The valedictory function of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act 1947 and the Rubber Grower’s Conference was inaugurated by Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Minority Affairs, George Kurian at Mammen Mappillai Hall, Kottayam. The event also witnessed the rollout of iSNR, an eco-friendly and sustainable EUDR-compliant Indian Natural Rubber. The function was presided over by Member of the Legislative Assembly Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan. Other guests included Vice Chairman of the Rubber Board G. Anil Kumar and Rubber Board member N. Hari.

The technical session highlighted innovations and advancements in the rubber sector. Executive Director of the Rubber Board, M. Vasanthagesan, outlined the development of a digital platform aimed at connecting growers with agencies interested in adopting rubber plantations for harvesting. Director of TRST01, Manoj Vembu, detailed India’s preparedness to implement EUDR processes for natural rubber exporters, an area of significant importance. Dr Joby Joseph provided an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic impact of rubber on the country.

Two panel discussions addressed critical themes in the industry. The first session, titled ‘Handholding Stakeholders through Schemes & Policies’, was moderated by Chairperson and Managing Director of Kerala Rubber Limited Sheela Thomas. Panellists included Tomson Francis, Vincent V.A., Binu Mathew, A.J. Jose, B. Sreekumar and Chandralekha K.

The second session, focused on ‘Sustainable Farming Practices’, was moderated by Managing Director of the Plantation Corporation of Kerala Dr James Jacob. Panellists included Dr Shaji Philip, Dr Mohammed Satik, Dr Ambily K.K., Mr Reju and Dr Phebe Joseph.

Awards were presented to organisations excelling in various categories on the ‘mRube’ platform during 2023-24. Balkrishna Industries was recognised in the tyre sector, while Rubfila International and Classic Industries and Exports were awarded in the non-tyre sector. Manimalayar Rubbers (P) won in the rubber dealer category and Lissy Rubbers received the latex processing sector award. Kavanar Latex was acknowledged in the rubber processor category.

Regional awards included Jalebasa RPS – North Tripura for the North Eastern Region and Puliyanam RPS for other areas. Loyalty awards were given to Ceyenar Associates and Soniya Rubbers, while innovation awards went to Thunchath Ezhuthachan Rubbers and Vembanadu Rubbers .

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including members of the Rubber Board, growers, labourers, technical experts, policymakers and other industry representatives, underscoring its significance in the Indian rubber sector’s journey toward innovation and sustainability.

Italian machinery manufacturer Rodolfo Comerio has been recognised with the prestigious “Excellent Partner” award by Linglong Tire, one of the world’s leading tyre producers, during celebrations marking the Chinese company’s 50th anniversary.

The accolade was presented at the “2025 Linglong Tire Global Equipment Suppliers Conference,” which was part of an international event called “Driving Collaborative Growth with Linglong Tire.” The conference gathered major machinery suppliers from across the tyre industry.

According to the Italian firm, the award acknowledges Rodolfo Comerio’s exceptional calendaring line performance, commitment to innovation, quality after-sales service, and consistent presence in the Chinese market.

Nicola Fedele, Sales & Marketing Managing Director at Rodolfo Comerio, expressed his gratitude: “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition from such a prestigious company like Linglong. Our mission has always been to build strong and lasting relationships based on quality and reliability, and this award confirms the trust Linglong has placed in Rodolfo Comerio. To know that we have played a role in Linglong’s exponential growth thanks to our synergistic work and continuous commitment to meeting and exceeding their expectations is always a great source of pride for us.”

During the ceremony, Linglong Tire’s Chairman Wang Feng delivered a speech highlighting the crucial importance of the Chinese manufacturer’s partnership with Rodolfo Comerio. This relationship of mutual trust has reportedly enabled Linglong to achieve significant milestones and contributed substantially to the company’s growth in both quality and productivity.

Fedele added: “Meeting and being able to talk with  Wang Feng is always a source of inspiration for me. His dedication and foresight are a continuous professional lesson, and they provide a fundamental guide to push us to do better and reach new heights of excellence. His strategic vision motivates us to continue our work with passion and constantly improve our solutions to support the growth of our customers.”

Element Fleet Management Corp., the world’s largest publicly traded automotive fleet manager, has nominated Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar to stand for election to its Board of Directors, the Toronto-listed company announced recently.

The nominations, to be voted on at the firm’s Annual General Meeting on 2 May, come as current board members Andrew Clarke and Arielle-Meloul Wechsler have decided not to seek re-election.

Ferrari brings substantial executive experience to the role, having most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Bridgestone Americas and Bridgestone West, while simultaneously holding the position of Joint Global Chief Operations Officer of Bridgestone Corporation. His prior leadership roles include Chief Executive Officer of Pirelli North America and Latin America, alongside executive positions in telecommunications, technology, and investment banking.

McVicar, a Partner at private equity firm CAI Capital Partners since 2003, previously held senior investment banking positions at Raymond James Ltd. and RBC Capital Markets. Her governance experience includes directorships at Teck Resources Ltd., where she chaired the Audit Committee, and BC Hydro Corporation, where she led the Audit and Finance Committee.

"We are pleased to nominate Paolo Ferrari and Tracey McVicar to our Board," said Element Board Chair Kathleen Taylor. "Paolo and Tracey bring integral skills, perspectives, and experience, and we are confident they will be tremendous assets to the Company. We would also like to thank our outgoing Board members, Andrew Clarke and Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, for their valuable support and contributions to Element."

Hankook Tire’s iON evo electric vehicle (EV) tyre has been voted the test winner with an ‘exemplary’ rating in AutoBild’s 2025 Summer EV Tyre Test.

The testers tested eight tyres in the size 215/55 R 18, all of which were made to be especially appropriate for electric vehicles. The objective for the premium tyre line was to provide unwavering safety while judiciously allocating battery capacity, i.e. to maximise range per battery charge through minimal rolling resistance. The Hankook iON evo, which finished first on the podium with an overall score of 1.1, outperformed all other tyres in the lengthy test.

The Hankook tyre won the top marks in two of the five categories and was the best on the circular track and for handling in the difficult wet surface testing. Also, the high-end tyre made especially for electric cars placed second in the three other categories of braking, aquaplaning and curve aquaplaning. In addition to winning two of the three individual tests, the handling and braking tests, the Hankook tyre dominated the dry surface test. It also placed among the top five drive-by noise comparisons. To further reduce noise levels in the interior, the iON evo is outfitted with Hankook i Sound Absorber technology.

The iON evo performed admirably in both the roll-out and range tests, placing second in the environment category. Lastly, a strong cost rating with continuously high mileage, price per mileage and rolling resistance scores completed the outstanding test result. The final verdict read: “Special EV tyre with good safety reserves during aquaplaning, short braking distances, outstanding driving dynamics, good mileage, good comfort and low rolling resistance.”

Leading tyre-retreading machinery maker Marangoni has unveiled a new strategic sustainability strategy for 2025–2027 that reaffirms its social and environmental pledges.

In order to direct and oversee its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives during the ensuing three years, the tyre retreading expert has voluntarily created a targeted action framework. The framework is in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN's 2030 Agenda. Marangoni claims that the plan was implemented in accordance with globally accepted standards, such as AccountAbility 1000 and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, and that it is meant to function as a monitoring tool to periodically assess the company's progress as well as a guide for action.

The company has identified 17 specific initiatives as part of this strategy. These were established after a materiality study that took into account input from external stakeholders as well as internal input. Each of the 17 initiatives is built around three core pillars, namely supporting the ecological transition, integrating ESG principles into corporate governance and ensuring a safe, stimulating and inclusive work environment. The result is a ‘balanced approach’ reflecting management’s priorities and stakeholder expectations, said the company.