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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The AZuR Circular Tyre System has been nominated for the German Sustainability Award Products 2026 in the ‘Resources’ transformation category. This selection places the initiative among solutions deemed by the expert jury as pioneering for advancing a resource-conserving economy.

This circular economy model spans the entire tyre lifecycle, uniting industry partners, retailers, recycling specialists and academic institutions. The framework optimises tyre usage and guarantees high-quality raw material recovery. Repair, reprofiling and retreading prolong useful life, while tyres beyond repair undergo mechanical or chemical recycling to recover valuable secondary materials.

Rather than relying on a single technology, the system's distinctiveness lies in networking stakeholders across the value chain. The award's evaluation highlighted the system's ambition to extend product longevity, prevent waste and sustain raw material circulation, thereby reducing demand for virgin resources.

German market data for 2024 shows approximately 533,000 tonnes of used tyres generated, with 193,000 tonnes mechanically recycled and 20,000 tonnes retreaded. Research indicates retreaded tyre production can reduce CO₂ emissions by over 60 percent, lower raw material usage by two-thirds and cut energy consumption by 50 percent compared to new tyre manufacturing. Products from tyre granulate can save between 1.0 and 3.2 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per tonne of recycled material.

The nomination drives AZuR to advance Europe's tyre circular economy through extended lifespans, strengthened recycling and digitalisation. The 2026 award winners will be announced on 3 December in Düsseldorf.

Anna Maria Guth, AZuR network coordinator, said, “The nomination is a great recognition for all partners who are working together to further close the tyre cycle. It also shows that the circular economy can be particularly successful when companies, science and other stakeholders do not act in isolation but jointly develop solutions along the entire value chain.”

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Bridgestone has released research indicating that over 80 percent of UK motorists believe basic tyre knowledge should be mandatory for new drivers during learning and after passing their test. The survey found that 81 percent of respondents want new drivers to understand correct tyre pressures, tread depth regulations and tyre pressure monitoring systems. Additionally, 57 percent expressed support for graduated driving licences aimed at young motorists, reflecting broader calls for enhanced safeguards during early independent driving.

The findings also reveal strong public backing for more rigorous enforcement, with 67 percent of motorists advocating for tyre safety inspections during routine police traffic stops. Beyond individual owners, 76 percent of respondents asserted that employers should bear greater responsibility for ensuring tyres on all work-related vehicles are properly maintained. Furthermore, 78 percent called for dedicated tyre safety education to be introduced for young people before they reach driving age, underscoring a collective desire for preventative measures that begin well before a first lesson.

The survey results coincide with newly published Department for Transport data showing a significant deterioration in tyre-related road safety outcomes. The number of people killed or seriously injured in collisions involving illegal, defective or underinflated tyres rose by 19 percent year on year, from 169 casualties in 2024 to 201 in 2025. Overall, tyre-related incidents accounted for 667 casualties during 2025, a 14 percent rise from 585 the previous year, while collisions attributed to defective tyres climbed to 447.

This research builds upon Bridgestone’s 2025 study, which identified substantial backing for additional protective measures for novice drivers. Half of respondents supported displaying a recently passed sign for up to 12 months and limiting new drivers to one passenger during their first year, while 39 percent favoured a mandatory refresher course after passing the test and 21 percent endorsed restricting new drivers to a 50-mile radius from home for 6 to 12 months. The findings reinforce Bridgestone's Road Safety Hero campaign, promoting regular tyre checks as part of the company's broader E8 Commitment to enhance driver safety and sustainable mobility.

Helen Roe, Senior Marketing Manager, Bridgestone UK, said, “The latest findings reinforce our belief that tyre safety should play a far greater role in helping young drivers develop safe driving habits from day one. Despite tyres being the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, tyre maintenance remains one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle safety. We have seen some high-profile cases of preventable road fatalities due to defective tyres and we can’t stress the importance of knowing the tyre basics and carrying out some simple checks, which can be done in a matter of minutes.

“Learning to drive doesn't stop the day someone passes their test. Developing safe habits, including understanding how to check and maintain tyres, is an important part of becoming a confident and responsible driver. It's encouraging to see such strong public support for improving tyre safety education and ensuring motorists understand the importance of looking after the only part of the vehicle that actually touches the road. Simple checks can make a real difference to road safety, not only for new drivers but for everyone using our roads.”

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Continental has expanded its ContiTread portfolio with the launch of the ContiTread HDR 3 HT, a premium retread engineered for fleet applications requiring enhanced durability, operational efficiency and reliable all-season capability. The new offering is positioned to streamline fleet maintenance while delivering robust performance across diverse driving conditions.

The retread features a non-directional tread pattern that simplifies tyre rotation and reduces inventory complexity, directly supporting improved fleet uptime and more manageable maintenance schedules. This design choice reflects Continental’s focus on practical, fleet-friendly solutions that minimise operational friction.

Engineered for all-season confidence, the ContiTread HDR 3 HT provides dependable traction on icy and snowy surfaces, alongside stable handling in wet and dry environments, ensuring consistent year-round performance. The tyre also incorporates an advanced high-mileage compound formulated for regional services, promoting extended wear on both highway and local routes while enhancing resistance to cuts and chips to guard against road hazards.

Replacing the ContiTread HDW2 in all sizes except the 265, the HDR 3 HT is available in sizes 210, 220, 230 and 240 with a 27/32-inch tread depth. By combining efficiency, durability and versatile performance, Continental aims to help fleets maximize productivity and reduce overall operating costs.

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Egypt has taken a step towards establishing a USD 500 million tyre manufacturing complex in the Sokhna Industrial Zone, according to Daily News Egypt, following the signing of a letter of intent between the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and China’s Zhongce Rubber Group.

Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid and SCZONE Chairperson Mostafa Sheikhoun witnessed the signing, which sets out a framework to study the project’s feasibility and assess its technical and investment requirements.

The proposed development would span about 600,000 sq metres and be implemented in three phases. Around 95 per cent of production, comprising passenger car and truck tyres, would be directed towards export markets.

Farid, as per the report, said the agreement marked “an important step towards exploring the establishment of an integrated industrial project in the tyre sector”, adding that it reflects efforts to attract foreign direct investment, expand production and boost exports.

He said Egypt’s geographical position, infrastructure and logistics capabilities support access to markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, strengthening its potential as a regional manufacturing hub.

Sheikhoun said the project aligns with SCZONE’s strategy to attract industrial investment and deepen local manufacturing, adding that the Sokhna Industrial Zone offers logistical advantages and access to global trade routes.

Shen Jinrong, Chairperson and General Manager of Zhongce Rubber Group, said the company plans to implement the project in three phases, with investments of about USD 500 million He added that around 95 percent of production would be exported as the group seeks to expand in regional and international markets.

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