The WRS 2021, organised by IRSG (International Rubber Study Group) together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and co-hosted by the Association des Professionales du Caoutchou Naturelle de Côte d’Ivoire (APROMAC) the Fonds Interprofessionnel pour la Recherche et le Conseil Agricoles (FIRCA), was a prime opportunity for leaders, experts, government representatives and NGOs to discuss the current status of the rubber industry and explore the way forward to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. This year’s WRS featured the very timely theme, ‘Facing the Future: Inclusiveness, Sustainability and Growth for the Next Normal’.
The WRS 2021 was officially opened by HE M. Jerome Patrick Achi, Prime Minister, Government of Côte d’Ivoire, in recognition of the important role that Africa can play as an emerging producer of natural rubber. The event has highlighted that the rubber economy could be a formidable engine for the continent, creating jobs and transforming its economic and social prospects, and providing opportunities for the youth and women – real key drivers of sustainable growth, development and peace.
The WRS 2021 witnessed 29 eminent speakers from all parts of the world, about 200 participants directly linked to the virtual platform and significant public participation in Côte d’Ivoire, where stakeholders in the rubber sector interacted in person during the event.
Innovative ideas and approaches emerged during the summit to address the new challenges that can change the global pattern of production and consumption in the rubber sector, market and policy discussions on new approaches in business and life to turn the crisis into an opportunity from the lessons learnt. Discussions around the decarbonisation commitment of governments justifying sustainable and secure supply chains for raw materials were focussed on supply chain collaboration, ensuring that raw material efficiency, performance and traceability are dealt with holistically.
An important debate took place on the impact of climate change on natural rubber systems, which has potential economic, environmental and social risks, identifying a set of policy recommendations that could facilitate the work of all stakeholders in the rubber value chain.
The latest IPCC report , published in August 2021, has highlighted that human activity is changing the climate in an unprecedented and sometimes irreversible way. Actions on the adaptation of natural rubber systems to climate changes are urgently needed and further investigations into the potential contribution of rubber to climate change mitigation.
Work-based on scientific knowledge is the precondition to identifying correct pathways to preserve and support the growth and prosperity of the natural rubber economy worldwide. In this field, IRSG has had a leading role thanks to the support of important R&D organisations such as CIFOR/FTA, IRRDB and CIRAD.
In his closing remarks, Salvatore Pinizzotto, Secretary-General IRSG, has pointed out that the main common point that emerged during the World Rubber Summit is the need to formulate policies and put into place people-centred actions. “If we look at the natural rubber sector alone, it sustains 40 million people with their families around the globe with a supply chain generating more than USD 300 billion. Furthermore, about 90 percent of the total world natural rubber production is sourced by smallholders.
“To build an inclusive and sustainable rubber community, we need to work at local, national and international level – there is not a ‘one-size-fits-all solution – putting in place innovative forms of cooperation across national borders and a variety of actors – governments, business, academia and civil society. Reduce poverty-establishing mechanisms that could provide smallholders with an adequate income level, implement an effective technology transfer on the field and support education and training among farmers, especially young people and women. These are some of the policies needed to implement sustainability. Leveraging digital technology in farming and green finance options encouraging climate change adaptation are other key policies to assure emission reduction and social inclusion."
In closing the World Rubber Summit 2021, the Honourable KobenanKouassiAdjourmani, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Government of Côte d’Ivoire, has strongly stated that Africa is completely committed to implementing sustainability practices in the rubber sector, making sure that all the rubber value chain is equitable, profitable and transparent.
"Sustainability and circular economy are two aspects that we need to keep high on the agenda of all stakeholders in the rubber economy. We need to make sure that both natural and synthetic rubber sectors comply with the adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." (TT)
Yokohama India Launches Locally Produced GEOLANDAR A/T Tyres With White-Letter Styling
- By TT News
- October 07, 2026
Yokohama India has introduced a locally manufactured variant of its GEOLANDAR A/T tyre featuring Outline White Letter sidewall styling for sports utility vehicles (SUVs). The 15-inch tyres are produced at the company's manufacturing plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, following a transition from importing the product line.
The GEOLANDAR A/T tyre in 15-inch size is designed for fitment on utility models including the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Bolero. The white-lettering option is currently available in two sizes, with Yokohama India planning to expand local production to include 16-inch to 18-inch tyre sizes in 2027.
Gaurav Mahajan, Head of Marketing and OE Sales, Yokohama India, said, "For today’s SUV owner, driving is increasingly part of a broader motoring lifestyle, where the vehicle reflects a sense of individuality, adventure and personal expression. The GEOLANDAR A/T is designed to complement that mindset, bringing a more distinctive and rugged character to the vehicle. It is for enthusiasts who see their SUV as more than a means of getting from one place to another, and want every element of it to reflect their passion for the road and the lifestyle that comes with it."
The introduction forms part of Yokohama's strategy to expand domestic manufacturing capabilities in India and cater to local demand for utility vehicle accessories and components.
Citira Expands Into UK Commercial Tyre Market With Redpath Acquisition
- By TT News
- October 07, 2026
Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has acquired Redpath Tyres Ltd, marking its first entry into the UK commercial and agricultural tyre segment and laying the foundation for a national UK footprint. The deal follows Citira’s earlier UK market entry this year through Tyrefix Group, combining Redpath’s local knowledge and strong reputation with Citira’s circular tyre management model, which covers retreading, rim refurbishment and fleet logistics and is already established in the Nordics and Poland. This acquisition represents a significant strategic step for Citira as it seeks to expand its presence across the United Kingdom.
Redpath Tyres, which has served Scottish customers for 52 years, operates from 11 locations and employs around 90 people. It will retain its own name and team, with Graham, Neil and Catriona continuing in the business and becoming shareholders in the Citira Group. The company’s longstanding local expertise and established customer relationships are expected to support Citira’s broader growth ambitions in the region.
Oliver Johnson, Head of UK, Citira, said, "Redpath Tyres has earned a strong reputation across Scotland through its reliability, service quality and close relationships with the fleets and farming community it supports. That reputation provides an excellent foundation for the next stage of growth. Following our entry into the UK earlier this year, this acquisition represents a deliberate first step into the Commercial (TBR) market and the beginning of our ambition to build a national network.”
Graham Redpath, speaking on behalf of the Redpath family, said, "We as a family have spent 52 years building this business and wanted to find a long-term stewardship that would continue to look after our people and customers. Citira’s plans for the business, and their track record with businesses like Tyrefix, gave me the confidence that this is the right home for the team and everything we’ve built. I’m glad our family gets to stay involved and invested as shareholders in Citira as the business grows as part of a bigger group.”
Pirelli Expands Moto2 Rear Allocation For Indonesian Grand Prix
- By TT News
- October 07, 2026
Pirelli is preparing for the FIM Grand Prix World Championship's next round at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia, for the Grand Prix of Indonesia. The circuit's aggressively textured surface delivers strong mechanical grip, but track temperatures exceeding 60°C can render it slippery, placing tyres under severe thermal stress. These conditions make Mandalika an ideal proving ground for new solutions.
For Moto2, Pirelli will offer two soft-compound rear tyres: the standard SC0, used by nearly the entire field in 2025 as development specification E0125, and the new F0515. The latter shares the SC0's compound but pairs it with a newly developed structure for greater stability and more consistent performance. To aid evaluation, each rider's maximum rear tyre allocation rises from eight to nine.
Front options for Moto2 comprise the standard soft SC1 and medium SC2. Over the past two seasons, every rider has selected the soft tyre for the race, as it provides superior grip in high temperatures. In the entry-level class, the soft SC1 and medium SC2 are available for both front and rear, with both solutions proving competitive throughout the season. Last year's Mandalika results reinforced this: Honda's Adrian Fernandez claimed pole on SC1s front and rear, while KTM's José Antonio Rueda won both the race and the title on SC2s.
Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said, “As at several rounds this year, also in Indonesia we will continue our Moto2 development work. After focusing on front tyre specifications at the most recent Grands Prix, we will introduce a new soft rear solution at Mandalika. With its highly macro-rough asphalt and temperatures that can exceed 60°C, the circuit places the tyres under severe thermal stress, making it a particularly valuable proving ground for testing new solutions.
“The F0515 development specification, which will make its debut this weekend, uses the same compound as the standard SC0 but pairs it with a newly developed structure designed to deliver greater stability and more consistent performance. Completing the rear allocation will be the standard SC0, successfully used by almost the entire field in 2025, when it was introduced as development specification E0125. Having both solutions available will allow a direct comparison over the course of the weekend and enable us to gather valuable data to support the next stages of development.”
Webfleet Expands Mobito Partnership To Broaden Connected Vehicle Data Access
- By TT News
- October 07, 2026
Webfleet, Bridgestone's advanced fleet management solution, has expanded its partnership with Mobito, a connected vehicle data intelligence platform. The agreement positions Mobito as a commercial partner and exclusive reseller for selected Webfleet connected vehicle datasets.
Mobito aggregates and transforms vehicle data into actionable intelligence for businesses, cities, road authorities, infrastructure operators and technology providers. Through this collaboration, organisations gain easier access to data supporting applications such as transport and traffic analysis, urban planning, mapping and road condition monitoring.
Jan-Maarten de Vries, President of Fleet Management Solutions at Bridgestone, with George Cambanis, CEO and Co-Founder of Mobito
The shared datasets are aggregated and anonymised in compliance with applicable data protection laws. Governance measures protect privacy and prevent identification of individual drivers, vehicles or fleet customers. Existing Webfleet Data Solutions customers will experience uninterrupted service, with Webfleet continuing to provide underlying datasets and support delivery while account management transitions progressively to Mobito.
Jan-Maarten de Vries, President – Fleet Management Solutions, Bridgestone, said, “Connected vehicle data has the potential to provide valuable insights beyond the individual fleet, helping organisations better understand how transport networks are being used. Mobito brings specialist expertise in applying mobility data to real-world challenges, helping organisations make more informed mobility decisions.”
George Cambanis, CEO and Co-Founder, Mobito, said, “Through this expanded relationship, we can leverage the high-quality data from Webfleet across a growing range of enterprise and public-sector location intelligence applications. Our ambition is not only to make the data more accessible but to embed it more deeply into customer workflows and combine it with other mobility datasets. This way we can generate new intelligence around areas such as EV performance, road safety and strategic delivery corridors.”
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