The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) hosted a significant courtesy visit from Stefano Safi, CEO of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), on 4 February 2026. The meeting, held at the ANRPC Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, featured substantial discussions with Secretary-General Dr Suttipong Angthong and his team.

Central to the dialogue were the crucial themes of sustainable production and pricing mechanisms, alongside an analysis of recent market impacts on the industry. Both parties affirmed the necessity of collaborative action to address sectoral challenges and committed to a shared path for promoting sustainable growth in the face of evolving market dynamics, ultimately striving towards a more environmentally responsible future for natural rubber.

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City of Moreton Bay has been recognised for a groundbreaking road resurfacing programme that sets a new sustainability benchmark for Queensland. In partnership with infrastructure firm Fulton Hogan, the council spearheaded a research and development project to create a durable asphalt solution specifically designed for subtropical climates.

This innovative approach involved trialling a mix incorporating crumb rubber binder with up to 30 percent recycled asphalt pavement. The highly sustainable formula was also produced as a warm mix asphalt, requiring lower production temperatures than conventional methods. Extensive field testing on local roads confirmed the mix's functionality and durability, establishing a viable future-ready surfacing solution for local governments.

The environmental benefits of the 2024/25 programme were substantial. Across 82 streets, the project utilised 7,838 tonnes of recycled asphalt and repurposed the equivalent of 28,748 end-of-life passenger tyres into the road network. This concerted effort resulted in an estimated carbon emission saving exceeding 556,000 kilogrammes.

The Australian Flexible Pavement Association subsequently honoured the project as the Queensland state winner in the ‘Outstanding project less than $10m’ category. This initiative aligns with the City of Moreton Bay’s broader environmental strategy, which includes a target of achieving net zero emissions for council operations by 2039 and reducing the city's overall carbon footprint.

The council views such partnerships as a practical demonstration of its ‘Going Green as We Grow’ commitment, aimed at maintaining materials in circulation to reduce waste. Recognising local roads as one of its largest infrastructure assets, the city continues to actively encourage all resurfacing contractors to pursue innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions. This road programme complements other ongoing green infrastructure projects within the region focused on enhancing safety for both motorists and wildlife.

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Nexion Group has inaugurated a state-of-the-art, sustainable logistics hub in Prato di Correggio, Italy. This facility, serving the Group's portfolio of brands including Corghi, HPA-Faip, Mondolfo Ferro, Teco, Sice, Autopstenhoj, Sherpa and Bright, is a strategic investment designed to support future growth and market demands through advanced automation and artificial intelligence.

The hub is a highly automated, fully digitalised operation that functions around the clock. Its core is a high-capacity vertical warehouse, utilising over 2.2 kilometres of racking systems that reach 11.7 metres in height across seven levels. This design, spanning a total of 22,000 square metres and offering 7,600 pallet positions, maximises vertical space to handle large volumes and a diverse product range. Logistics are managed by laser-guided vehicles and intelligent software algorithms, which optimise material flows, minimise errors and significantly reduce order fulfilment times. The entire process features automated identification and labelling systems, with real-time monitoring ensuring full traceability, operational accuracy and the reliable handling of complex or oversized items.

A cornerstone of the project is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The hub is equipped with a 1.1 MW photovoltaic system that fully meets the facility's energy needs and contributes substantially to the power requirements of the adjacent metal fabrication plant, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact of Nexion's operations.

This next-generation infrastructure enhances the Group's ability to provide fast, accurate and reliable service. By optimising warehousing and distribution, it strengthens Nexion's regional presence and underscores a firm commitment to integrating industrial development with technological innovation and environmental responsibility, paving the way for a more advanced and service-oriented logistics model.

Giulio Corghi, President, Nexion Group, said, “The new logistics hub in Prato di Correggio represents a concrete step in Nexion industrial evolution. We have invested in a sustainable, intelligent and highly automated facility designed to improve logistics service quality and strongly support the Group’s future growth while guaranteeing the highest safety standards for our employees and playing an active role in the ecological transition.”

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Comerio Ercole has achieved a significant international milestone by securing the ‘Italian Company of the Year – Manufacturing’ title at the ACQ5 Global Awards 2026. This honour, conferred by a globally respected M&A magazine, recognises exceptional commercial performance and innovation on the world stage. The award is particularly meaningful as it results from a rigorous peer-driven nomination and voting process, establishing it as a credible benchmark for excellence. For Comerio Ercole, this accolade validates over 140 years of dedication to industrial reliability, quality and technological advancement in specialised calendering and mixing solutions, blending traditional engineering with modern innovation.

Concurrent with this recognition, the company is aggressively pursuing a strategy of global engagement and visibility in 2026. A key component of this strategy involves participation in major international trade shows, including several first-time appearances, to connect with new audiences and strengthen existing partnerships. This direct market engagement supports the company's international expansion and allows it to showcase its expertise while understanding regional industry demands. The upcoming Tire Technology Expo 2026 in Hannover, Germany, from 3–5 March, stands as a prime example. At this leading industry gathering, Comerio Ercole will occupy Stand 8006 in Hall 21 to present its latest advancements in rubber calendering, automated production systems and sustainable manufacturing solutions tailored for the tyre and rubber sectors.

Integral to these presentations will be the company's evolving focus on digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Attendees will be introduced to a suite of AI-based tools, including MINERV-AI, which is designed to digitally capture, structure and automate critical industrial procedures related to work, maintenance, quality and safety. This technology aims to preserve valuable operational know-how and enhance overall efficiency. The inclusion of such smart tools underscores Comerio Ercole’s commitment to merging its deep engineering heritage with cutting-edge digital solutions, offering clients future-oriented capabilities that boost productivity and process reliability.

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Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company reported a marked improvement in fourth-quarter profitability, as restructuring benefits and favourable pricing offset weaker demand and persistent cost pressures across global tyre markets.

The US-based group said fourth-quarter net sales were USD 4.9 billion, slightly lower than a year earlier, while tyre unit volumes fell to 42.3  million. Net income rose to USD 105 million, or USD 0.36 a share, compared with USD 73 million, or USD 0.25 a share, in the same period last year. Adjusted net income was USD 113 million, marginally ahead of the prior year, with adjusted earnings per share of USD 0.39.

The company said the quarter delivered its highest segment operating income and margin in more than seven years, reflecting progress under its Goodyear Forward transformation programme.

“We delivered another strong quarter, driven by execution of our Goodyear Forward plan,” said Mark Stewart, Chief Executive and President. “While we continue to face challenging industry conditions in the first quarter, we are operating with greater focus and discipline on the elements within our control.”

Total segment operating income in the quarter rose to USD 416 million, from USD 382 million a year earlier. On an organic basis, excluding the impact of divestitures, segment operating income increased 18 percent, supported by restructuring benefits of USD 192 million and favourable price and mix compared with raw material costs. These gains were partly offset by inflation, tariffs and other cost pressures, as well as lower volumes.

Goodyear Forward has now generated USD 1.25 billion of cumulative segment operating income benefits since its launch, exceeding the programme’s original commitment by about USD 150 million. By the end of 2025, the company had reached a USD 1.5 billion run-rate over the two-year programme.

During 2025, Goodyear also generated USD 2.3 billion from divestitures and other asset sales, including the disposal of its chemical and off-the-road tyre businesses and the Dunlop brand. The company said the proceeds were used primarily to reduce debt, exceeding its asset sale target by about USD 300 million.

For the full year, Goodyear reported net sales of USD 18.3 billion, with tyre unit volumes of 158.7m. The company recorded a net loss of USD 1.7 billion, or USD 5.99 a share, compared with net income of USD 46m a year earlier. The loss reflected several significant non-cash items, including a USD 1.5 billion deferred tax asset valuation allowance and a USD 674 million goodwill impairment charge. Adjusted net income for the year was USD 136 million, down from USD 278 million in 2024, with adjusted earnings per share of USD 0.47.

Segment operating income for the year totalled USD 1.1 billion, down from USD 1.3 billion a year earlier. Excluding divested businesses, segment operating income declined by USD 170m, reflecting lower volumes amid continued weakness in the commercial tyre market and tariff-related pressures. These effects were partly offset by restructuring benefits of USD 772 million and modest gains from price and mix.

Regional performance remained mixed. In the Americas, fourth-quarter net sales slipped slightly as volumes declined, reflecting high channel inventories of imported tyres and weaker original equipment production. Europe, the Middle East and Africa recorded higher sales, supported by pricing and currency effects, with original equipment volumes rising sharply. Asia-Pacific results declined, largely due to the sale of the off-the-road tyre business, although underlying margins improved once divestment effects were excluded.

Looking ahead, management said industry conditions were expected to remain difficult in the near term, particularly in the commercial segment. The company said it would continue to focus on cost control, pricing discipline and execution of its transformation plan to navigate the current environment.

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