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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VMI has opened a new service facility in León, Mexico, as the company expands its local support for customers and its growing installed base.

The facility was officially opened on 8^th October , with a ceremony attended by Fonseca, the State’s Subsecretary; Rodriguez, Deputy Mayor Of León; and Harm Voortman, Chief Executive of VMI Group. Customers and local employees also attended the event, which included a tree-planting ceremony.

The company said the new facility had been designed with a focus on sustainability, including waste management and energy use. The tree planting highlighted VMI’s environmental commitments, following its recent achievement of EcoVadis Platinum status.

The opening follows VMI’s recent launch of a sales and support office in Yokohama, Japan, reflecting the importance of the Japanese market to the group.

Alongside the León opening, VMI held a customer seminar showcasing its latest innovations in tyre-building and tyre-component preparation solutions.

“This state-of-the-art facility in León, the drum workshop and our local presence, will help us support customers in Mexico more efficiently with faster response times and enhanced levels of service,” said Voortman.

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Michelin has prepared a six-part documentary series chronicling its 11-season tenure in MotoGP as its current stint as the championship’s sole tyre supplier nears its conclusion. Titled ‘Racing on Trust – A Decade of Michelin in MotoGP’, the production examines the manufacturer’s return to the premier class in 2016 through the perspectives of those directly involved, rather than focusing solely on results and statistical milestones. The first two episodes premiered on 8 October 2026, via the Michelin Motorsport and Michelin Group YouTube channels, with the remaining four instalments arriving weekly on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.

The project assembles 25 figures from across the paddock who agreed to recount their experiences without editorial constraint. World champions, current and former riders, team principals, championship executives, journalists and Michelin Motorsport personnel contribute previously untold accounts spanning the 11 seasons. Among them, Valentino Rossi revisits the closing chapter of his career, Marc Márquez addresses his injury and subsequent recovery and Johann Zarco describes the circumstances surrounding his landmark victory at Le Mans. Their recollections, alongside those of peers and officials, trace both the evolution of the sport and the individuals who shaped it.

Contributors include riders Marc Márquez, Valentino Rossi, Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martín, Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Viñales, Cal Crutchlow, Jack Miller and Johann Zarco. Team and organisational figures comprise Lucio Cecchinello of LCR, Ducati Corse’s Gigi Dall’Igna, Alberto Puig of Honda HRC, Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, Loris Capirossi of race direction and Hervé Poncharal of Tech3. Media representatives include Sylvain Guintoli, Manuel Pecino, Simon Patterson, Guido Meda and Michel Turco, while Michelin Motorsport is represented by Piero Taramasso, Jean-Claude Catalano, Jean-Philippe Cappelle and Nicolas Goubert, with additional input from Maria Herrera.

The opening episode, ‘2016: The Comeback’, documents Michelin’s return and the formidable task of replacing the championship’s previous sole supplier at motorcycling’s highest level. The second, ‘Regain Trust’, examines how setbacks and difficulties ultimately reinforced confidence between the manufacturer, riders and teams, deliberately avoiding a narrative built exclusively around success.

‘Listen to the Bike’, scheduled for 15 October, begins on a wet circuit with limited grip before delving into rider sensation and feedback, illustrating a development cycle driven by continuous exchange among riders, engineers, teams and Michelin technicians. Breaking Point’, releasing on 22 October, covers the 2020 and 2021 campaigns, when the pandemic, Márquez’s injury and the arrival of a new generation reshaped the competitive hierarchy, a transition symbolically concluded by Rossi’s farewell after more than two decades.

‘A New Era’, arriving on 29 October, follows MotoGP into a fresh phase marked by increasingly capable machines and emerging talent, with Michelin advancing its tyres to extend performance boundaries. The concluding episode, ‘Final Sprint’, releasing on 5 November, reflects on 11 seasons of profound technological change and an exceptional human undertaking.

Throughout the six films, technology remains a constant presence, yet trust emerges as the defining thread, binding riders to their tyres, engineers to teams and, above all, people working together under the extreme pressures of competition.

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FALKEN has unveiled the EUROALL SEASON AS220, a new all-season tyre joining its expanded 2026-27 winter and all-weather portfolio. The AS220 is designed for compact cars, mid-size vehicles and SUVs – the most popular segments in Europe – and extends the brand’s EUROALL SEASON family. It reflects FALKEN’s push to advance modern all-weather tyre technology while addressing a wider range of cars, powertrains, driving styles and applications.

The AS220’s Snow Compaction Grooves retain snow within the tread to improve traction on snow-covered roads, while Hydro Grooves evacuate water to support stability and braking in wet conditions. An advanced temperature-stabilised rubber compound is engineered for consistent performance across climates. These features aim to deliver safety, comfort, efficiency and performance for drivers facing mild winters, wet roads or snow.

The tyre is the first to feature FALKEN’s new VARIO CORE technology. Its VARIO CORE essence combines measures that can improve rolling resistance, wear and drive-by noise. Crucially, it reflects today’s more diverse car parc by focusing on efficiency, durability and a safe driving experience for petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles alike.

Alongside the AS220, FALKEN offers the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO for high-performance passenger cars. It targets dynamic handling and dependable performance in varied weather, with precise handling, stability and control at speeds up to 167 mph (270 kmph). Advanced 4D-NANO Design technology and a modern lightweight construction contribute to wet grip, efficiency and extended tyre life, combining premium all-season performance with year-round usability.

FALKEN’s winter lineup also includes the EUROWINTER HS02 and HS02 PRO, developed for confident handling in challenging winter conditions. The HS02 uses a directional V-shaped tread for water evacuation and stable wet handling, while Miura-Ori 3D sipes can enhance traction and braking on cold, icy or snowy roads. The HS02 PRO targets higher performance, with an optimised tread design supporting snow and wet capabilities, precise handling and stability. Its groove design aids traction on snow and slush while maintaining a sporty character. Both benefit from Advanced 4D-NANO Design technology for wet grip, rolling resistance and wear, with significantly reduced weight versus previous generations.

For SUV and 4x4 drivers, the FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA all-terrain tyre combines off-road capability with on-road comfort as a genuine year-round solution. Its tread pattern features a zig-zag centre rib, ribbed shoulder grooves, rigid tread blocks and offset shoulder blocks, improving on- and off-road traction and braking on loose surfaces, mud and snow. These also support self-cleaning, while a robust tread block and reinforced sidewall with gripping edges enhance stability, durability and off-road traction. 4D-NANO Design technology further supports fuel efficiency and performance across a broad range of weather conditions.

Marcus Schulz, Assistant Manager – Product Planning, Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, said, "Winter road conditions present unique challenges for tyres with drivers expecting a tailored tyre for their vehicle. With our current winter portfolio, we combine innovative technologies with everyday practicality, offering solutions for a broad range of vehicles and applications. In doing so, FALKEN ensures motorists can rely on balanced and dependable tyre performance, even in changing weather conditions.”

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The AZuR project group on chemical recycling convened its annual in-person meeting on 1 October 2026, bringing together more than 20 network partners at Pyrum Innovations AG in Dillingen/Saar. The gathering centred on recent scientific findings, the recovery of raw materials from end-of-life tyres, the European Tyre-to-Tyre initiative and collaborative projects planned for 2027. Participants examined how recovered carbon black and tyre thermolysis oil can be more effectively integrated into industrial production processes.

A scientific highlight came from Dr -Ing Sebastian Bogdahn, who presented his dissertation on the production and ecological assessment of high-quality carbonizates derived from used tyre thermolysis. His research combined experimental investigations, process modelling and life cycle assessment, with particular attention to recovered carbon black produced during thermolysis and subsequently processed. The findings indicated that the modelled system could potentially lower global warming potential relative to fossil-based carbon black production while underscoring the significance of process control, product quality and energy supply for environmental performance.

The European Tyre-to-Tyre initiative, launched in July 2026 by Pirelli, Pyrum, Synthos and BASF, illustrated how chemical recycling processes can be embedded within industrial value chains. Pyrum converts used and rejected tyres into recovered carbon black and tyre thermolysis oil through thermolysis. The processed carbon black is then used in Pirelli's tyre manufacturing, partially substituting fossil-based industrial carbon black.

At BASF, thermolysis oil is combined with fossil raw materials to produce chemical products including butadiene and styrene. Synthos utilises corresponding feedstocks to manufacture synthetic rubbers, which are subsequently employed in Pirelli's tyre production. According to the project partners, the entire value chain remains traceable via ISCC PLUS certification.

A notable feature of the meeting was a tour of Pyrum's thermolysis plants. Divided into three groups, attendees gained insights into the technical processes and engaged directly with on-site experts. The tour clarified the technical steps required for recovering and further processing raw materials, from the handling of used tyres through to the resulting product streams.

Management emphasised the value of regular AZuR in-person meetings, which combine exchange among companies, technology providers and research institutions with exposure to real industrial applications. The gathering demonstrated the importance of collaboration across the entire value chain, with research, technology development, industrial processing and tyre production considered together to transform recovered materials into high-quality raw materials for new products. The project group will continue this exchange in 2027 through concrete projects and information initiatives.

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