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)
Maxxis Dominates Desert Challenge At 2026 King Of The Hammers
- By TT News
- February 06, 2026
Maxxis has launched its 2026 King of the Hammers campaign with a dominant display at the Desert Challenge, signalling a week of strong potential. The event served as a powerful opening act, with Maxxis drivers securing multiple podium finishes across several competitive UTV classes. Notably, a standout performance came from Dustin ‘Battle-Axe’ Jones, who captured second place in the UTV Pro Modified category. He navigated the brutal desert landscape without any tyre issues on his RAZR XTs, demonstrating both control and speed. The rising talent Chaden Minder further highlighted the tyre's capabilities, driving to second place in UTV Open and an impressive third place overall in the Desert Challenge. His error-free run was supported by the notable traction and resilience of his RAZR XT tyres. Additional strong finishes came from Sierra Romo, who placed within the overall top 10 and took eighth in UTV Open, and Todd Zuccone, who earned third in UTV Pro Stock Turbo.
All eyes now turn to defending champion Kyle Chaney, whose historic overall victory in a UTV at last year's Race of Kings redefined expectations. He returns to defend his title and pursue further history by competing in both the 4400 and 4900 classes. His early form appears promising, having already qualified third overall and in the 4900 class for the upcoming UTV Hammers event. The qualifying session for the 4400 class is set for Wednesday, with the main UTV Hammers Championship race following on Thursday.
For fans following remotely, the entire spectacle from Johnson Valley, California will be broadcast on YouTube. The week's intense schedule continues Tuesday with the Every Man Challenge Qualifier and POWER HOUR. Wednesday features the Race of Kings Qualifier and Power Hour, leading into Thursday's UTV Hammers Championship. Friday hosts the Every Man Challenge race, building towards the week's premier event, the Race of Kings, on Saturday.
Tyres Europe Reports Decline In European Replacement Tyre Sales
- By TT News
- February 06, 2026
Tyres Europe has released replacement tyre sales data for the Q4 and full year 2025. According to the report, demand across Europe remained subdued. Secretary General Adam McCarthy noted that the consumer tyre segment, which includes passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles, experienced a five percent decline in the final quarter compared to the same period in 2024, contributing to an overall annual decrease of two percent. This downturn is attributed to ongoing macroeconomic pressures, including weak consumer confidence, minimal growth in miles driven and increased competition from imports throughout the year.
The transition towards all-season tyres accelerated, with summer tyres seeing a particularly sharp seven percent drop, while winter tyres fell by two percent, a decline exacerbated in the fourth quarter by milder weather conditions compared to the previous year. The Truck & Bus segment also weakened, with quarterly and annual declines of two percent and four percent, respectively, mirroring soft freight activity and subdued industrial output, alongside pressure from imports. Agricultural tyre sales were steady in the fourth quarter but finished the year four percent lower, indicative of persistent caution in farm sector investment.
Romain Bardet Joins Michelin As Ambassador For Gravel Segment
- By TT News
- February 05, 2026
Celebrated French cyclist Romain Bardet is entering a profound partnership with Michelin to serve as the strategic ambassador for its Gravel segment. This alliance is founded on a mutual commitment to pioneering innovation and sustainable performance within the discipline. Both Bardet and the Michelin Group share deep roots in France’s Auvergne region, reinforcing a natural cultural and geographical synergy that underscores a joint pursuit of excellence.
Beginning in 2026, Bardet will dedicate his racing calendar almost entirely to international Gravel events, aiming for podium results at competitions like the UCI Gravel World Series. His recent decisive win at a major Gravel event in Australia already signals his strong competitive potential in this arena. In his role, Bardet will initially compete on existing Michelin products such as the MICHELIN Power Gravel.
From 2027 onward, his involvement will deepen to actively co-develop future Gravel product ranges. By providing real-time feedback from diverse terrains and race conditions, Bardet will enable Michelin’s technical teams to refine and optimise product development directly from the field. This collaboration strategically merges elite athletic insight with engineering expertise to advance Gravel cycling innovation on a global scale.
Apollo Tyres Reports 12% Rise In Third-Quarter Revenue
- By TT News
- February 05, 2026
Apollo Tyres Ltd reported a 12 percent increase in consolidated revenue for the third quarter of the 2025–26 financial year, supported by double-digit growth in both its Indian and European operations.
For the three months ended 31 December, 2025, the tyre maker recorded revenue from operations of INR 77.43 billion, compared with INR 69.28 billion a year earlier. Operating profit rose 25 percent to INR 11.86 billion, while net profit increased 40 percent to Rs 4.71 billion.
For the first nine months of the financial year, revenue rose seven percent to INR 211.35 billion, up from INR 197.00 billion in the corresponding period last year. Operating profit for the period increased 12 percent to INR 30.74 billion.
Net profit for the nine months stood at INR 7.41 billion, compared with INR 9.37 billion a year earlier. The company said the figure included an estimated pre-tax restructuring cost of INR 5.45 billion, disclosed as an exceptional item.
Onkar Kanwar, Chairman of Apollo Tyres Ltd, said the company delivered double-digit volume growth across geographies and market segments during the quarter.
“My compliments to the team for delivering double-digit volume growth across geographies and market segments in the past quarter,” he said. “India recorded its best quarterly performance to date, driven by strong growth across replacement, exports and OEM channels. Our European Operations also performed in line with the broader market. Encouragingly, demand momentum remains healthy, and we expect this trajectory to sustain going forward.”
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