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 Tire has introduced the Winter i*cept evo 4, a new addition to its Alpine winter lineup. The studless tyre is designed for passenger cars and SUVs, targeting enhanced winter safety and fuel efficiency. It replaces the previous generation with a 5 percent improvement in snow grip, achieved through wider lateral grooves and semi-sipe technology. The next-generation model builds on Hankook's proven Alpine winter engineering, refining traction, braking, efficiency and tyre longevity even in the harshest winter conditions.

The tyre offers balanced grip compounds and hydroplaning resistance for wet braking, while an optimised curing process and balanced wear design extend mileage and fuel efficiency. A tread design focused on noise reduction provides a quieter, more comfortable ride by minimising road and impact noise caused by sudden braking and steering. All Hankook winter tyres carry the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for severe snow service standards.

The evo 4 joins a broader winter portfolio that includes the studless Winter icept iZ3 for passenger cars and iZ3 X for SUVs and crossovers. Studded options include the Winter i*Pike RS2 for passenger cars, including sedans, coupes, hatchback, and some smaller crossovers depending on tyre size, and the i*Pike X for SUVs, crossovers and light trucks. The new tyre is backed by the SureTire Plan with a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty, a 30-day free trial, a limited warranty and road hazard protection, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Dealers can now order the Winter i*cept evo 4 in 37 SKUs and the SUV version in 45 SKUs. Consumer availability is expected later this fall.

K C Jensen, Vice President of PC/LT Sales, said, “Drivers need tyres that provide dependable control throughout the winter season. The Winter i*cept evo 4 combines stronger snow traction, enhanced wet braking and improved efficiency to help drivers navigate changing winter road conditions with confidence.”

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The AZuR network has welcomed North Rhine-Westphalia’s first circular economy strategy, viewing the explicit inclusion of used tyres as confirmation of its longstanding engagement. The strategy aims to move the state from linear value chains towards a circular economy and strengthen its position as a leading European location for such practices, with priority areas spanning circular construction, chemicals, technology, circular cities and a high-performing secondary raw materials sector.

Used tyres occupy a dedicated page within the strategy, granting political visibility to a material flow that already requires integrated approaches. These range from extending the service life of suitable tyres through repair and retreading to recovering secondary raw materials via mechanical and chemical recycling alongside complementary processes. The document identifies used tyres as a significant material flow in the state and highlights steel and rubber recovery as well as retreading.

The state government has signalled its intention to expand circular approaches to tyre reuse and recycling, expressly incorporating public procurement and the vehicle fleets of public companies. This reflects a core principle of the tyre circular economy, whereby suitable tyres should remain in use as long as possible, with repair, retreading and regrooving extending service life before mechanical and chemical recycling recover industrially reusable materials.

AZuR is paying particular attention to the political focus on retreading. The strategy notes that retreading is established for commercial vehicle tyres while passenger car retreading has declined, and the state government declares its intention to support retreading projects and further recycling processes. For the network, the inclusion of used tyres creates a starting point for linking the entire tyre circular economy with raw material security, secondary raw material markets, public procurement and industrial competitiveness.

AZuR maintains close contact with the relevant state ministries, contributing the experience and solutions of its network partners across the entire tyre value chain. It will continue this exchange and feed practical experience into implementation of the strategy, with the goal of keeping tyres and their contained raw materials in circulation for as long as economically viable.

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Continental has introduced the ContiMotion EVO, the successor to its well-regarded ContiMotion sport touring tyre. The new model targets motorcyclists seeking a balanced blend of riding enjoyment, safety and longevity. It arrives with multiple product enhancements over the previous generation.

Technical upgrades include new carcass materials that deliver greater stability and consistency, translating into improved handling and more agile dynamics. Updated compounds further boost performance in both wet and dry conditions. The tyre also features Continental's EasyHandling technology for predictable steering, a hybrid silica tread compound for reliable grip, an advanced compound and dedicated pattern for extended mileage and ZeroDegree steel-belt construction with new carcass materials for high-speed stability.

The ContiMotion EVO suits sporty weekend riders and touring enthusiasts alike. It fits motorcycles such as the BMW R12 nineT, Triumph Daytona 660, Ducati Supersport 950, Honda CB 650R, Suzuki GSX-8TT and Yamaha MT-09. It can also be paired with the existing ContiMotion.

Christoph Ettenhuber, Head of Business Field Motorcycle Tires, Continental, said, “With the ContiMotion EVO, we’re offering a versatile sport touring tyre. It combines intuitive handling with reliable grip in both wet and dry conditions – all while delivering impressive mileage for everyday use. The ContiMotion EVO has been upgraded in key areas without losing the fundamental renowned qualities of its predecessor. Riders benefit from a tyre that is noticeably more agile. The ContiMotion EVO is compatible with a wide range of popular naked bikes, roadsters and modern classics.”

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Goodyear takes centre stage at Silverstone this weekend as title sponsor of the Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone, the second consecutive year it has headlined the European Le Mans Series event following its return to the calendar last year after a six-year break.

The manufacturer will equip 37 cars across LMGT3, LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am with its Racing Eagle tyres. LMGT3 entrants will use the Medium compound, chosen for its adaptability across varying conditions and driving styles, while LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am crews run their own Medium specification, a staple of the series since debuting at Le Castellet last season. Wet-weather Racing Eagle tyres remain available should conditions demand.

Silverstone's fast nature is set to shape tactics, with fuel consumption a likely determinant of pit-stop windows. Goodyear anticipates LMGT3 outfits will favour single-stinting to maximise pace on fresh rubber at every stop, whereas LMP2 and LMP2 Pro/Am squads could split between single and double-stinting approaches.

Off-track, Goodyear has arranged several activations. Vector Sport's #10 car ran a special Goodyear Racing livery last weekend at Caffeine & Machine's Warwickshire venue and will race in the same colours. The company also backs Friday's ELMS Charity Run, where Racing Eagle tyre stacks will mark each kilometre and runners finish beneath an inflatable Goodyear arch, with proceeds going to the Luca Guintoli Foundation, supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres additionally feature in NASCAR action at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois.

Stephen Bickley, Goodyear Endurance Program Manager, said, “Silverstone should be a fairly straightforward race from a tyre strategy perspective. The high-speed nature of the circuit means fuel consumption will be high, so fuel strategy is likely to be the main factor influencing pit stop timing. The tyre allocations broadly give teams the flexibility to change tyres at every stop, so there is less of a need to stretch a set of tyres purely to save time in a pit stop. We therefore expect teams across both categories to largely focus on single-stinting tyres. The biggest variable at Silverstone is always the weather, which can quickly change stint lengths and pit stop timing.”

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