Dr Sawar Dhanania, Chairman of the Rubber Board, expressed optimism about the growth in both production and consumption of natural rubber (NR) in the Indian plantation sector. At the 185th meeting in Kottayam, he acknowledged the challenges such as price volatility, climate change, market issues, and labour shortage. Dr Dhanania emphasized the need for grassroots-level solutions to ensure sustainability and profitability.
“The efforts of the Rubber Board and the timely interference in disease control, adoption of rubber holdings for harvesting, formation of Rubber Tapper Groups (RTGs), etc., have resulted in the augmentation of NR production in the country. But, many challenges, including volatilities in rubber prices, climate change, market issues, labour shortage, etc., continue in the rubber sector. We need to find suitable solutions at the grassroots level to make the plantation sector more sustainable and profitable. In the present scenario, Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPSs) need further improvement in their governance and activities to face the various challenges in the rubber plantation sector. RPSs should become self-sufficient in their activities. The concept of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the RPS sector is a viable suggestion to experiment with in the coming days, Dr Dhanania said.

M Vasanthagesan IRS, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, provided an overview of the Indian NR sector. He reported an 8.3 percent growth in NR production, totalling 839,000 tonnes in 2022-23, with an average yield increase to 1,482 kg/ha. Domestic NR consumption reached a record high of 1,350,000 tonnes, reflecting a 9 percent increase from the previous year. The auto tyre sector saw a 4.8 percent growth, while the general rubber goods sector experienced a substantial 20.4 percent growth.

Auto-tyre manufacturing accounted for 70.3 percent of NR consumption in 2022-23. Projections for 2023-24 estimate NR production at 875,000 tonnes and consumption at 1400,000 tonnes. The Board commended the Union Government for increasing the import duty on compounded rubber to align with NR.

Additionally, the Committee recommended ensuring that the Rubber Production Incentive Scheme of the State Government reaches all small growers. The Rubber Board held meetings covering Staff Affairs, Strengthening of RPSs, and Research and development.

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Birla Carbon is reinforcing its dedication to South America’s evolving tyre and rubber sectors by merging worldwide innovation with localised production, technical proficiency and customer service. With a well-established history in Brazil and extensive experience across the continent, the company is strategically positioned to assist manufacturers in navigating present market challenges while simultaneously planning for future industry demands.

This fusion of regional insight and global research capabilities will be prominently featured at Expobor 2026. The event is scheduled from 23 to 25 June at São Paulo’s Expo Center Norte, where the corporation will occupy Booth 19004, offering attendees a direct look at its latest advancements.

As a dominant force in global carbon black production, Birla Carbon serves diverse sectors that depend on this critical material, ranging from tyres and rubber goods to specialty applications. Leveraging its regional production sites, a vast international research network and a comprehensive product lineup – which includes BC grades, Raven and Conductex blacks, Continua SCM and Nanocyl nanotubes – the firm ensures products are customised for local needs without compromising the consistency and excellence expected worldwide.

With rising customer emphasis on performance, dependable supply chains and ecological responsibility, Birla Carbon is advancing solutions like Continua SCM to facilitate the shift towards circular economies. This sustainable material can partially replace traditional carbon black in numerous industrial uses, aiding clients in meeting their environmental targets. By combining local roots with global reach and a strong sustainability ethos, the company remains a pillar for the long-term resilience and competitiveness of South America’s rubber industries, and its team at Expobor will be available to discuss these innovations further.

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AZuR participated as a cooperation partner for the tyre material flow at the conference ‘NRW can do DPP!’ held on 16 June 2026 at the Bottrop campus of Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences. Approximately 150 participants from industry, academia, associations and politics convened to exchange knowledge and discuss implementation strategies for the Digital Product Passport.

The strategic significance of the Digital Product Passport for North Rhine-Westphalia was underscored by Susanne Hagenkort-Rieger from the state's Ministry of Economic Affairs. She articulated that the circular economy has become a pivotal competitive factor for regional value creation and resource sovereignty, with digitalisation serving as the essential catalyst for unlocking efficiency potential.

European Commission Policy Officer Franziska Zibold detailed the DPP's role within the broader EU sustainability strategy and forthcoming regulatory obligations via live video. Thomas L Rödding of the CEN-CENELEC standardisation committee subsequently emphasised that standardised data structures and interoperable systems are fundamental to successful implementation.

Yorick Lowin of the German Federal Association of Tire Dealers presented the DPP's application in the tyre circular economy. Tyres were identified as an ideal use case due to their material complexity and diverse recycling streams. The digital passport can optimise used tyre sorting, streamline retreadable casing selection and support recycling by making manufacturer and production data accessible.

Lowin also raised concerns regarding data sovereignty and integration challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises, calling for neutral platforms accessible to all market players. For AZuR, the conference reaffirmed the DPP's importance for prolonging tyre lifecycles, enhancing recycling transparency and driving resource efficiency and climate protection across Europe.

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Cooper Tires is strategically reinforcing its all-season tyre portfolio across passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and light commercial vehicles to meet the growing demand for versatile, year-round driving solutions. This expansion addresses the practical needs of drivers who encounter fluctuating road and weather conditions throughout the year.

Leveraging over a century of tyre manufacturing expertise, the company has broadened its all-season range to deliver reliable, balanced performance and durability tailored for real-world driving across the EMEA region. The enhanced product line now achieves an 89 percent market coverage rate for key European vehicles, ensuring a wide array of suitable options for customers.

The comprehensive portfolio includes the Cooper All-Season for cars and SUVs and the Cooper All-Season Van for light trucks. Both ranges carry the 3PMSF symbol, signifying certified winter capability. The passenger car and SUV line incorporates 3D blading technology for effective braking, an optimised footprint for even wear and extended tread life and a robust carcass for stable handling. This range comprises 84 SKUs, spanning sizes from 14 to 20 inches, and is engineered to be electric vehicle ready.

Specifically developed for commercial use, the Cooper All-Season Van emphasises strength, high mileage and reliability for daily fleet operations. Its deep treads and high-density siping enhance all-season braking, while a reinforced casing supports heavy payloads and demanding work environments. This van-specific line includes 18 SKUs, covering 15- to 17-inch diameters, and is also EV-ready. This strategic investment underscores Cooper Tires’ commitment to delivering its characteristic toughness and straightforward dependability through a versatile all-season offering in the region.

Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director Product Development Consumer EMEA, said, “Cooper is focused on doing what really matters for drivers – delivering dependable tyres with strong coverage, proven performance and real‑world durability. Backed by more than 100 years of heritage and a renewed investment in product and brand across Europe, our all‑season portfolio is designed to give customers confidence all year round, whatever the road or the season.”

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Goodyear executed its largest-ever endurance operation at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a feat defined by 188,747 kilometres driven, 377.5 million wheel revolutions, and 44 cars competing across the LMGT3 and LMP2 classes. The Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres delivered relentless performance, supported by over 120 experts and a stock of 8,000 tyres that sustained racing throughout the entire week.

The tyres' exceptional consistency allowed teams to extend stint lengths significantly, saving precious time during pit stops. Most LMGT3 squads completed four stints, or forty laps, before changing rubber, while LMP2 entries routinely managed five. One LMP2 team notably kept a single set for 56 laps, covering 761 kilometres, a distance comparable to travelling from Le Mans to Monaco.

Pace did not diminish despite the high mileage, with the fastest LMGT3 car posting a 100-lap average 1.2 seconds quicker per lap than the previous year, marking the fastest Le Mans of the LMGT3 era. Goodyear’s off-track presence was equally robust, featuring the Goodyear Blimp, a new grandstand, a popular fan activation, a museum collaboration and the introduction of the Goodyear Passerelle.

Ahead of the race, Goodyear reaffirmed its commitment to LMGT3 through a joint announcement with the FIA and ACO, extending its exclusive supply into a fourth season in 2027 with a new tyre composed of 66 percent sustainable materials. The WEC now moves to the 6 Hours of São Paulo on 12 July, though many Le Mans teams will first compete at the European Le Mans Series’ 4 Hours of Imola on 5 July.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Program Manager, said, “When you look at the distances covered without compromising on pace, it underlines the consistency and reliability of our Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres throughout one of the toughest races in the world. It was a special Le Mans for us, felt through our fan activation, partnership renewal and icons old and new at – and above – the circuit.”

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