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)
DUNLOP Launches Autumn Cashback Promotion For Motorists
- By TT News
- October 05, 2026
DUNLOP has unveiled a cashback promotion timed to coincide with the autumn motoring season, offering drivers a financial incentive of as much as EUR 80 on qualifying tyre purchases. The campaign runs from 1 October through 30 November 2026 and covers car, SUV and light commercial vehicle tyres. The exact rebate a customer receives is determined by how many tyres are bought and the diameter of those tyres in inches.
The initiative launches simultaneously across Germany, Austria and Poland, with France, Italy and Spain set to join in stages thereafter. Beyond the immediate price advantage, the company intends the promotion to showcase the breadth of its tyre portfolio. All DUNLOP tyres measuring 16 inches or larger bought within the promotional window qualify, while French customers can also claim on 15-inch tyres. In total, 891 products spanning 15 to 22 inches fall within the eligible range, 804 of them from 16 inches upward.
The eligible line-up spans winter, summer and all-season options suited to varied driving needs. Winter offerings include the DUNLOP WINTER, WINTER SPORT 5, SP WINTER SPORT 4D and SP WINTER SPORT 3D, alongside the year-round ALL SEASON 2 and summer tyres such as the SPORT MAXX RT2 and the BLUE RESPONSE TG launched in March. These cover small cars, compacts, estates, SUVs, motorhomes and light commercial vehicles, as well as horse boxes, boat trailers and caravans.
Summer tyres extend the range further, serving everything from daily commuting and long-distance travel to holiday journeys on country roads and motorways. Claiming the cashback is designed to be simple: purchasers register online at cashback.dunloptyres.com, submit their proof of purchase, and receive the corresponding amount once verification is complete.
Markus Bögner, President and Managing Director, Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, explains, “A price advantage alone does not sell a tyre – it is ultimately its quality, safety and performance that are decisive. With the cashback promotion, we are creating an additional purchase incentive and giving potential customers the opportunity to experience the strengths of our tyres for themselves. If this leads to long-term customer relationships, we will have achieved our goal. At the same time, we are supporting our retail partners with their sales and strengthening the profile of the DUNLOP brand in the market together.”
Liberty Tire Recycling Helps Divert 3,000-Plus Tyres In British Columbia Community Events
- By TT News
- October 05, 2026
Liberty Tire Recycling has continued its push to keep scrap tyres out of British Columbia landfills and illegal dump sites through a series of community collection events held in September. Working alongside Tire Stewardship BC and Duka Environmental Services Ltd., the company supported roundups in both Kelowna and Prince George that together diverted more than 3,000 unwanted tyres from the waste stream.
The Kelowna event, part of a wider provincial effort to expand recycling access, saw 939 tyres gathered in just four hours. In Prince George, a major transportation and trucking hub in central British Columbia, crews collected over 2,100 tyres during a similar four-hour window while speaking with residents about recycling and sustainability.
Beyond simply accepting tyres, Liberty Tire Recycling uses these events to engage directly with community members. Team members in Prince George spent the day answering questions about how scrap tyres are processed and how recycled rubber feeds into a circular economy, helping raise awareness of responsible tyre management across the province.
Improperly discarded tyres remain a common problem in rural areas, where they create visual blight and public health risks. Old tyres collect rainwater that can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and abandoned piles threaten farms, acreages and natural spaces. Recycling addresses these issues while supporting resource recovery.
Under Tire Stewardship BC's province-wide programme, collected tyres are transformed into playground surfacing, running tracks, livestock mats, safety flooring and other rubber products. The Regional District of Central Okanagan's annual tyre recycling event has removed more than 15,000 unwanted tyres from local properties over the past decade.
Liberty Tire Recycling entered Canada in 2010, though its British Columbia facility has operated since 1989, reflecting more than 37 years of combined tyre recycling experience. The company processes tyres in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario, and through the Return to Retailer programme, hundreds of locations across British Columbia accept up to four clean, off-rim tyres per resident, with officials recommending a call ahead to confirm capacity.
Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 Claims Top Spot In Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
- By TT News
- October 05, 2026
Hankook Tire has announced that its Winter i*cept evo 4 tyre secured first place in the latest Auto Bild winter tyre test. Competing in the 225/55 R18 size for SUVs and crossovers, it achieved an overall rating of 1.3, described as very good, beating nine rival models. The evaluation was carried out using a BMW X1.
The tyre stood out in wet conditions, earning a 1.2 rating after leading the field in both straight-line and cornering aquaplaning. It also recorded the highest average speed in dry handling while maintaining strong safety margins. Auto Bild further commended its dependable snow performance. Three tyres in total received very good ratings.
The Winter i*cept evo 4 is a studless tyre designed for passenger cars and SUVs, offering enhanced winter safety and fuel efficiency. It replaces the previous generation with a 5 percent improvement in snow grip, achieved through wider lateral grooves and semi-sipe technology.
TBC Corporation Backs National, Regional Nonprofits In Annual Week Of Action
- By TT News
- October 05, 2026
TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, joined forces with United Way Worldwide and the American Cancer Society's Road To Recovery for its yearly Week of Action.
Running from 21–25 September, the initiative mobilised staff at the company's Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. headquarters along with workers at about 100 distribution centres nationwide. The annual event, first introduced in 2024, invites TBC's roughly 3,000 employees to give back through volunteer work in their own communities. More than 2,000 volunteer hours have been logged since the programme began.
Across US sites, workers put together hygiene kits stocked with toothpaste, tissues, shampoo, conditioner, combs and deodorant, which were given to local United Way branches assisting people and families facing hardship. Additionally, employees wrote personalised messages for those served by the American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery programme, which supplies free transportation to cancer-related medical visits. Thanks to TBC's involvement, 500 free rides became available for patients in that programme.
Looking ahead to October, the company's San Luis Potosi location in México will team up with Fondo Potosino and Colonia Juvenil, two organisations that deliver resources and create opportunities through programming, civic engagement and social support. TBC staff will take part in mentorship and team-building exercises alongside programme participants, aiming to build confidence and pave the way for future achievement.
Ron Harper, Chief Supply Chain Officer, TBC Corporation, said, “Giving back to the planet and making an impact in the communities in which we live and work is a core part of our vision. Our Week of Action reflects our commitment to doing right by our communities in meaningful and tangible ways.”
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