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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Pirelli has confirmed it will bring the same tyre allocation used last year to the Singapore Grand Prix, as Formula 1 remains in Asia for a weekend that also hosts the season's final Sprint and concludes a long triple-header that started in Baku. The Marina Bay circuit, one of the most physically demanding venues for drivers, will again feature the C3 as Hard, the C4 as Medium and the C5 as Soft.

The 4.940-kilometre street circuit is characterised by barriers close to the racing line and limited overtaking opportunities. Changes made to the third sector in 2023 increased the number of high-speed sections, making the lap smoother and faster than before. Although some straights are present, the track remains defined by numerous braking and traction phases across its 19 corners, allowing modern power units to recover energy throughout the lap.

Marina Bay has a medium-to-high level of surface roughness for a street circuit. Since no resurfacing has taken place, values are expected to be broadly in line with last season, if not slightly higher. Track evolution will be significant over the weekend, while intermittent rainfall typical of the equatorial climate can influence grip levels and alter conditions from one session to the next.

The race is held at night, with track temperatures between 30 and 35 °C. Under these conditions, tyres tend to operate within their working window without particular overheating concerns. Mechanical stress is not especially high, and expected degradation will mainly be linked to the normal performance drop-off of the rear axle during traction phases. Graining and wear are also not expected to become limiting factors in race management.

Strategically, Singapore remains one of the races where a one-stop strategy is the preferred option, also considering time lost in the pit lane and the frequent likelihood of neutralisations. While Hard and Medium are again expected to be the reference compounds for the race, the Soft could receive greater consideration on Sunday from more than one team. The softest compound has shown at Budapest, Monza and Baku that it allows drivers to maintain a strong pace thanks to limited degradation, while offering an advantage in grip and confidence. These characteristics could prove even more valuable at a circuit known for significant track evolution.

Latest-generation cars also appear to make better use of softer compounds, allowing the softer end of the range to be used for longer and more competitive stints than in the past. It would therefore come as no surprise to see the red-sidewalled tyre used in Saturday's Sprint or more extensive C5 use throughout the weekend. Medium and Soft were chosen for the opening part of the race, with 14 drivers starting on the C4 and the remainder on the C5, while the Hard was ruled out because the track was still damp after earlier rain. The C3 then became the preferred compound for the second stint, and almost the entire grid completed a one-stop race, with only three drivers opting for two stops.

This will be the seventeenth edition of the Singapore Grand Prix, held continuously since 2008 with the only interruption caused by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Sebastian Vettel leads drivers with five victories and Lewis Hamilton has four, while Mercedes leads constructors with five wins. The podium cap will feature an orchid-inspired design, celebrated in Singapore for thriving in heat, humidity and heavy rainfall. The special edition Pirelli Podium Cap is produced by Pirelli Design and signed by designer Denis Dekovic.

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Tyres Europe has released a position paper urging the European Union to deploy trade defence instruments more strategically and responsively. The paper argues that measures must remain effective after adoption and tackle distortions that shift across countries, companies and value chains.

The bloc's tyre sector relies heavily on capital investment and specialised know-how, supporting more than 70 manufacturing sites, retreading operations included, plus roughly 20 R&D hubs. Of the approximately 398 million tyres fitted across the EU during 2024, close to 40 percent came from outside the Union. Meanwhile, nine European plant closures have been announced over the last two years, putting over 4,400 jobs at risk.

Two recent episodes underscore the gaps. In the passenger car and light truck tyre case involving China, Brussels launched its probe in May 2025, yet definitive duties did not land until 8 July 2026, by which time sourcing had already migrated elsewhere. For truck and bus tyres, the pressure surfaced only after the 2018 measures took hold. China's share of EU27 and UK imports tumbled from 73 percent in 2017 to under 21 percent by 2019, but Thailand and Vietnam together surged from below 3 percent in 2017 to almost 61 percent in the first five months of 2026. Both cases show trade patterns moving faster than Europe's response, whether before or after duties.

The paper presses the European Commission to move sooner, keep measures potent post-adoption and act as one coordinated system. That entails wiring monitoring, industry insight, investigations and enforcement together from the earliest signal, running systematic post-measure tracking and industry dialogue and aligning trade defence with the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, investment screening and procurement. It further recommends starting work now on a supplementary, WTO-compatible answer to systemic distortions.

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Kenda Tires has introduced the KENDA K-SERIES RIPPER, a new tyre aimed at modern trail and all-mountain riders seeking speed, control and confidence across varied terrain. The model combines an aggressive yet fast-rolling tread design with dual-layer compound technology and a durable Trail Casing, positioning it as a versatile option from hardpack trails to technical descents.

The RIPPER is intended to fill the space between lightweight cross-country and downcountry tyres and heavier enduro offerings. According to Kenda, it addresses demand for a tyre that climbs efficiently, corners predictably and remains reassuring when trails become difficult, giving riders a single do-it-all solution.

Its neutral-void tread pattern is designed to balance rolling efficiency with traction. Large, broad-based knobs support braking performance and cornering stability, while the layout aims to deliver predictable handling as conditions change. A dual-layer compound pairs a high-traction trail compound with a fast-rolling base layer, enhancing grip on loose or technical ground while preserving efficiency and durability.

A robust Trail Casing is said to balance protection, durability and ride quality for aggressive trail riding and modern e-MTB use. An optimised 62 mm casing and tread width, a stable casing profile and optimised mould design contribute to confidence at the limit. Kenda describes the result as a long-lasting, high-mileage tyre combining speed, grip and durability for riders unwilling to choose between efficiency and capability.

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has appointed Dr Willie Peijnenburg to its external Assurance Group (AG), an independent advisory committee that guides the organisation's research programs.

Dr Peijnenburg serves as Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Biodiversity at Leiden University in the Netherlands and works as a Senior Researcher at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

His academic work covers environmental risk assessment, ecotoxicology, predictive modelling and the behaviour of emerging contaminants in ecosystems. He joins five other independent members on the committee.

"Questions around environmental emissions, chemical safety and the sustainability of mobility systems are becoming increasingly important. I was drawn to TIP’s Assurance Group by the opportunity to contribute to conversations that have real-world relevance. I look forward to working with fellow Assurance Group members to support robust, transparent science and evidence-based decision-making." said Dr Peijnenburg.

The organisation also announced the departure of committee members Dr John Spengler of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and Dr Iseult Lynch of the University of Birmingham, noting their contributions to the research oversight body.

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