, representing nearly 300,000 passenger tyres.

A key improvement is the increased capacity to process truck tyres, which are more challenging to recycle due to their size and durable steel components. The resulting crumb rubber, highly sought after by manufacturers, will be directed towards producing floor mat bases and rubber tiles made entirely from recycled material. This material also serves as a component for athletic tracks, synthetic turf, rubberised asphalt and various moulded products.

This capital investment follows North Carolina’s legislative action to redirect tyre disposal fees into the state’s scrap tyre management system, a move that includes compensating counties for collection and recycling expenses. With North Carolina establishing itself as a centre for tyre recycling, Liberty Tire indicates it is evaluating further multi-million-dollar investments and job creation across its other operations in the state.

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WACKER has earned a distinguished ‘A’ rating in the 2025 CDP sustainability assessment for its climate protection management. This is Wacker’s third time in a row on the A list by the global environmental non-profit organisation. Beyond the climate category, WACKER maintained its strong standing in water security, again achieving an A- leadership rating. In the forests category, the company secured a B management-level score. These consistent results highlight WACKER’s ongoing commitment to holistic environmental responsibility and transparent reporting across all key sustainability areas.

The CDP, a globally respected non-profit formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project, conducts the world’s premier environmental disclosure system. It annually evaluates thousands of organisations on behalf of investors, using a detailed questionnaire that spans climate change, water security and forests. Scores follow an A-to-F scale, with an A denoting exemplary performance and disclosure.

Among over 22,100 companies evaluated worldwide, WACKER’s top climate score places it in the premier tier. According to CDP, such a rating reflects comprehensive, high-quality data disclosure and robust transformation strategies.

Peter Gigler, Head of ESG at WACKER, said, “We have our sustainability performance independently audited by CDP every year, so we’re very pleased that we were able to maintain our top rating for the third time in a row.”

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Midas, Asia’s largest manufacturer of tyre retreading materials, has launched O-rings designed for off-the-road (OTR) tyres, aimed at delivering reliable sealing performance in demanding operating conditions.

The O-rings are manufactured using high-quality natural rubber and are formulated to improve physical properties and ensure dimensional stability. According to the company, the product has been tested over many years in harsh environments and is intended to provide consistent, trouble-free performance in OTR tyre applications.

Midas said only REACH-compliant raw materials are used in the manufacture of the O-rings, underscoring its adherence to safety, quality and international regulatory standards.

Founded 56 years ago, Midas supplies tyre retreading materials to customers in more than 60 countries. The company said the launch reflects its continued focus on developing performance-oriented solutions for the global tyre and retreading industry.

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