It was only many years later that we learnt about the atrocities and the inhuman ways the natives of the Amazon Valley were subjected to by the white barons to develop exporting of natural rubber to Europe to provide the main raw material for the automotive tyre industry which was gradually evolving in to a flourishing industry. The inventing of synthetic rubber in the late 1940s and the development of SBR  due to the short supply of natural rubber from the colonies  in the East to cater for the growing demand for tyres used in the military vehicles during the Second World War and the Korean War is another episode of beyond the border commercial endeavours.

Although the word ‘globalisation’ was coined by Theodore Levitt in 1983 through an article ‘Globalisation of Markets’ which appeared in the Harvard Business Review  (May-June 1983), I feel that we should go way back in the annals of history to get an understanding of the term. This knowledge may not look attractive to the modern business world. Nevertheless, the sociologists and others of similar disciplines will certainly find such knowledge useful in comprehending the modern day socio-economic woes.

Origins of globalisation may possibly be traced back to early human migrations, presumably from the Olduvai George Gorge, a site in Tanzania that holds the earliest evidence of human ancestors. Human migration is the movement of people from one place to another, particularly different countries, with the intent of settling temporarily or permanently in the new location. It typically involves movement over long distances. The driving motive, namely seeking dominance over fellow men and exploiting the natural environment to achieve success, does not seem to have changed over the millions of years.

The emergence of the great civilisations, e.g. Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and their subsequent decline can be attributed to globalisation. Similarly, the invasions and cross-border military conquests of historical fame (or notoriety) such as that of Alexander the Great and colonisation by the West for the exploitation of natural wealth in Asia, Africa and South America reveals an ugly facet of globalisation.

The Silk Route interlinking East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and Southern Europe, on the other hand, was central to the economic, political, cultural and religious interactions between these regions form 2nd century BCE to the 18th century.

The industrialisation and expansion of business and commerce across countries during the past 300-plus years was fuelled by the four industrial revolutions, or waves as some prefer to identify them, namely steam power, conveyor system, computers and digitalisation. The process is continuing to the unforeseeable future with new knowledge and innovations fuelling the globalisation.

The multifaceted nature of globalisation has commonly been identified into eight types as shown below:

•           Political Globalisation

•           Social Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Technological Globalisation

•           Financial Globalisation

•           Cultural Globalisation

•           Economic Globalisation

•           Geographical Globalisation

My intention is not to delve in to a discussion about the pros and cons of globalisation, which has been comprehensively documented, but to highlight on some key aspects from this part of the world, especially of the Asian subcontinent.

Knowledge dissemination across border, in my view, is the single most important factor associated with globalisation. This appears common to all the above types of globalisation. The dissemination of the Buddhist doctrine by the great Emperor Asoka to countries spreading from the far East to the Central Asia and Middle East including the present Sri Lanka during 3rd century BCE is one of the earliest recorded instances of globalisation.

Countries with long histories going back to 3,000 to 4,000-plus years, such as India, China and Sri Lanka, possessed a vast knowledge base ingrained in the social consciousness. This appears to have significantly influenced the philosophical and intellectual thought of the Greek and Persian periods. Unfortunately, a major part of this knowledge has been eroded through the influence of the West, which started around the 16th century. One good example of this knowledge found in the ancient irrigation knowledge of Sri Lanka is the engineering  marvel of a gradient of 1 inch per mile in an ancient canal about 87 km long,  built to connect two man-made reservoirs in the 5th century AD. Similarly, India and Sri Lanka possessed a vast indigenous knowledge base in medicine, astrology, architecture, agriculture, irrigation and astrology, and it is somewhat unfortunate that this knowledge has not been adequately globalised. The only significant inroads are seen in tourism. But that too are based on the western norms.

On the other hand, we have acquired a vast knowledge from the industrialised countries on modern management thoughts and technologies which have enabled industrialisation and improvement in living conditions of the populace. In this era of interdependency, a country cannot afford to ignore the technologies which are necessary to maintain a suitable level of competitiveness internationally. However, if this is accomplished at the expense of ignoring the inherent social and cultural foundations, the long-term adverse consequences would be disastrous and unimaginable.

The adverse long-term consequences of the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and the global addiction to pharmaceuticals are already seen physically and socially in practically all the countries, especially the so called underdeveloped or developing countries.

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the irreversible effects of global warming are two examples of globalisation which are affecting the mere sustenance  of mankind.

A country can immensely benefit by striving for stars through adopting modern technologies. However, the absolute importance of a strong base cannot be ignored or taken lightly. Back to a strong base and reinforcing the base lies at the core of sustainable development.

The words of Mahatma Gandhi echoing from the past reaffirm this plain truth in no uncertain terms.

“I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the cultures of all lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any.”

“What's past is prologue," a quote from William Shakespeare's ‘The Tempest’ presumes that though history is written, the future is anyone's to decide – with the knowledge gleaned from the past. (TT)

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The AZUR network has declared 10 May 2026 a pivotal date for Germany’s ecological balance, marking the country’s Overshoot Day, which is calculated by the Global Footprint Network. From this point forward, the nation’s resource consumption for the remainder of the year will be living beyond environmental means. If the global population mirrored German habits, three planets would be required to meet resource demands. For AZUR, this calculation serves as an urgent directive for the tyre industry to adopt a circular economy without delay.

The tyre sector stands at the centre of this challenge, with roughly 600,000 tonnes of used tyres generated annually in Germany. According to AZUR, this waste stream represents either a severe environmental liability or a valuable secondary raw material source, depending on handling. The early Overshoot Day underscores that the linear production model has reached its limit, compelling a consistent ecological transformation.

Within its network, AZUR promotes three strategic approaches to tyre recycling. Retreading old tyres conserves up to 70 percent of the energy and virgin materials like natural rubber and steel compared to new production. Mechanical recycling recovers rubber meal and granules, keeping resources circulating rather than sending them to incinerators. Chemical recycling via pyrolysis breaks down tyres under heat without oxygen to produce pyrolysis oil, recovered carbon black and gas.

The 10^th of May thus stands as a reminder that resource inefficiency is no longer acceptable. By uniting industry specialists, AZUR aims to shrink mobility’s ecological footprint and progressively push Germany’s Overshoot Day later into the winter months in the years ahead.

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The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF) has unveiled the recipients of its inaugural Circle of Change Awards, recognising initiatives that convert end-of-life tyres into sustainable materials with tangible community and environmental benefits. The honours, announced during a luncheon at the recently concluded 10th Tire Recycling Conference in Denver, Colorado, highlight growing momentum in end-use markets for recycled tire products.

North Carolina earned the Circular Economy Trailblazer Award for modernising its scrap tyre programme, including a revised funding framework that stabilises county recycling efforts, curbs illegal dumping and establishes a platform to incorporate tyre-derived materials into public works. The Innovation in End-Use Technology Award went to LHB Engineering and the St. Paul Port Authority for redeveloping a brownfield site in Minnesota, where roughly 30,000 yards of tyre-derived aggregate now support an underground stormwater system protecting the Mississippi River from runoff.

Michigan EGLE and its public, private and academic partners received the Market Development Excellence Award for a multi-sector effort using demonstrations and field data to advance tyre-derived aggregate, rubber-modified asphalt and porous pavements. The Value Chain Collaboration Award was presented to Bolder Industries and Pirelli Tire LLC for a closed-loop system that transforms manufacturing scrap tyres into recovered carbon black for new commercial tyre production, reducing emissions and resource use at scale.

The 2026 winning projects demonstrate that tyre recycling and tyre-derived products are established pillars of sustainability and economic growth, reinforcing the value of active state end-of-life tyre programmes focused on innovative market creation. The TRF Circle of Change Awards programme spans four national categories designed to spotlight leadership in advancing tyre recycling and the circular economy.

Stephanie Mull, Executive Director, Tire Recycling Foundation, said, “Every end-of-life tyre represents an opportunity to transform what would have been considered waste into something that strengthens our communities. This year’s winners are proof that when the industry works together, tyre recycling can simultaneously strengthen infrastructure, drive meaningful environmental progress and support local economies.”

Dick Gust, President, Tire Recycling Foundation, said, “What stands out about the 2026 winners is how embedded tyre recycling has become in real-world decision making. The success of these projects sends a clear signal that when recyclers, engineers, transportation agencies, state and local governments, manufacturers and private industry work together, end-use markets grow. That’s the integrated approach we need to continue building on.”

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Prinx Chengshan showcased its latest off-the-road tyre innovations at the 16th China (Guangrao) International Rubber Tire & Auto Parts Expo (Guangrao Tire Expo), which opened on 15 May. The event has established itself as one of China’s largest and most influential professional exhibitions in the rubber and tyre industry, focusing on uniting global tyre resources and fostering collaborative innovation and high-quality development.

The manufacturer’s exhibition focused on the Chengshan brand’s lineup of all-steel OTR and agricultural radial tyres. For heavy mining applications, the ET05/ET05A/ET16/ET17 wide-body dump truck tyres with deep transverse grooves offer strong traction on soft, uneven surfaces while preventing slippage. An all-terrain crane tyre, EC01, featured a non-directional tread and sidewall heat dissipation holes, balancing grip with temperature control for smooth travel between paved and unpaved roads. The ELD11/ELD12 loader tyres emphasised wear resistance and load stability under extreme conditions, and the ESM01 underground scraper tyre featured an ultra-cut-resistant compound to protect against sharp rocks in tunnel and mine settings.

Agricultural needs were addressed with the TX600 radial tyre, built for tractors operating on expanding modern farms. Large central tread blocks and flexible sidewalls support stable high-speed transit, while reinforced base structures and puncture-resistant materials allow for continuous work in fields containing crop straw and gravel.

Responding to growing OTR demand, Prinx Chengshan has accelerated its high-end product development to support domestic substitution in large machinery. A new green intelligent factory, representing an investment exceeding RMB 1.1 billion (approximately USD 161.75 million) across over 100,000 square metres, began operations in 2025 with the rollout of its first tyre. The facility is designed to produce 84,000 all-steel OTR tyres and 10,000 giant tyres annually for mines, construction sites, ports, airports, agriculture and industrial use.

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Triangle Tyre convened its 2026 Asia-Pacific Dealer Conference and EV tyre launch in Bangkok, Thailand, on 12–13 May. Under an innovation and technology banner, the company introduced its new EV tyre range for the Asia-Pacific market, engineered for new energy vehicles. The launch aims to support the new energy mobility sector, reinforce Southeast Asian footprint, and sharpen global competitive edge. The gathering drew key dealers from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, UAE and Pakistan.

Asia Pacific General Manager Zhang Mingquan reviewed 2025 performance and detailed the 2026 regional strategy, stressing market-focused, customised solutions for diverse road conditions. Triangle Tyre plans to refine products and services, deepen end-market penetration and lift competitiveness.

As new energy vehicle adoption surges, demand is rising for quiet, wear-resistant, low rolling resistance and high-load tyres. Triangle Tyre unveiled its next-generation NEV-specific E-Travel series and The Journey series TL706. Passenger tyre and sales teams conducted Southeast Asian research for local adaptation before launch.

Sales Director Yang Na presented the company’s innovation platform and intelligent production capabilities. She highlighted three advantages of the new EV tyres: extended range via proprietary compound and lightweight design, ultra-quiet performance through optimised tread patterns and sound-absorbing technology and enhanced safety from reinforced carcass strength and superior grip.

Regional dealers praised the new tyres’ performance and discussed future plans with Triangle’s teams, reaching agreement on deepening partnerships across ASEAN. Dealers reaffirmed commitment to delivering high-quality EV tyres to Southeast Asian consumers. The Bangkok event marked a major step in Triangle Tyre’s shift towards the new energy tyre market. The company will build on this momentum to deepen Asia-Pacific presence and drive sustainable regional growth.

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