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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Goodyear is collaborating with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve  for the 15th year in a row to hold its yearly Christmas toy drive in support of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The public is encouraged to participate at the company’s blimp bases in Ohio, Florida and California. These events offer a unique incentive for donors: an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look inside the iconic Goodyear Blimp’s hangar.

The initiative supports the core mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, established in 1947, which gathers new, unwrapped toys each October through December to distribute as Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children within the local community. The collective impact of this long-term partnership has been significant, resulting in the donation of more than 275,000 toys and raising over USD 765,000 for the programme over the past 15 years.

The event schedule is as follows. At the Ohio base, located at 841 Wingfoot Lake Rd., Mogadore, the drive-through donation will be held from 5th December to 7th December between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily. The Florida base at 1500 NE 5th Ave, Pompano Beach, will host an open house on 7th December from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., requiring online registration for tours. The California base, situated at 19200 S Main St, Carson, will accept donations on 5th December from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on 6th December from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with tour spots available through online registration.

For supporters who cannot attend in person, all three Goodyear Airship Bases will accept new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations sent directly to their mailing addresses. Comprehensive details on how to contribute are available on the official Goodyear Blimp website and its Facebook page.

Laura Duda, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Goodyear, said, "All of us at Team Goodyear are excited to celebrate our 15th year of partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the Toys for Tots Program, especially during the Goodyear Blimp's 100th anniversary year. Sharing the magic of these iconic blimps while giving back to the community during the holiday season is an opportunity we cherish as an organisation.”

Retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, said, "We're honoured to mark another milestone with Goodyear returning for their 15th consecutive year as a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Program. Our organisation proudly continues its 78th year of bringing hope, joy and the magic of Christmas to children in need across the nation. Goodyear's dedication to serving communities mirrors the core values the Marine Corps has championed for nearly 80 years through Toys for Tots. Thanks to their ongoing partnership and generosity, we'll reach countless underserved children and help make their holiday wishes come true.”

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G3 Mixing Technologies, a global manufacturer of rubber mixing machinery for the pneumatic, automotive and industrial sectors, is reinforcing its commitment to the American market by establishing its new US headquarters in the heart of Akron, Ohio, a city legendary for its rubber industry heritage. This strategic move to a city synonymous with innovation will significantly enhance local customer support and service, providing tailored solutions for the pneumatic, automotive and industrial sectors.

The official opening is set for 20 November and will be marked by an event for global clients and community leaders, featuring technical presentations, facility tours and networking. This new centre of operations is designed to be a comprehensive resource for business, cutting-edge technical assistance and live demonstrations of mixing technologies on both laboratory and industrial scales, solidifying G3's position as an industry leader.

Pierpaolo and Pierluigi Gagliardi, Board Members of G3 Mixing Technologies, said in a statement, “We are proud to open the new headquarters in Akron, a city with a great industrial heritage and the beating heart of the rubber industry in the United States. This investment confirms our ambition for international growth and to offer American customers direct and rapid access to our solutions.”

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The Kari Motor Speedway witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the 28th JK Tyre FMSCI National Racing Championship, crowning a host of new champions across multiple categories. In the premier LGB Formula 4 class, Dhruvh Goswami of MSport staged a remarkable comeback to seize the title. The 18-year-old from Bengaluru, who began the final round trailing in the standings, dominated the weekend by winning three out of four races. His championship-winning performance was highlighted in the final 20-lap race, where he started seventh on a reverse grid but demonstrated strategic patience and skill, overtaking rivals including former champion Diljith TS and his own teammate, Ruhaan Alva, to claim a decisive victory. Monith Kumaran Srinivasan from Ahura Racing was awarded the Rookie title in the same category.

The event also featured the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship, where South Africa’s Luviwe Sambudla secured his first season win with a commanding pole-to-finish drive in the opening race. The podium saw international talent shine, with Ghazi Motlekar of Mozambique taking second and India’s Ishaan Madesh clinching third after a late overtake. In the subsequent race, Kenya’s Shane Chandaria claimed the win from pole position, followed by Motlekar in second and France’s Sachel Rotge in third.

In the two-wheeled action of the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, Anish Shetty from Bengaluru capped off his dominant season with another victory, having already secured the professional category title the previous day. The amateur class crown was claimed by Pondicherry’s Bryan Nicholas.

The championship also celebrated winners in its newer and entry-level series. Balaji Raju secured the Rookie crown in the debut JK Tyre Levitas Cup by winning both of the day's races, while Coimbatore’s Jai Prashanth Venkat dominated the Gentlemen category. The JK Tyre Novice Cup provided a dramatic finale, with Lokithlingeash Ravi of Pollachi emerging victorious in a tense season-ending shootout to claim the championship honours.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has solidified its position within the world of professional tennis by extending its official partnership with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the premier governing body for men's tennis. This renewed agreement, which now runs through 2028, confirms the company’s role as the ATP Tour’s Official Tyre Partner, a Gold-level sponsorship. The primary motivation behind this sustained alliance is to significantly elevate global recognition of the YOKOHAMA brand and to cultivate new avenues for sales, with a particular strategic focus on the European market.

As a central component of this partnership, Yokohama Rubber will be the sponsor of five key European tournaments held in Italy, Spain, Germany and Monaco. A highlight of this sponsorship portfolio is the prestigious ATP Finals, the season-ending championship that exclusively features the world’s top eight ranked singles players and doubles teams. This involvement grants the company extensive promotional rights, including the ability to use the official ATP Tour logo in its marketing campaigns. Furthermore, the YOKOHAMA brand will receive substantial on-site visibility at these events and will be featured across the ATP’s massive digital platforms, which include social media channels with millions of followers and an official website that attracts hundreds of millions of annual views.

Adding a dynamic new layer to this collaboration, Yokohama Rubber will also become the official partner for the ATP Tour’s ‘Hot Shot of the Month’. This popular digital feature allows tennis fans worldwide to vote for their favourite shot from monthly competitions. This year-round partnership creates a continuous and engaging touchpoint, directly connecting the YOKOHAMA brand with the passionate global community of ATP fans.

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