What may change and what may not

It is impossible to predict in advance which changes will stick, and how much and to what extent our lives will change, but it is safe to say that the changes that will persist are those that make our lives safer, healthier, and more efficient.

Mask wearing may be the most visible change that persists, and not just cheap surgical masks or bandanas. In many big, design-conscious cities the mask is already becoming more a fashion statement, a new feature of the personal decoration of city life that permeates these places. Masks may become walking billboards for commercial ads or political statements. Masks, visors and facial protection will be integrated into the uniforms of public workers, delivery people, police, firefighters, and security guards.

All public places – schools, theaters, shopping malls offices and mass transit will be reconfigured for physical distancing. Restaurants, cafes and gymnasiums, those that survive the pandemic, will have fewer patrons, as their tables and equipment will have been designed for physical distancing. Attendees of at large venues, such as sports venues, may continue to be subjected to have their temperatures checked.

The way we worked by going to the “office” has changed and many will continue working from home. This means reduced need for large office buildings. Still, growing urbanisation will continue. In the past, urbanisation has overcome the devastating Black Plagues, cholera and even the recent Spanish Flu which killed as many as 50 million people worldwide between 1918 and 1920. Each and every time, the economic power of cities — their ability to foster innovation and productivity by pulling together the talent of workers — has been more than enough to offset the destructive power of infectious disease. However, the current digital era may achieve similar outcomes without people clustered together in an urban setting.

On an individual consumer level, more shopping will move to online transactions with courier services delivering goods – so, brick-and-mortar shopping venues will see reduced business.

The pandemic has had a swift and severe impact on the globally integrated automotive industry and has placed intense pressure on an industry already coping with a downshift in global demand as well as the cost of shifting towards electrification. So, look for a changed industry with increased merger & acquisition activity.  

So, change is here to stay, and businesses need to pay special attention to signals being sent by consumers’ changing behavior. 

Anyway, when the pandemic and all its related crises finally ebb and we are on the road to recovery in a few months or a couple of years from now, we will have the opportunity to look back and see what has changed!

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Gislotica, a manufacturer of machinery for the tyre industry, has joined APIB as a supplier member, strengthening its links with the rubber sector and expanding its engagement with industry participants.

The company also took part in an APIB panel recently, providing an opportunity to exchange views with professionals and businesses across the sector.

Membership of APIB is intended to help Gislotica build relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and other industry partners, while sharing knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Gislotica considers collaboration across the industry essential to driving innovation, developing technological solutions and supporting growth. The company plans to continue developing machinery solutions that address the needs and challenges of its partners.

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Prinx Chengshan marked a significant double milestone this October by hosting the 2026 Prinx Chengshan International Dealer Conference in Rongcheng, Shandong Province, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Chengshan Group's manufacturing operations. The event drew over 100 international dealer representatives from Europe, North America, the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, underscoring the company's determination to strengthen its global footprint, build a premium brand, and pursue shared success through collaboration.

Che Hongzhi, Chairman of Chengshan Group, reflected on how five decades of perseverance have forged a distinctive corporate culture and rich brand heritage rooted in integrity, craftsmanship and mutual success. This foundation, he noted, has enabled steady and sustainable growth in global markets, while the steadfast support of partners has given Prinx Chengshan the confidence to expand worldwide through deeper, higher-quality collaboration.

Jiang Xizhou, President of Prinx Chengshan, analysed the core competitive advantages built over 50 years across products, services and supply chain development. He outlined a strategic shift from price competition toward value competition, translating the company's ‘product plus service’ philosophy into tangible benefits for market partners. Vice President Che Jing added that five decades of weathering challenges alongside partners have yielded both cultural heritage and practical experience, with five key growth engines – including tyres for new energy vehicles and speciality tyres – set to drive further upmarket movement and comprehensive value-chain support for international dealers.

The conference gave partners comprehensive insight into Prinx Chengshan's research and development capabilities, product portfolio and supply chain system. Li Chongbing, Director of the R&D Center, stressed that continuous innovation remains the only path to future growth. Wang Hongdian, Director of the Marketing Center, detailed comprehensive solutions and upcoming plans for passenger, commercial and specialty tyres, while Sun Yaping, Director of the Supply Chain Management Center, used case studies and data to demonstrate resilience in fulfilling orders amid international trade challenges.

Dealer representatives from Brazil, Thailand and Puerto Rico addressed attendees, sharing local market achievements and praising the company's overseas competitiveness while congratulating Chengshan Group on its manufacturing anniversary. International dealers also toured the showroom and six laboratories, including noise testing and static performance facilities, holding in-depth discussions on product upgrades, regional expansion, supply chain coordination and after-sales service improvements that helped remove communication barriers and build consensus.

Looking ahead, Prinx Chengshan intends to collaborate with partners worldwide under an open and inclusive global outlook, building a new ecosystem in which resources are shared, strengths are complementary, risks are jointly managed and benefits are distributed among all stakeholders.

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DUNLOP is set to appear at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, using its exhibition to highlight the brand’s diverse character. Located in pavilion 7.1 at stand D27, the company will occupy 105 square metres with a display combining current tyres, a historic racing vehicle and interactive features. The event runs from 12 to 18 October 2026.

Visitors will be able to view several products from the current portfolio, including the DUNLOP SPORT MAXX RACE 2 in 325/30R21, the DUNLOP BLUE RESPONSE TG in 245/40R18, a winter tyre in 255/45R19 and the DUNLOP ALL SEASON 2 in 225/45R18. Together, these exhibits illustrate the brand’s coverage of different driving needs and showcase some of its best-selling lines.

A special emphasis will also be placed on DUNLOP’s motor-racing heritage. A historic Porsche from 1984 will form part of the stand, bringing a sense of tradition to Paris and helping connect past racing achievements with contemporary technology through the overall exhibition concept.

Beyond tyres, DUNLOP will offer insights into its sporting activities and present tennis, padel and squash rackets. Two driving simulators running Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation 5 will further engage attendees, allowing them to test their skills and compete for best times on DUNLOP tyres.

Laurent Crampette, Sales Manager – France, Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, said, “The Paris Motor Show is one of the most important shows for automotive industry in Europe and a great opportunity for DUNLOP to present itself once again. France is an important market for the brand and the show gives us the opportunity to hold talks with visitors and industry partners. With our appearance, we want to show everyone what DUNLOP stands for today: a mix of contemporary tyre solutions, a longstanding motor-racing tradition and close links with the world of sport.”

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has confirmed that its Annual Conference 2026 will take place on 23–24 November 2026 at the Pullman Pattaya Hotel G in Pattaya, Thailand. The gathering will adopt the theme ‘Building a Resilient, Competitive and Sustainable Global Natural Rubber Industry’, reflecting the sector’s urgent need to address mounting pressures across the global value chain.

The two-day programme will feature five thematic sessions before a moderated panel discussion. These sessions will cover geopolitics and the Middle East conflict, climate change and its effects on production and productivity, supply-demand dynamics and price volatility, advancing sustainability beyond the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the implications of protectionist policies for trade and consumption. A 40-minute High-Level Roundtable on the Future of the Global Natural Rubber Industry will close the conference, focusing on strategic priorities, collaborative action and practical pathways towards long-term resilience and growth.

The global natural rubber industry stands at a critical juncture, with rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, flooding and climate-related diseases increasingly pressuring production and productivity. Geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Middle East conflict, rising operating costs, narrowing margins and evolving sustainability requirements are adding further strain across the value chain, said the association.

As a renewable resource, natural rubber supports industrial development and sustainable value chains, yet it faces supply constraints, price volatility, declining productivity, tree diseases, rising costs and stringent ESG requirements. These challenges also present opportunities to strengthen competitiveness, enhance value addition, diversify markets and accelerate sustainable practices. With decarbonisation efforts advancing towards 2030 and regulations such as the EUDR reshaping market access, stakeholders must collaborate to build responsible, inclusive, transparent and viable supply chains. Innovation, investment, and sustainable finance will be vital for smallholders and SMEs, the association further added.

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