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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Dr Gerard Nijman of KraussMaffei Extrusion has been honoured with the 2026 Fernley H. Banbury Award, a prestigious international accolade bestowed by the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The award, which annually celebrates exceptional scientific and technological advances in rubber processing, was formally presented on 28 September at the Global Polymer Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, US.

Dr Nijman's career has been marked by groundbreaking contributions to rubber rheology, mixing and multiplex extrusion technologies, along with silica compound processing for the tyre sector. During the 1990s at Vredestein, he pioneered novel mixing methods and multiplex extrusion for tyre manufacturing. His work on silica compound processes provided a foundation for innovations such as Michelin's ‘Green Tyre’, while his rheology-based designs for extruder screws and flow channels established enduring industry standards.

The recognition reflects not only these specific technical achievements but also his distinguished career and lasting influence on rubber processing, having successfully bridged the divide between scientific research and industrial application throughout his professional life.

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Goodyear has unveiled its 2026 UltraGrip winter tyre portfolio for Europe and the broader EMEA region, targeting drivers who face cold temperatures, snow, ice and slush. The lineup comprises three products tailored to different vehicles, climates and driving requirements: UltraGrip Performance 3, UltraGrip Ice 3 and UltraGrip Arctic 2. The 2026 range builds on the existing product family through added sizes and SKUs, widening vehicle fitment coverage across the region, while also introducing an update to the UltraGrip Arctic 2.

Collectively, the range addresses everyday winter driving as well as severe icy and harsh winter conditions. Every tyre features winter-specific tread designs, rubber compounds and construction technologies engineered to support grip, braking and stability in cold-weather environments. The portfolio is available through authorised Goodyear retailers and partners across EMEA, subject to regional specifications and stock availability.

The portfolio is organised into three categories. Winter standard tyres, intended for variable winter conditions, deliver strong snow and wet-road performance while retaining dry-road control, suiting regions where temperatures frequently fall below 7°C and drivers regularly meet rain, snow, slush and ice. Goodyear expanded the UltraGrip Performance 3 with 66 new coverage SKUs, bringing that range to 344 SKUs and providing the widest coverage available through a single winter tyre tread pattern. Winter ice tyres focus on ice and snow performance in demanding conditions while remaining capable on wet and dry cold-temperature roads, aimed at regions with harsh winters and temperatures frequently below 0°C; the UltraGrip Ice 3 gains 18 new SKUs for a total of 130.

Winter studded tyres emphasise ice performance and control on snow-covered roads for Nordic and other extreme winter regions. As Nordic winter tyre regulations evolve, Goodyear enhanced the UltraGrip Arctic 2 to meet the latest Traficom A+ requirement applying to all newly produced studded passenger car tyres from 1 January 2027. That range now comprises 122 SKUs, including seven additional SKUs added in 2026.

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TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has added Fortix to its roster of Commercial Partners, strengthening its long-running efforts to promote safer tyres and wheels throughout the automotive and road transport industries.

Fortix, a Crane Electronics brand, contributes specialist knowledge in torque management built on over 50 years of engineering heritage. Both organisations share a commitment to educating the industry on why the correct torque must be applied when wheels are swapped and why fasteners require proper tightening afterwards.

Wheel installation plays a critical role in keeping vehicles safe, making adherence to manufacturer-specified torque values essential whenever a wheel is taken off and put back on. The tie-up also coincides with the start of October's National Tyre Safety Month, the yearly campaign stressing that well-maintained tyres are fundamental to safety on the roads. During this year's push, Fortix will emphasise torque literacy and the consequences of getting it wrong for a vehicle's safety and performance.

Fortix manufactures digital torque equipment for the aftermarket, serving roadside recovery, fleet servicing and bus depot operations, among others. Its product line features the AMWrench digital torque wrench and the Fortix Tool Connect Bluetooth app, which logs torque readings as they happen. Through the partnership, Fortix will feed its torque management know-how into TyreSafe's broader wheel safety programme, with joint educational and awareness initiatives planned to deepen understanding of safe wheel fitting and correct torque application.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to welcome Fortix as a TyreSafe Commercial Partner. Their longstanding expertise in torque management complements TyreSafe’s work to promote safer tyre and wheel practices. When a tyre or wheel is replaced, there are a number of important considerations beyond the tyre itself. Ensuring that wheels are correctly fitted and that wheel nuts are tightened to the appropriate torque is an important part of the process. This partnership provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of that message and share practical information with those involved in maintaining and servicing vehicles. We look forward to working with Fortix and supporting their activity in raising awareness of the importance of correct torque.”

Sean Gynane, Sales Director, Fortix, said, “We’re very pleased to be joining TyreSafe as a Commercial Partner. There is a clear connection between TyreSafe’s work to promote tyre and wheel safety and our own focus on raising awareness of the importance of correct torque. Torque is an important consideration whenever wheels and other critical fasteners are removed and refitted, but it is an area where greater awareness and understanding can make a real difference. We’re looking forward to working with TyreSafe to share information and promote good practice, particularly around the importance of following the correct torque specifications and ensuring wheel nuts are properly secured.”

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Magna Tyres Group has unveiled a revamped Dealer Portal, now accessible to customers across the globe. The enhanced platform consolidates products, information and essential sales and marketing tools into a single online environment, designed to simplify dealers' daily business operations.

Access has been simplified, with the portal login now positioned directly on the company's homepage. This provides quick and straightforward entry to the platform. The renewed portal offers Magna Tyres' extensive product range alongside a broad selection of dealer resources.

These resources include comprehensive product details, technical information and documentation, marketing materials available to order and useful downloads and sales support tools. Initially, stock availability will be visible only to customers supplied directly by Magna Tyres' headquarters. The portal is expected to evolve further, with expanded functionality and accessibility planned over time.

By centralising these tools, Magna Tyres seeks to give customers faster access to relevant information and make ordering and sales as efficient as possible. The initiative reflects the group's ongoing commitment to strengthening customer service and supporting its dealer network with practical, accessible and effective resources.

Arno van der Linden, Sales Director, said, “With the enhanced Dealer Portal, we want to make it easier for our customers to do business with Magna Tyres. Dealers can now find our extensive product portfolio, technical information, marketing support and other important resources in one place.”

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