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)

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Hankook Tyre UK has confirmed its return as headline sponsor of Supercar Fest for a seventh consecutive year in 2026. The longstanding partnership continues with one of United Kingdom’s most anticipated gatherings of high-performance automobiles. As a flagship event on the national automotive calendar, Supercar Fest is known for combining immersive displays of speed, technical innovation and engineering excellence.

The 2026 season begins with The Runway at Sywell Aerodrome on 16 and 17 May, where attendees can witness top-speed runs along a one-kilometre straight section. Visitors will also see an extraordinary lineup of hypercars and performance models. Among the featured tyres on display will be the ultra‑ultra‑high‑performance Ventus S1 evo Z, the ultra‑high‑performance Ventus evo and the all‑season Kinergy 4S 2. A Hankook stand will include a Formula E car, reflecting the brand’s role as exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The action moves to Shelsley Walsh on 13 June for The Hill Climb, returning to the world’s oldest motorsport venue where Supercar Fest was born in 2019. This historic setting hosts an adrenaline‑filled day of supercar spectacle. As exclusive tyre supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship, Hankook will display a WRC car demonstrating its on‑track performance, aligning the venue’s heritage with the brand’s deep motorsport involvement.

At both events, the Hankook stand will showcase advanced tyre technologies, including the iON electric vehicle family. This range comprises the summer tyre iON evo, the all‑weather iON FlexClimate and the iON GT for compact EVs and SUVs. Engineered for electric mobility, the iON tyres offer reduced rolling resistance, low noise, enhanced load capacity and specific management of instant torque to help extend range and deliver a smoother drive. Interactive experiences, branded merchandise and conversations with the Hankook team will also be available.

Mark Webb, Event Director, said, “Hankook Tyre UK have been with Supercar Fest since the very beginning in 2019, and their continued support has been incredible. As our longest-standing partner, they are truly part of the Supercar Fest family. It feels especially fitting that this year we return to Shelsley Walsh, where it all started. From showcasing a Formula E car at our flagship Runway event in May, to bringing a WRC car for live demonstrations at the Hill Climb, they continue to raise the bar. Shelsley Walsh, as the oldest motorsport venue in the world, provides the perfect backdrop for this. The venue’s rich history combined with Hankook’s cutting-edge motorsport presence will create something genuinely special for our visitors. We’re proud to have them alongside us on this journey and look forward to another fantastic year together.”

Ben Francis, Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Supercar Fest, one of the UKs leading automotive events. Visitors can experience Hankook’s world-class tyre technology up close, showcased alongside a Formula E car at Sywell Aerodrome and a live action WRC car at Shelsy Walsh – a true spectacle on a historic track.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has entered into a new collaboration with Bradford Council aimed at raising tyre safety awareness among road users across the district. Given that Bradford’s roads see over 1.5 billion vehicle miles travelled annually, combined with a dense urban traffic environment and a significant number of learner and newly qualified drivers, maintaining legally compliant and well-maintained tyres has become essential for road safety. Both TyreSafe and the Council are existing partners of West Yorkshire Vision Zero, a 2024 initiative designed to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries in the region.

Under this partnership, TyreSafe will work directly with Bradford Council’s Road Safety Team to encourage simple, preventative tyre checks. The goal is to help drivers understand how tyre condition influences braking performance, wet weather grip and overall vehicle control, especially on crowded urban roads where shorter stopping distances are critical. Bradford Council continues to invest in education, engagement and enforcement to lower road casualties, with a strong emphasis on helping road users develop safer habits and keep their vehicles roadworthy.

Through joint campaigns and engagement activities, TyreSafe and Bradford Council aim to improve tyre safety knowledge, support safer travel and contribute to the Council’s broader casualty-reduction objectives.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Tyres are fundamental to a vehicle’s safety, yet they’re often overlooked. In a district like Bradford, where traffic levels are high and journeys are frequent, worn or under-inflated tyres can significantly increase risk. By partnering with Bradford Council, we can reinforce the importance of regular tyre checks and help road users understand how maintaining their tyres plays a key role in keeping themselves and others safe.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder – Regeneration, Planning & Transport at Bradford Council, said, “Vehicle condition is an important part of road safety, and tyres play a crucial role in how a vehicle performs – particularly when braking or driving in wet conditions. Working with TyreSafe allows us to strengthen our road safety messaging and encourage drivers across the district to take simple steps that can make a real difference on Bradford’s roads.”

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Trelleborg Tires is showcasing its latest agricultural tyre innovations at Agrishow 2026 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, a premier Latin American trade fair. The company will present its advanced solutions at booth E8b, focusing on how tyre technology is driving progress in modern farming. Central to the showcase is ProgressiveTraction technology, which enhances traction and operational efficiency to meet the growing demands of agricultural operations that increasingly blend fieldwork with road transport.

Agricultural operations in Brazil face rising challenges such as higher loads, mixed usage cycles and continuous work in segments like sugarcane. In this environment, tyres have transformed from simple components into strategic assets that influence productivity, fuel efficiency and cost per hectare. Trelleborg’s latest innovations aim to support this shift by improving performance while preserving soil structure and optimizing overall efficiency.

The flagship product is the TM1000 ProgressiveTraction tyre, displayed in size VF 710/70R42 PFO 184D for high-horsepower tractors. It combines VF and PFO technologies with a specialised tread design to increase load capacity, enhance traction and reduce soil stress. Widely recognised as original equipment on premium tractor brands such as Fendt, the TM1000 will be exhibited alongside a Trelleborg wheel to demonstrate a fully integrated original equipment solution.

Another key highlight is the TM800 PowerFlex in size VF 710/70R38TL 178D, introduced to Brazil for operations requiring both field and road capability. Its VF-PFO construction and ProgressiveTraction tread include a central rib inspired by road tyres. Tests have shown up to 20 percent more traction under specific conditions, plus reduced soil stress, improved self-cleaning, lower rolling resistance, enhanced comfort and extended service life. The portfolio also debuts the TM200 in Brazil at Agrishow 2026, extending ProgressiveTraction benefits to new applications, alongside the TM900 for high-power tractors.

Marcelo Natalini, Regional President South America, Yokohama TWS, said, “Brazil is one of the most important agricultural markets globally and is rapidly advancing in the adoption of more efficient technologies such as VF and radial tyres. Trelleborg plays a leading role in this transformation, bringing to Brazil innovations already established in global markets and helping farmers increase productivity while preserving soil health.”

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) has expanded its network by securing Siemens AG (Digital Industries) as its newest partner, taking another step towards advancing digital transformation throughout the tyre and recycling sectors and transformation to a tyre circular economy. This new collaboration reinforces AZuR’s standing as a cross-disciplinary hub that connects innovation, industrial know‑how and sustainable practices.

Siemens brings deep experience in automation and digitalisation to the Europe-wide network, with the shared goal of accelerating a sustainable, ethical and green tyre value chain. The company pursues a holistic approach covering the entire tyre lifecycle, from production and use to end-of-life. A particular emphasis is placed on the end-of-life segment, where Siemens aims to expand its ecosystem through more efficient processing methods and continuous data collection across the increasingly extended lifecycle of tyres.

Working closely with stakeholders including raw material suppliers, machine manufacturers and producers, Siemens seeks to help meet regulatory requirements while unlocking new efficiency gains. A key technological example is the digital twin, a virtual representation of real-world systems and processes. These simulations allow dynamic testing of developments, process optimisations and new methods without physical prototypes, enabling resource-conserving, data-driven improvements for individual tyres or complete recycling and retreading plants.

Siemens’ digital solutions also support precise planning and efficient operation of tyre recycling and retreading facilities for all vehicle types, as well as data-driven tyre tracking for transparent lifecycle documentation. Through this partnership, AZuR demonstrates that transforming the tyre industry depends on the interplay of technology, data and cooperation.

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