The downward revision in the world supply outlook for 2020 is largely due to the scaling down of the outlook for Thailand and India, according to ANRPC. The outlook on the production of NR in Thailand has been scaled down by 332,000 tonnes to 4.478 million tonnes. The country’s revised outlook for 2020 represents a 7.7% decline from the previous year as against a 0.9% anticipated fall reported a month ago.

The harvesting and primary processing of rubber in Thailand are severely affected by acute shortage of labourers. The migrant labourers from neighbouring countries and those from other provinces within the country find it difficult to reach back and resume the various farm management activities including tapping and primary processing. Aggravating the situation, tropical storm ‘Noul’ damaged rubber plantations in several provinces of Thailand in the last week of September besides causing heavy rains, flash floods, and water run-offs.

In August, northern Thailand was hit by the tropical storm ‘Sinlaku’ causing flash floods in 18 northern provinces of the country. The loss in output arising from previous year’s incidence of a new fungal leaf disease is already factored in. Abnormal leaf fall resulting from fungal diseases usually impacts on the yield performance of the affected for two succeeding years.

In India, the production anticipated in 2020 has been scaled down by 42,000 tonnes to 668,000 tonnes, ANRPC study said. The revised outlook represents a 4.8% decline from the previous year as against a 1.1% anticipated increase reported a month ago. The country’s NR production sector is impacted by a burst in the number daily new cases of Covid-19 infections in the State of Kerala since the beginning of September and the abnormal leaf fall caused by the outbreak of Phytophthora leaf disease during July and August. It is reported that the incidence of abnormal leaf fall during this year is less severe compared to the previous year.

Demand fall

There has also been a fall in world consumption of NR by 11.7% y/y to 8.151 million tonnes during the first eight months of 2020 (Jan-Aug), as per preliminary estimates. Based on the revised estimates and forecasts, the world consumption outlook for the full year 2020 is marginally scaled up by 67,000 tonnes to 12.611 million tonnes by representing an 8.4% fall from the previous year. The outlook for 2020 as reported a month ago was 12.544 million tonnes by representing an 8.9% fall from the previous year.

China has marginally revised up its consumption outlook for 2020 in view of an observed earlier-than expected economic recovery and acceleration in growth. A survey conducted by Nikkei revealed that the growth has been more pronounced in the manufacturing sector. The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved to 51.5 in September from 51.0 recorded in August and 51.3 anticipated for September, according to a survey conducted by the country’s National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. The country’s automobile sector has made a major turnaround. The domestic retail sales of passenger vehicles, including minivans, SUVs and multipurpose vehicles, increased 7.4% y/y in September 2020, the third straight monthly gain. The domestic sales of passenger vehicles had increased 6.0% y/y in August 2020.

As per the revised outlook, China is anticipated to consume 5.055 million tonnes of NR during 2020, down 8.9% from the previous year. The country’s consumption outlook for 2020, as reported a month ago was 5.043 million tonnes, down 9.1% from the previous year.

India has scaled-up its consumption outlook for 2020 to 923,000 tonnes from 900,000 tonnes reported earlier in the year. Auto sales in India have made a U-turn. The domestic sales of passenger car increased 31.3% y/y in September 2020, the highest growth over the past 27 months. The trend reversal in passenger car is driven by preference for personal mobility during the pandemic, gradual opening up of markets, easing of supply-chains, labour availability, and excitement of new vehicle launches. The domestic sales of two-wheeler grew 12% y/y in September 2020, the highest growth over the past 21 months. Sales of tractor increased 16% y/y during the month, the highest growth over many years in the past.  The domestic sales of LVC (Light Commercial Vehicles) and M&HCV (Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles) declined by 3.0% each during the month, after double digit declines till August 2020.

Looking ahead, according to ANRPC, the world demand for NR will remain constrained by the uncertainties clouding the global economic recovery, acceleration in the number of new coronavirus cases, reintroduction of control measures and partial lockdowns across countries and a likely long delay in the mass availability of the vaccine. On the positive side, there are increased hopes of further fiscal aid in the US to keep its economy on track. The White House has reportedly raised its stimulus offer from the earlier proposed $1.0 trillion to $1.5 trillion, and further to $1.8 trillion, though that is still short of $2.2 trillion proposed by the Democrats.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB (publ) has taken a significant step forward in its Nordic expansion by submitting an environmental permit application for its first wholly owned, full-scale pyrolysis plant in the region. The company has also secured an exclusive option to purchase the property where the facility is intended to be located.

Designed to process over 70,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres annually, the proposed plant represents a core pillar of Enviro’s long-term strategy focused on wholly owned facilities. The permit submission and property option mark continued execution of the company’s industrial scale-up, supported by constructive dialogue with relevant authorities and stakeholders. Preliminary feedback from regulators could arrive before the end of the second quarter of 2026.

While the property option allows Enviro to reserve the site ahead of a final investment decision, the planned establishment remains conditional on receiving the necessary environmental approvals, a final investment decision and other standard project requirements.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has thrown its support behind a legislative provision known as Section 114, or Advancing Tire Technologies, included in H.R. 7389. The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted favourably to advance the ‘Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026’ during a markup session held yesterday. USTMA credited Congressman Russell Fry for his leadership on tyre safety and acknowledged the bipartisan committee staff work that successfully pushed for modernised federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The association stressed that tyres are critical to moving people and goods across the country. As representatives of the entire industry value chain, USTMA and its membership recognise the importance of fostering a safer and more connected society. The new language directs the Transportation Secretary to eliminate obsolete testing methods for radial tyres, update snow tyre failure modes, review similar updates for all tyres, adopt stricter speed symbol requirements and commission a GAO study to evaluate global regulations and recommend further safety improvements.

With the committee’s approval secured, USTMA has now urged all House members to pass the legislation on the floor and send it to the Senate for deliberation. The organisation is advocating for the removal of outdated plunger energy and bead unseat tests under federal standards while pushing for more stringent performance evaluations to ensure consumer access to the highest performing tyres available globally.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Solvay has redirected funds from an internal carbon pricing mechanism on business travel towards local environmental projects, mobilising over EUR 750,000 since 2023. The company launched its Travel Carbon Fund that year, applying a EUR 100 per tonne of CO₂ levy on emissions from employee travel. Proceeds are reinvested directly at site levels into initiatives that might otherwise lack traditional investment backing.

In 2026, three new projects joined nine already-supported projects worldwide. In Dombasle, France, Solvay will restore more than 20 hectares of ecosystems and expand reforestation. In Brazil’s Paulínia and Santo André sites, two separate projects aim to boost energy efficiency, cut CO₂ output and conserve water. To date, collective results include nearly 72,000 trees planted, over 38,000 cubic meters of water saved annually and more than 80 hectares restored or replanted across seven countries.

These efforts have also helped reduce business travel emissions by 22 percent between 2024 and 2025. Solvay remains on track with broader sustainability targets, having already cut direct emissions by 29 percent against a 2030 goal of 30 percent, reduced value chain emissions by 13 percent toward a 20 percent goal and placed 16 percent of land under conservation or restoration towards a 30 percent target by the end of the decade.

Jean-Charles Djelalian, Chief Sustainability Officer, Solvay, said, “As a global company, we rely on business travel to stay close to our customers, develop strategic partnerships and engage with our teams. While the greenhouse gas emissions derived from our travels can be reduced through responsible practices, they cannot be eliminated entirely. The Travel Carbon Fund allows us to take responsibility for what remains and turn it into concrete sustainability projects, all while creating engagement and pride across our sites and teams. While relatively modest in scale, the Travel Carbon Fund illustrates a practical approach to scope 3 emissions: tackling what can be avoided and converting what remains into projects that deliver tangible environmental benefits.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Premium tyre manufacturer Hankook has secured a “Highly Recommended” rating for its Dynapro AT2 tyre in the Best Tyres for Pick-Up Trucks category of the DriverReviews 2026/27 Customer Choice Awards. The all-season Dynapro AT2 is engineered as a dependable all-terrain SUV tyre offering year-round safety and performance.

Three additional Hankook tyres also received recommendations in their respective segments. The Ventus S1 evo3 SUV, an ultra-high performance tyre blending sporty handling with everyday comfort, was cited in the Best Tyres for Large SUVs category. The Kinergy eco2 earned a nod in the Best Tyres for City Cars class for its efficiency and low running costs, while the Vantra LT, a durable light van tyre designed for high mileage and commercial use, was recognised in the Best Tyres for Vans category. These honours underscore Hankook’s consistent performance and popularity among drivers across France, Italy, Germany, and other key European markets.

Based on over 548,000 verified customer reviews, the DriverReviews awards reflect genuine on-road experiences across diverse vehicles and conditions, making the platform one of Europe’s largest and most trusted independent review sites. Since partnering with DriverReviews in 2021, Hankook has repeatedly demonstrated its innovative range and reliability, reinforcing its continental reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.

Paul Emery, Sales Director, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “We are delighted to be recognised across four categories in the DriverReviews 2026/27 Customer Choice Awards. Our longstanding partnership with DriverReviews continues to be incredibly valuable, as it reflects genuine customer feedback from across Europe. These results are a testament to the quality and performance of our tyre range, and further reinforce Hankook’s reputation as a trusted choice for drivers.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!