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)
FALKEN Kicks Off ‘Falken Says Fill Up!’ Campaign For Winter Season
- By TT News
- September 17, 2026
FALKEN has launched its ‘Falken says fill up!’ promotion for 2026, marking the start of its established seasonal campaign. Running from 15 September to 30 November, buyers of four winter or all-season tyres sized 16 inches or above, excluding HGV tyres, can receive a reward worth EUR 20. The initiative operates across 14 European markets, including Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, among others.
In Germany, participants may select either an Aral SuperCard or EnBW mobility+ charging credit. Beyond this immediate reward, FALKEN has partnered with ZEG to offer additional prizes. One BULLS Copperhead EVO AM 2 e-trail bike, valued at EUR 4,999 and three BULLS Machete RX 1 carbon gravel bikes, each worth EUR 1,999, will be given away.
The campaign highlights three tyres from FALKEN’s current range. The EUROALL SEASON AS220 suits drivers seeking year-round flexibility, offering reliable handling, efficiency and wet-road grip for regions with changeable weather. For winter, FALKEN recommends the EUROWINTER HS02 and HS02 PRO, both engineered for grip and stability on wet, cold and snowy roads. The HS02 delivers balanced winter performance, while the HS02 PRO targets drivers preferring precise, dynamic handling in cold conditions.
Retail partners also benefit from the promotion, which combines an instant reward, a high-value prize draw and a strong product assortment. These elements provide useful talking points for customer relations and stimulate purchasing at the outset of the winter tyre season.
Maxam Tire Unveils MS934 And MS936 TimberXtra Tyres For Forestry Equipment
- By TT News
- September 17, 2026
Maxam Tire has broadened its forestry tyre offerings with two new product lines. The MS934 targets forwarders and skidders, while the MS936 TimberXtra serves skidders and feller bunchers. Both are built for strong traction, flotation and durability across varied terrain and conditions.
The MS936 TimberXtra carries an aggressive LS2 tread for muddy ground, with reinforced construction and an optimised profile for stability and long service. Its lug and crown design extend wear life. Upcoming sizes include 35.5L32 30PR, 67/34.00X25 20PR and 67/34.00X26 20PR.
The MS934, an LS2 cut-to-length logging tyre, features an open centre tread made for over-the-tyre track systems. Nylon-wrapped beads prevent unwinding, while a wider lug shoulder and increased shoulder spacing deliver a more stable footprint.
Matt Fagan, Director of R&D, Maxam Tire, said, “Forestry operations can vary significantly by terrain and working conditions, which makes having the right tyre for the application critical. Each of the new MAXAM forestry tyres provide logging operations a unique solution for different terrains and applications. With additional skidder and CTL solutions, we are committed to deliver consistent performance and productivity for logging equipment, no matter the demand.”
Hankook Tire Blends Off-Road Adventure With Everyday Chaos In New Dynapro Film
- By TT News
- September 17, 2026
Hankook Tire has launched a new brand film titled ‘Rough Terrain’ for its Dynapro SUV tyre line, aimed at the US market. It marks the first Dynapro brand film released in US since 2024. The campaign moves beyond traditional off-road narratives to showcase a broad range of driving environments and everyday moments, both on and off the road.
The film humorously reimagines daily life’s unpredictable situations as ‘rough terrain’, highlighting Dynapro’s versatile performance. It opens with an SUV tackling muddy, rocky trails on Hankook’s Dynapro AT2 Xtreme tyres before shifting to a crowded big-box store parking lot, where a contested space, stray shopping carts and an anxious driver set the scene.
The spot then follows the SUV through family life’s chaotic moments, including an awkward father-daughter gossip session, a coffee spill and the baseball carpool. These scenarios offer a relatable take on rough terrain, emphasising the versatility required for life’s unpredictability while giving the traditional automotive adventure story a fresh twist.
Dynapro tyres are engineered for both off-road and everyday driving. Options include the mud-terrain Dynapro MT2, rugged-terrain Dynapro XT and all-terrain Dynapro AT2 Xtreme, plus the CUV performance Dynapro evo AS, CUV touring Dynapro HPX and highway terrain Dynapro HT2. The film is available on Hankook’s website, social media, YouTube, connected TV and OTT platforms.
Webfleet Launches Commercial Trip Monitor To Benchmark European City Fleet Conditions
- By TT News
- September 16, 2026
Webfleet, the fleet management arm of Bridgestone, used the IAA Transportation event to introduce its Commercial Trip Monitor, a free online benchmarking tool that assesses how easily vans and trucks move through 32 major European cities. Initial results suggest operating conditions are growing tougher in numerous urban centres.
The monitor refreshes monthly, drawing on anonymised, aggregated commercial vehicle data to track shifts in fleet operating conditions over time. Because it examines repeat business journeys rather than general traffic, it offers operators and city stakeholders a clearer picture of where urban operations are improving or deteriorating. Even minor changes in reach or idling can reduce productivity, raise fuel use and increase emissions.
Two core metrics underpin the platform. The 15-Minute Reach metric shows how far a typical van or truck travels in a fixed quarter-hour, with higher scores indicating greater distance covered. Idling Intensity measures the share of a journey spent stationary with the engine running, where a higher percentage signals more wasted time. Users can rank cities, compare performance and follow trends.
Early 2026 data revealed sharp contrasts. Zaragoza, Apeldoorn and Utrecht posted the strongest average 15-Minute Reach rankings, while Berlin, Paris and Kraków were the most difficult. Poland was the only country where every analysed city improved year-on-year while idling stayed stable or fell. Rome and Milan improved on reach, yet Milan recorded Europe’s highest Idling Intensity at 21 percent, against Paris’s 16 percent. Berlin finished last overall, with Munich, Leipzig and Hamburg covering 4.4 percent, 4.3 percent and 3.3 percent less ground respectively than in 2025. Users can also examine trip volumes, distance, CO₂ emissions, fuel consumption and local conditions.
Webfleet developed the methodology with mobility intelligence specialist Mobito, leveraging over 25 years of fleet experience and one of Europe’s largest connected vehicle ecosystems.
Jan-Maarten de Vries, President – Fleet Management Solutions, Bridgestone, said, “The Webfleet Commercial Trip Monitor provides a clearer picture of urban mobility through the lens of fleet operations. Commercial vehicles do not experience cities the way commuters and consumers do. They follow different routes, operate under different regulations, make multiple stops and load and unload. When conditions change due to congestion, roadworks, low-emission zones, regulation or major events, fleet businesses often feel the impact first. Even relatively small changes can affect productivity, operating costs, fuel use and emissions.”
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