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)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sri Trang Group, the world’s largest fully integrated natural rubber company and the parent organisation of Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) and Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT), concluded its flagship ‘One Sri Trang CG Day 2026’ initiative, built on the premise that strong governance underpins sustainability. The hybrid programme combined online participation with interactive training, drawing over 1,070 attendees, including directors, executives, staff and factory workers nationwide. Artificial intelligence made the material more engaging and accessible. Topics spanned business ethics, anti-corruption compliance, conflict-of-interest management, inside information handling and complaint procedures – framed as the bedrock of transparent operations that earn stakeholder trust.

Direction came from STA Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul and STGT Chief Executive Officer Jarinya Jirojkul, who outlined the Group's governance policies and strategic priorities. Those policies provide guardrails for transparency, risk prevention, traceability and sustainable expansion, consistent with the organisation's vision and commercial goals. Both stressed that a culture of integrity and responsibility, grounded in Sri Trang's core values, buffers against pressures ranging from economic and technological disruption to natural disasters and competitive threats.

Rather than conventional lectures, organisers chose edutainment. A two-part miniseries, ‘The Domino Effect’, walked participants through real-world dilemmas in procurement, gift-giving and business hospitality, illustrating how conflicts of interest, misuse of inside information and whistleblowing cascade into consequences. AI-generated content added another layer, with virtual characters and simulated videos addressing code-of-conduct compliance, corruption, whistleblowing and complaint investigations. These dramatised situations helped staff grasp the fallout of poor decisions and recognise the right course of action, showing how AI can strengthen governance culture and broaden learning participation.

An interactive live quiz and discussion segment gave participants room to unpack scenarios and draw lessons on ethical decision-making, tied to the Group's code of business conduct and anti-corruption policy. The session reinforced the expectation that gifts be declined on all festive occasions and highlighted whistleblowing channels designed to safeguard reporters and keep identities confidential. Beyond the event, Sri Trang Group plans to continue the programme via its online self-learning platform, targeting full completion of refresher training and knowledge assessments within a month.

The effort dovetails with external benchmarks, including requirements of Thailand's Private Sector Collective Action Against Corruption, notably its top three-star CAC Change Agent status, alongside domestic and international ESG assessment standards. By tying its internal training push to these frameworks, Sri Trang Group signals that governance is not a one-off exercise but an ongoing commitment woven into how the organisation operates.

Highlighting the importance of corporate governance in global trade, Sincharoenkul said, “Transparency and good corporate governance are fundamental to business credibility, particularly within global supply chains, where stakeholders increasingly priorities raw material origins, traceability and responsible operations. Sri Trang Group is therefore committed to raising operational standards across every process so that our business partners, customers and stakeholders worldwide can be confident that every product comes from a transparent, traceable supply chain that supports our shared sustainable growth.”

Elaborating on the importance of instilling ethical awareness among employees, Jirojkul said, “Building confidence among customers worldwide depends on more than product quality. It also depends on the integrity, responsibility and commitment of every employee to doing what is right. STGT therefore prioritises embedding a corporate governance mindset into everyday work, because every action we take affects the trust that customers and stakeholders place in our organisation. When everyone upholds the same principles, we can deliver both quality products and lasting confidence to customers around the world.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has joined forces with Wise in a newly announced partnership designed to reinforce the relationship between tyre safety, responsible workforce management and regulatory compliance. The collaboration draws on TyreSafe's specialised knowledge of tyre safety alongside Wise's track record in assisting organisations that manage compliant self-employed and subcontracted workforces.

The arrangement emerges amid continuing growth in last-mile delivery and subcontracted labour, where drivers often operate under demanding schedules, travel between numerous locations and face considerable time pressure. Those behind the partnership emphasise that safety needs to be embedded within everyday working practices, rather than treated as a matter to be resolved only after an incident or problem has already occurred.

Compliance for businesses engaging self-employed or subcontracted workers stretches from onboarding and verification through to ongoing workforce management. Nevertheless, responsible management involves considerably more than documentation and procedures. When vehicles are central to a worker's role, organisations must also establish whether those vehicles remain safe, roadworthy and adequately maintained. Tyres represent the sole point of contact between a vehicle and the road surface, making them vital to safety, yet they can be neglected when drivers and businesses concentrate on completing deliveries, attending appointments or meeting tight schedules.

Under TyreSafe's ACT framework, preventative checks are organised around three areas: air pressure, condition and tread. Wise serves sectors such as logistics, last-mile delivery and construction, having onboarded over 280,000 subcontractors, with more than 2,500 companies using its platform. Delivery drivers complete multiple drops and accumulate significant mileage, while construction subcontractors regularly meet kerbs, rough surfaces, debris and shifting site conditions, placing added strain on vehicles and their tyres. Both organisations believe problems are best tackled before they escalate into incidents, and the partnership will encourage businesses and drivers to view safe working conditions as an integral part of responsible workforce management.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to be working with Wise because there is a natural connection between what we both want to achieve. Businesses have a responsibility to make sure the people working for them are properly supported, and that includes creating the conditions for them to work safely. For drivers, tyres are fundamental to that safety. We know that professional and last-mile drivers can be working under considerable time pressure, travelling between multiple locations and completing demanding delivery schedules. That makes preventative tyre checks even more important.

“A few minutes spent checking air pressure, condition and tread can identify a problem before it becomes a breakdown, a delay or, more seriously, a road safety risk. This partnership gives us an opportunity to connect tyre safety with the wider conversation about responsible workforce management and to reach businesses and drivers who have a vital role to play in keeping our roads safe.”

Trevor Ruane, Accounts Director, Wise, said, “At Wise, our mission is simple: we improve self-employment by taking away the unnecessary stress, paperwork and compliance risk that businesses and subcontractors face. But compliance is about more than documents and processes. For businesses operating mobile workforces, responsible management also means thinking about the safety of the people doing the work and the vehicles they rely on every day.

“That is why our partnership with TyreSafe is so important. Tyre safety is a practical, everyday issue for drivers and businesses, particularly in logistics, last-mile delivery and construction, where people are constantly on the move and working to demanding schedules. We are pleased to bring TyreSafe’s expertise into that wider conversation and help reinforce the message that prevention, preparation and responsible management should be part of the working day.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Tire Industry Project (TIP), a voluntary CEO-driven initiative representing 10 of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, has released its annual key performance indicators report. Titled ‘Sustainability Driven: Key Performance Indicators for TIP Members 2021–2025’, the publication tracks member progress between 2021 and 2025 against 16 environmental, social and governance measures. These indicators span seven pathways within TIP’s Sector SDG Roadmap, which outlines the tyre industry’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Decarbonisation efforts showed notable gains, with emissions intensity falling 4.9 percent since 2024 and 29.2 percent since 2021, while renewable electricity procurement rose to 60.5 percent, up 6.5 percent year-on-year. Water efficiency also improved, as total withdrawals dropped 5.7 percent from 2024 to 2025 and withdrawals from water-stressed areas fell 10.9 percent over the same period. Since 2021, these figures represent reductions of 18.4 percent and 35.2 percent, respectively. On responsible natural rubber sourcing, all members continued reporting their procurement efforts to the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) and 90 percent independently implemented responsible sourcing policies across all tyre production materials. The share of members holding validated science-based targets climbed to 90 percent from 80 percent in 2024.

The report further highlights TIP’s work strengthening the evidence base on tyre and road wear particles (TRWP). In 2025, TIP funded five new research projects and supported eight scientific paper publications, double the previous year’s total. By 2025, 36 TIP-supported TRWP research publications existed alongside 796 citations of TIP-supported research, a 14 percent increase from 2024. Grants totalling USD 2 million were committed through TIP’s first Open Call for Projects, a global initiative accelerating independent research. TIP also hosted its second Tire Emissions Research Conference with partner MIT in September 2025, with a third edition scheduled for Cambridge in December 2026.

Regarding tyre circularity, the report notes several developments, including publication of the ELT Toolkit 2.0, the Interactive ELT Data Map and ongoing PCR development work, all supporting stakeholders across the tyre value chain. TIP’s KPI reporting offers policymakers, regulators, industry partners and other stakeholders a transparent view of sector-level sustainability trends, priorities and areas requiring continued collaboration.

Dr How Yong Ng, Adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore and a member of TIP’s Assurance Group, said, “Transparency and collaboration are at the heart of TIP’s efforts to foster sustainability innovation in the tyre sector. This KPI report demonstrates how TIP members are translating their commitments into measurable results and driving meaningful advancement across the tyre value chain. TIP has been monitoring progress against the SDGs for a decade, and it is encouraging to see how far members have come.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pirelli is all set to conclude its tenure as the Official Tyre Supplier to the FIM Superbike World Championship at the Pirelli Spanish Round in Jerez de la Frontera. This weekend’s event not only wraps up a 2026 season dominated by Nicolò Bulega and Ducati but also ends a 23-season partnership that began in 2004. The journey has been marked by technological innovation, continuous development, close collaboration with teams and manufacturers and numerous sporting milestones.

For the Andalusian circuit, whose low-abrasion asphalt suits softer compounds, Pirelli has confirmed the softest rear options, already used at Estoril. WorldSBK riders will have the supersoft SCX and soft SC0 for practice, qualifying and races. The SCX, introduced last year as the E0126 development tyre, proved highly effective, helping Bulega claim all three race wins. The SC0 offers a valid alternative in cooler temperatures. The extrasoft SCQ, Pirelli’s softest tyre, will also be available for qualifying and potentially Sunday morning’s Superpole Race.

At the front, the soft SC1 and medium SC2 are both competitive at Jerez, as demonstrated in 2025 when Bulega took pole with the SC1 and won both full-length races with the SC2, while using the E0672 soft development tyre in the Superpole Race. Wet conditions will be covered by DIABLO Wet intermediate and DIABLO Rain tyres for both front and rear. For the WorldSSP finale, rear choices are the SCX supersoft and SC0 soft, with SC1 soft and SC2 medium at the front.

The Pirelli Spanish Round will decide the last two titles. In the debut FIM World Sportbike Championship, Spaniard David Salvador (Kawasaki) leads compatriot and fellow Kawasaki rider Xavi Artigas by 12 points, with two races and 50 points remaining. In the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, Maria Herrera holds a 44-point advantage over fellow Spaniard Beatriz Neila. Both categories use Pirelli DIABLO Superbike tyres with the SC1 compound front and rear.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said, “The Pirelli Spanish Round will mark the final chapter in the long journey that began in 2004, when Pirelli joined the FIM Superbike World Championship as Official Tyre Supplier. Over the years, we have built a partnership that has seen us become not just a supplier but an active and strategic partner, contributing to the growth and development of the Championship. Before saying our final goodbyes, however, we still have one last round ahead of us, which we want to approach with the same determination and the aim of bringing a particularly positive season to the best possible conclusion. The results achieved, with new records set at virtually every circuit and in a wide variety of conditions, have gone hand in hand with intensive development work, carried out alongside the teams right up to the final race. For this last event, we have chosen to retain the softest rear options, the extrasoft SCQ and supersoft SCX, which have been used throughout much of the season. The extensive data collected over the years at Jerez, both during races and in testing, confirms that these are the most effective options for tackling a circuit characterised by low-abrasion asphalt.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!