The Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products, together with the assistance of the Export Development Board, conducted a two- day virtual workshop on Advanced Technology/Smart Manufacturing For The Rubber Product Industry In Sri Lanka, in December 2020. Despite the fact that the country was just raising its head from the deleterious aftermath of the first and second waves of Covid -19, the participation was beyond all expectations, thus indicating the weightage placed in keeping abreast of modern trends and moving with times by the industry community and the professionals and I presume that this is the current trend throughout the world.

As a member of the organising committee of the event and more as a hands-on person of the technologists of the not so modern generation, I realised that I was a curious and a rather passive observer of the currently fast unfolding industry scenario. The array of topics presented by local as well as overseas experts on their respective specialties was impressive. They covered Smart Energy Monitoring, IOT Built Industry Automation, Big Data Processing and applications, Conditioned based Monitoring for Maintenance, 3D/4D Printing, Virtual Product Design and Testing, Finite Element Analysis, and Product Failure Analysis.

It made me guessing with fascination, how much the information utilisation scenario in the manufacturing industry has metamorphosed during the past few decades since the times of two great discoveries/inventions, of Charles Babbage and Arthur. C. Clarke, that paved way for the evolution of the Information and Communications revolution. Charles Babbage (1791-1871) was an extraordinarily talented scientist, mathematician, economist and engineer. He is best known today - as he was in his lifetime - for inventing two types of cogwheel calculating machines, the forerunners of the modern computers. It was Arthur C. Clarke. after the crest of World War II, from his base in Stratford-On-Avon, England, as a young officer in the Royal Air Force, who dabbled in science fiction writing, floated the idea of global communications satellites in a 1945 letter to the publication Wireless World. It will be of interest to learn that the latter made Sri Lanka his second home and contributed in no small way to the development of ICT and astronomy in our country during the sixties and seventies.

As I gathered, with my rather limited knowledge of ICT, that the common features, of the modern-day innovations are generating a vast amount of real time data on all key aspects of the value chain, and interfacing between the value adding activities. Automation and reducing the dependability on the human factor has been another significant trend. Another key driver has been the necessity for reliability, agility and robustness in delivering products and services to the customer in the ever-changing customer preferences, which are again fueled willfully through product promotion and creation of new needs through massive adverting campaigns and mass communications. Companies are increasingly embracing the innovative technologies, to enable business growth, wealth accumulation, contribution to the national economies, which has helped in achieving improved quality of life, particularly in the traditionally termed developed countries.

Right through his anthropogenic evolution, Homo Sapiens or the “thinking man” has been characterised by the use of his brain to find easier and faster ways of doing things, which was an absolutely vital advantage for his survival in the primitive hostile environment. Commencing with use of stone tools, discovery of fire, and iron, this trend has continued throughout the history of mankind. During the more recent period of the last three centuries, which culminated in the Industry 4.0, some key landmarks, which reflect the quest of the mankind to better lives, through increased and efficient resource utilisation can be identified.

Revolutions

This process began in Britain in the 18th century and from there spread to other parts of the world. Although used earlier by French writers, the term Industrial Revolution was first popularised by the English economic historian Arnold Toynbee (1852–83) to describe Britain's economic development from 1760 to 1840. The first industrial revolution came with the advent of mechanisation, steam power and water power. This was followed by second industrial revolution which revolved around mass production and assembly lines using electricity. Henry Ford’s conveyor belt system was put into motion in December 1^st of 1913 in his Detroit manufacturing plant. Fully mechanised, or partially mechanised, assembly lines allowed Ford to offer a vehicle for a working family. One of his goals was to have a car that every family could own.

The car that every family would soon come to own was the Model T. His manufacturing plants would go on to produce over 15 million Model Ts and this is due almost entirely to his assembly line. In order to achieve a production of the Model T at such a high rate, he needed to break down the process of assembling the car to make it as efficient as possible to produce, while still being financially accessible.

The third industrial revolution came with electronics, IT systems and automation, which led to the fourth industrial revolution that is associated with cyber- physical systems. Some of the principles of which were the topics of the December Workshop. Generally speaking, Industry 4.0 describes the growing trend towards automation and data exchange in technology and processes within the manufacturing industry, including:

•  The internet of things (IoT)
• The industrial internet of things (IIoT)
• Cyber-physical systems (CPS)
• Smart manufacture
•  Smart factories
• Cloud computing
• Cognitive computing
• Artificial intelligence

This automation creates a manufacturing system whereby machines in factories are augmented with wireless connectivity and sensors to monitor and visualise an entire production process and make autonomous decisions. Wireless connectivity and the augmentation of machines will be greatly advanced with the full roll out of 5G

The fourth industrial revolution also relates to digital technologies that can create virtual versions of real-world installations, processes and applications. These can then be robustly tested to make cost-effective decentralised decisions. In short, this should allow for digital transformation and  for automated and autonomous manufacturing with joined-up systems that can cooperate with each other.

Black spots

It can thus be unanimously agreed that the emerging technologies have already resulted in tremendous benefits for mankind and that they have vast future potential in changing the entire human civilisation. While appreciating and accepting the usefulness of the technologies, I cannot refrain from contemplating on the black spots in the white cloth. The disadvantages of the digital technologies have been well documented throughout the world and some of these, include, data security, digital media manipulation, job insecurity, over reliance on gadgets, addiction, depersonalization, and social alienation, and stress related physical and mental illnesses and the list is not exhaustive. Diminishing of the human touch is considered by many, as a matter of grave concern, and its effect on the personal, ethical, family and social has already begun to reveal its dark side.

As an adaptive measure of the new normal mentality that followed the Covid-19 pandemic, “Social Distancing” intruded our day to day activates over the past one and half years. However, on thinking reflectively, it will be evident that Social Distancing actually had its beginnings in the first three industrial revolutions, while it got aggravated in the recent years. Dilemmas and debatable questions as to whether  dehumanisation is still progressing and what will be the outcome, if the current rate of rapid technology trend continues? These will become key challenges for the sociologists and sociopsychologists and the modern HR specialists. Prioritising automation and sub optimisation of the human resource, in the disguise of improving operational efficiency, as a business strategy of maintaining sustainability, could turn out to be short lived.

Over dependence on technology at the expense of losing the much-required human touch and interpersonal relationships, can be witnessed in many of the day-to-day activities, such as internet or online banking, bill payments, buying at super markets, home deliveries, and on-line webinars. I have personal experience of the short comings of on-line lecturing for students and on virtual workshops, which can only be utilised as a stop gap measure. As a person of the “old generation,” I find it an exhilarating experience to walk to the local bank, greet good morning to the staff, and having a friendly chat with the familiar cashier, while getting my transaction done. Some may equate such practices to lack of time management and productivity. Human interaction of this kind holds a special position in countries such as India and Sri Lanka, which has rich religious and cultural heritages, and adopting the new technologies as a panacea for improving all the aspects of efficiency and productivity in an effort be stay competitive can only be a short-term strategy.

It was Robert Frost, the American poet (1874-1963), who once philosophically remarked, “don’t ever take fence down, until you know why it was put up”

Obsolescence due to ineffective use or total non -use which we witness with machinery and equipment, may be applicable to the humans as well. It is said that the human body has about one hundred, vestigial organs, including the appendix, which have become nonfunctional, during the evolutionary process as a result on non-use and obsolescence. (TT)

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been named a ‘Supplier Engagement Leader’, the top ranking in the 2025 Supplier Engagement Assessment by CDP, a global environmental nonprofit focused on a sustainable economy. This marks the second consecutive year the company has received the highest rating.

The CDP assessment examines how businesses effectively collaborate with suppliers on climate change issues, based on five criteria from its climate questionnaire: governance and strategy, emissions targets, Scope 3 emissions, risk management and supplier cooperation. Yokohama Rubber aims to achieve net zero CO₂ emissions from its own operations by 2050 and has disclosed Scope 3 emissions since 2013.

To address supply chain climate impact, the company created the Yokohama Green Procurement Guidelines with suppliers to promote eco-friendly raw materials. It also holds annual CSR briefings for suppliers on carbon neutrality. Under its ‘Caring for the Future’ sustainability slogan, Yokohama Rubber continues to generate shared value by tackling social issues through business activities.

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HF Group’s Freudenburg site in Germany has once again been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal, a distinction granted only to the top five percent of companies assessed by EcoVadis in the 12 months prior to the medal issue date.

The recognition reflects the quality of the company’s sustainability management system and demonstrates a firm commitment to promoting transparency throughout the value chain, acknowledging its continued dedication to responsible business practices and continuous improvement.

Simultaneously, the group is now preparing for a group-wide EcoVadis assessment, aiming to achieve its first consolidated group result by the close of 2026. This initiative represents another important milestone in strengthening HF Group’s sustainability journey on a global level, reinforcing its long-term environmental and social governance objectives across all operations.

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BKT Tyres, the tyre mobility brand of Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT), has introduced a 24x7 journey assistance programme called BKT YOU FORWARD for two-wheeler riders. The initiative marks the company’s shift from a pure tyre manufacturer to a comprehensive mobility partner, offering support that extends well beyond the point of sale and aligns with its Elevate Your Drive philosophy.

Available across India, the programme provides round-the-clock assistance through a dedicated helpline for unexpected incidents like punctures, breakdowns or accidents. Services include towing, repairs, ambulance access, cab arrangements and legal aid, all aimed at reducing rider anxiety and ensuring uninterrupted mobility.

A digital-first campaign film starring veteran actor Rakesh Bedi brings the initiative to life through everyday riding scenarios, showing how reliable support turns stressful roadside moments into reassuring experiences.

BKT YOU FORWARD offers three structured plans with two-year validity: the Basic Plan at INR 99, the Signature Plan at INR 149 and the Elite Plan at INR 199. Partner agencies Crossroads and Bi WW support the programme, which relies on a robust service infrastructure, real-time monitoring and defined processes to maintain consistent customer experiences and long-term engagement.

Mahesh Koppad, Chief Marketing Officer, BKT Tyres, said, “Indian riders face diverse challenges every day, and access to timely, reliable support can redefine their journey experience. At BKT Tyres, our philosophy of Elevate Your Drive is not limited to selling tyres; it’s a long-term commitment to rider confidence and mobility. BKT YOU FORWARD, as the name suggests, is designed with consumer-first principle and embodies this promise by offering a structured, 24x7 assistance programme that covers nearly every scenario a rider may encounter. This initiative is not just about solving problems, it’s about building trust, continuity and assurance into every journey. By combining strong service infrastructure, real-time monitoring and defined escalation processes, we are setting a new benchmark in customer engagement. Our vision is to ensure that riders don’t just move forward but move forward with confidence.”

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Xingda, a prominent producer of rubber reinforcement materials, has joined forces with tyre manufacturer Pirelli and low-carbon steel specialist Nanjing Iron & Steel (NISCO) to obtain ISCC PLUS certification across the entire scrap steel recycling chain. The jointly awarded certification spans every stage from raw material sourcing and steel cord production to finished tyre manufacturing.

The pilot project, championed by Pirelli and taken up by both Xingda and NISCO, seeks to add recycled steel to the ISCC PLUS approved materials list. This achievement represents continued progress in certifying the complete tyre supply chain under the ISCC PLUS framework for recycled steel usage.

Through this certification, a fully traceable circular model has been validated. Scrap steel carrying ISCC PLUS certification is turned into high-grade wire rod at NISCO, then converted into steel cord by Xingda and finally incorporated into tyres produced by Pirelli. The three value chain leaders are demonstrating collective action under a single certification system to speed up the circular economy transition. The partnership has helped define technical standards and sustainability protocols, enabling transparent communication about raw material origins.

Xingda has confirmed that recycled steel can be used in steel cord and bead wire applications at proportions between 40 and 100 percent. The company has established targets of reaching 40 percent recycled content by 2030 and full 100 percent by 2050. Meanwhile, Pirelli, as an early adopter of ISCC PLUS certified recycled steel in tyre production, aims to launch a tyre composed of over 80 percent bio based and recycled materials by 2030 while achieving 40 percent in total raw material use. NISCO supplies green special steel to the automotive sector using advanced electric arc furnace technology, with plans to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

The ISCC PLUS certification awarded to this three-party collaboration ensures that the recycled steel meets strict sustainability and traceability standards. As a globally recognised system for tracking recycled and renewable materials across complex supply chains, ISCC PLUS now supports a replicable model for the worldwide tyre industry, allowing the full journey from scrap steel to finished tyres to be verified in response to rising market demand for transparent, circular supply chains.

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