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 Group Strengthens Sustainability Governance With New Committees
- By TT News
- October 02, 2026
The DUNLOP Group is restructuring its sustainability management to more closely align business strategies with sustainability initiatives, aiming to achieve sustainable corporate value growth. As part of this effort, each business division will establish a Divisional Sustainability Promotion Committee under the umbrella of the existing Sustainability Promotion Committee, which oversees company-wide efforts. This change is intended to accelerate the integration of business strategies and sustainability measures.
The newly formed divisional committees will discuss and decide on sustainability policies designed to create business opportunities and drive growth within their respective divisions. They will also monitor progress towards division-specific targets under the Long-Term Sustainability Targets, known as ‘Driving Our Future Initiatives’, and share relevant information. Progress updates will be reported to the Sustainability Promotion Committee, strengthening company-wide monitoring.
Chart of sustainability management structure
In addition, a cross-divisional Sustainable Natural Rubber (SNR) Subcommittee will be launched to manage and reduce risks and create opportunities in the natural rubber supply chain. Natural rubber is a natural capital resource on which the Group’s business significantly depends and also has significant impacts. The subcommittee will address these issues from natural capital and human rights perspectives, based on the Sustainable Natural Rubber Policy.
The SNR Subcommittee will serve as a cross-functional body that concentrates and accelerates the Group’s various SNR activities. By aligning with biodiversity and human rights initiatives and taking a mid- to long-term approach, it will pursue sustainable natural rubber through efforts such as supporting natural rubber farmers and collaborating with external partners.
Kenda Rolls Out K-SERIES VELORA ENDURANCE Premium Tubeless Road Tyre
- By TT News
- October 02, 2026
Kenda Tires has launched the K-SERIES VELORA ENDURANCE, the first model in its new premium VELORA road tyre family. The tyre targets cyclists seeking speed, confidence and long-lasting reliability, combining advanced compound technology, enhanced puncture protection and extended tread life in a purpose-built package for endurance riding, daily training and high-mileage use.
A new puncture-resistant base layer boosts durability by 35 percent while preserving the smooth ride and rolling efficiency expected from a premium road tyre. At its core sits Kenda's new K-SERIES high-performance road compound, engineered to minimise rolling resistance and maximise tread life. Against the Kriterium, the VELORA ENDURANCE achieves a 27 percent improvement in tread wear, letting riders spend more time on the road and less time replacing tyres.
A smooth centre tread promotes speed and efficiency, while optimised shoulder siping sharpens cornering grip and wet-weather traction for predictable handling across changing conditions. The tyre is fully Tubeless Ready, delivering easy setup, dependable puncture protection and the ride quality modern road cyclists demand.
Niutech Finalises Group Restructuring Amid Global Push For Advanced Recycling
- By TT News
- October 02, 2026
Niutech Technology Group Co., Ltd. completed its group restructuring on 26 August 2026, drawing on nearly 40 years in industrial continuous pyrolysis. Its proprietary technology and complete equipment sets convert over 30 material streams, including waste tyres and plastics, into high-value recycled resources such as pyrolysis oil and combustible gas. Niutech spans high-end equipment R&D and manufacturing, project investment and construction and operation, supporting 10,000-tonne-scale projects in dozens of countries, including Germany, UK, Korea, Denmark and Brazil, while meeting developed-market environmental and technical standards.
Tightening regulation is accelerating demand. The European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation raise recycled-material requirements and spotlight continuous pyrolysis. Niutech's new-generation large industrial continuous intelligent pyrolysis line delivers major gains in processing capacity, efficiency, cost control and product quality. In waste tyres, a single unit handles over 100 tonnes daily, with recovered carbon black exceeding 80 percent toluene transmittance, yielding high-grade commercial carbon black for tyre manufacturing.
For waste plastics, including low-value municipal, ocean, and textile streams such as mixed PP, PE, PS, ABS and nylon, one unit also processes over 100 tonnes daily without complex washing, sorting, drying or fine crushing. It produces stable pyrolysis oil, solid fuel and combustible gas, the latter cutting on-site energy use, while the oil can become chemical feedstock for new plastics. The line operates in multiple overseas markets.
In China, majority-owned subsidiary Hesheng Environmental Protection, commissioned in 2013, was the country's first continuous tyre recycling project and the sector's first to earn International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, operating stably for over a decade. In 2026, Hesheng launched a 100,000-tonne Phase II project, lifting capacity to 160,000 tonnes annually. A UK customer signed an RMB 198 million order after assessing Niutech's projects and global peers. Niutech is now advancing clean tyre pyrolysis oil research toward sustainable aviation fuel and other clean energy.
"The maturity of a technology is best verified through industrial projects. Our project references in China and overseas are becoming our most persuasive calling card," said the head of the marketing department at Niutech.
Hankook Ready For WRC Finale As Sardinia Crowns 2026 Champion
- By TT News
- October 02, 2026
Hankook Tire, the exclusive tyre supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship, is proving its mettle at the season-ending Rally Italia Sardegna, scheduled for 1–4 October around Alghero on the Italian island of Sardinia. The 23rd edition of this historic gravel event now closes the 2026 calendar after Rally Saudi Arabia, originally slated as the finale, was removed from the schedule.
Because the Drivers' Championship will be decided in Italy, tyre performance and strategies for handling the demanding roads and unpredictable October weather are expected to be decisive. The rally covers 17 Special Stages totalling roughly 307.02 competitive kilometres on unpaved roads, where narrow, winding sections lined with trees and undergrowth, combined with blind crests, restrict visibility and leave little margin for error.
The route also includes Micky's Jump, one of the event's most recognizable features, as well as deep ruts created by repeated runs and rough, rocky stretches. These conditions place heavy demands on tyre durability and vehicle stability, making consistent control a critical factor throughout the event.
Hankook will provide its Dynapro R213 all-terrain rally tyre in Hard and Soft compounds for the finale. The tyre is engineered to absorb gravel impacts while delivering stable grip, precise handling and strong durability. At Round 12 in Chile, Toyota GAZOO Racing's Oliver Solberg took his second win of the year, securing Toyota the 2026 Manufacturers' Championship – its sixth straight since 2021 and 10th overall – leaving the drivers' title to be settled in Sardinia.
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