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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Titan International, Inc. has officially introduced the new Titan ForestEDGE tyre line, engineered to meet the severe demands of contemporary forestry work. This release broadens the company’s existing forestry portfolio, positioning the ForestEDGE as a dependable and economically conscious alternative alongside its established Goodyear Logger Lug series. The tyre is specifically tailored for critical machinery including skidders and feller bunchers.

Engineered with a heavy-duty steel-belt package, the tyre resists damage from rocks, stumps and debris, while a specialised rubber compound promotes even tread wear and extended service life. Backed by Titan’s extensive engineering and field-testing heritage, the tyre offers boots-on-the-ground reliability. This combination of rugged construction and proven performance provides a practical option for fleet managers aiming to balance productivity with reduced operating expenses.

The ForestEDGE line is now available for ordering through authorised dealers in sizes 30.5L-32 and DH35.5L-32. Additionally, the 24.5-32 size is currently open for pre-orders, with shipments expected to begin in the third quarter of the calendar year.

Matt Werstein, Product & Engineering R&D Manager – OTR, Titan, said, “Forestry environments are often extreme. With the Titan ForestEDGE, we set out to provide a tyre that not only stands up to some of the worst conditions but also helps boost productivity and lower total operating costs. After extensive field testing, we're confident that the ForestEDGE line delivers the durability and value operators need to keep their machines moving.”

Andrew Hogan, Director – Pricing and Product Strategy, Titan, said, “Forestry work is demanding, not just on people but also on equipment and tyres. We worked closely with customers and dealers to understand where current solutions were falling short. The ForestEDGE is the result: a tyre line that’s tough, dependable and built around the realities of modern forestry work.”

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Kumho Tire U.S.A. is addressing the evolving demands of the American automotive market, where light trucks, including pickups, SUVs and crossovers, now represent 80 percent of new vehicle sales. As this segment continues to expand, the complexity of selecting the appropriate tyre has increased for owners. In response, Kumho is promoting its Road Venture family, which utilises a straightforward nomenclature and clear performance tiers to guide consumers towards the optimal choice for their specific lifestyle and driving requirements.

The Road Venture series is comprised of four specialised models, each engineered for a distinct driving environment. These include the highway-focused HT, the versatile AT52 for all-terrain use, the RT for enhanced off-road capability and the MT71, which is designed for maximum traction in mud-terrain conditions. This structured approach allows drivers to easily navigate the selection process based on their primary usage patterns.

Engineered predominantly for paved surfaces, the new Road Venture HT is an all-season highway-terrain tyre that prioritises a quiet, comfortable ride and dependable performance in diverse weather conditions. It holds the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for severe winter service and is backed by a limited treadwear warranty of 75,000 miles for P-metric sizes and 50,000 miles for LT-metric sizes, aligning its durability with higher-priced competitors.

For those requiring a compromise between on-road civility and off-road exploration, the Road Venture AT52 offers an all-terrain solution that manages dirt and gravel while maintaining low noise levels. It also carries the 3PMSF rating and comes with a 55,000-mile warranty for P-metric and 50,000 for LT-metric sizes. Bridging the gap between all-terrain and mud-terrain tyres, the new Road Venture RT provides rugged-terrain traction without forfeiting on-road refinement, supported by a 50,000-mile warranty. The lineup culminates with the MT71, featuring aggressive tread blocks and stone ejectors for superior grip in mud and rocky environments, catering to serious off-road enthusiasts.

Carolina Wagner, Vice President – Marketing, Kumho Tire U.S.A., said. "Tyres are one of the most important safety components on any vehicle, yet many consumers find the tyre shopping process overwhelming because of the sheer number of options available. Our Road Venture lineup was designed with a simple naming structure and clear performance distinctions to help drivers confidently choose the tyre that best fits their lifestyle and driving needs, whether they spend most of their time on the highway, explore trails on weekends or tackle demanding off-road terrain."

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Surat Thani branch of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), hosted an educational seminar for natural rubber farmers in June 2026. The event took place in Surat Thani province, where the company’s local processing subsidiary, Y.T. Rubber Co., Ltd., (YTRC) is based. Fifty farm households participated in the session, which represented the 11th such gathering since the programme began in 2020. Following the lectures, Yokohama Rubber distributed fertiliser, developed with RAOT’s technical input, to all attendees at no cost.

This initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Yokohama Rubber and the RAOT in January 2020, aimed at providing economic assistance to Thai growers and improving supply chain traceability. The seminar forms a core component of the company’s farmer-support activities under that agreement, organised regularly through the local YTRC office to ensure alignment with Yokohama Rubber’s sustainable procurement policy.

The curriculum covered soil nutrition, proper fertilisation methods, contamination prevention, workplace safety, health management and farm operations. Guest representatives from local government agencies, the police and a regional hospital delivered presentations on legal employment practices, human rights protections for foreign and ethnic minority workers, transportation safety and occupational health measures to prevent tapping-related injuries.

Participant feedback from post-event questionnaires indicated heightened awareness of systematic cultivation techniques and quality assurance. Farmers acknowledged previously haphazard fertilisation practices and gained a clearer understanding of contamination risks through direct engagement with the processing subsidiary. Several attendees expressed intentions to share their newfound knowledge with tappers, while others voiced appreciation for a tire manufacturer’s grassroots involvement, thereby deepening mutual trust. As a founding member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), Yokohama Rubber continues to implement its revised procurement policy supporting small-scale suppliers. The company remains committed to publishing further initiatives under its sustainability motto, ‘Caring for the Future’, addressing social challenges through business operations.

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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an educational initiative at Gergeti School for students in grades 8 through 10. The session was designed to foster awareness about sustainable development among the younger generation.

The programme, titled ‘A Sustainable Future: Environment, Transport and Energy’, centred on the impact of daily human activities on the planet. Discussions emphasised the critical need for proper waste segregation, resource conservation and the adoption of renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental degradation.

A significant portion of the event focused on the hazardous nature of waste tyres, used oils and batteries. Students were informed about the severe consequences of improper disposal, including contamination of natural resources, and were shown how recycling can recover valuable materials. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility was also introduced, highlighting the legal and ethical duties of manufacturers and importers to manage their products' lifecycle. Tegeta Green Planet’s role in assisting companies with these obligations was a key point of the presentation.

The interactive session encouraged active participation through group discussions and practical exercises. Students collaborated to solve environmental challenges, reinforcing their learning through real-world applications. All attendees received certificates and gifts at the conclusion of the event. This visit is part of a broader, ongoing effort by both organisations to promote responsible consumption and environmental stewardship in educational settings, aiming to empower students to make informed, sustainable choices in their everyday lives.

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