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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Hankook Tyre UK has secured exclusive sponsorship of the Transport Association Traffic Managers’ & Engineers’ Conference 2026, an event that draws fleet and logistics professionals together to exchange knowledge and examine the issues influencing commercial transport’s future.

The Transport Association, established in 1955, represents a UK-wide network of roughly 65 independent, family-owned logistics firms. Its members operate some 5,700 vehicles from 175 locations, delivering transport, storage and distribution services domestically and across Europe, while the organisation promotes collaboration and best practice.

Scheduled for 25–27 September 2026 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, the annual gathering will convene senior figures from the Association’s national network. As exclusive sponsor, Hankook will address tyre efficiency, safety, sustainability and total cost of ownership – topics of growing importance amid decarbonisation, cost pressures and electrification. The partnership reinforces Hankook’s dedication to collaborating with fleet operators and industry bodies on practical solutions for commercial mobility’s future.

Jon Cottrell, Network & Operations Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “We’re delighted to support The Transport Association and its members at this year’s conference. The transport sector is evolving rapidly, and close collaboration across the industry will be essential. We look forward to sharing our experience, hearing different perspectives and contributing to the practical discussions taking place throughout the event.”

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Pirelli has introduced its new SCORPION Gravity range, a mountain bike tyre lineup created for gravity riding and covering trail, enduro, freeride and downhill disciplines. The Italian manufacturer has completely redesigned the platform while introducing a new naming system intended to simplify how riders identify the best tyre configuration. Compared with the previous line, the range substantially increases the number of available combinations, as each model can be paired with different casing and compound choices.

The selection process follows three stages. Riders first choose a tread pattern, with three distinct scorpion species each representing a different terrain and riding style. They then select a casing based on the level of support and protection required. Finally, they choose a compound from Medium, Soft or Supersoft to achieve the desired balance of grip, rolling efficiency and durability.

Three tread names form the foundation of the new architecture: Black Sting, Emperor and Red Claw. Each draws inspiration from a different scorpion species, with the name reflecting the creature's characteristics and natural habitat to create a direct link with the conditions and riding style the tyre is engineered for.

Black Sting takes its name from scorpions living in deserts and arid environments. Developed for riders prioritising speed, precision and responsiveness, the fast-rolling tread combines low rolling resistance with controlled braking, suiting hardpack and firm, compact terrain where stability under high loads and at speed is critical. Emperor is the range's most versatile option, building on the previous RACE M tread but fully re-engineered. Like the scorpion it represents, it performs across mixed terrain and changing conditions, balancing traction, control and rolling efficiency. Red Claw, inspired by tropical scorpions in wet, humid environments, targets maximum traction and control. Based on the earlier RACE T design, it is optimised for loose-over-hard, dusty and off-camber terrain.

Pirelli has also evolved its four casing constructions, all now fully eMTB-ready for conventional and electric mountain bikes, including Light and Full Power models. ProWALL is the lightest with sidewall protection, weighing 700 to 900 grammes, and favours responsiveness and climbing efficiency. HardWALL, at 900 to 1,100 grammes, adds structural support and reinforcement against pinch flats. DualWALL, weighing 1,100 to 1,300 grammes, uses a dual-ply build for enduro racing, bike parks and freeride. DH+ WALL, from 1,300 to over 1,500 grammes, is the most protective option, employing tougher base fabrics and extra reinforcement for elite downhill racing.

Three compounds complete the range. Medium, marked yellow, balances grip, comfort and durability. Soft, marked red, provides intuitive handling and consistent grip in dry and wet conditions without sacrificing durability. Supersoft, marked purple, is engineered for the most demanding conditions, offering maximum grip, vibration damping and impact absorption. The range was developed by Pirelli technicians with three-time Downhill World Champion Fabien Barel and world-class athletes including Brendan Fairclough, Jack Moir, Thomas Genon, Juan Diego Salido, Fabio Wibmer and Lachlan Blair.

Fabien Barel said, “Having worked closely with Pirelli, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply their expertise runs, from Formula 1 to the Motorcycle World Championship, from motocross to high-performance cars. That same racing DNA is now driving innovation in mountain biking – across compound technology, casing construction and tread design. What’s particularly interesting is seeing how the company is bringing into cycling that wealth of cross-discipline knowledge built up over years of success at the highest levels of motorsport. What stands out most when riding these new tyres is how consistent the grip feels across the entire tread, no matter the terrain, and how stable the casing stays even when conditions get rough – it’s the kind of confidence you notice within the first few turns.”

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Tana Oy convened its annual Tana Dealer Meeting 2026 in Hämeenlinna, Finland, drawing distributors from 19 countries for three days of presentations, shared experiences and discussions. Attendees contributed perspectives and insights from markets worldwide, making the gathering a truly global exchange of knowledge and ideas.

The event took place at the historic Vanajanlinna, whose distinctive atmosphere provided an ideal setting for face-to-face meetings, idea exchange and informal interaction. Tana Oy’s 55th anniversary added a special dimension to the occasion. Under the theme ‘No time to waste – From ambition to results’, participants concentrated on sharing knowledge, converting ideas into concrete action, and advancing together.

The main meeting day featured presentations spanning Tana’s operations, with the agenda covering strategy, products, services, spare parts and market development. Beyond formal presentations, distributors contributed valuable field knowledge. Real customer cases and requests were examined collectively, with distributors sharing expertise from their respective markets and introducing fresh perspectives to the discussion.

The final day shifted focus from presentations to hands-on demonstrations. A live demo of the TANA MWB, the newest addition to the shredder family, showcased its capabilities under real operating conditions. Attendees then travelled to Toijala Works for the RD Factory Circuit, where Service and R&D teams guided dealers through stations introducing new features, options and technical developments. The sessions were led by the people who developed these solutions, giving distributors opportunities to ask questions, provide feedback and discuss matters directly with the experts.

A highlight of the meeting was the Dealer of the Year Awards, which recognise distributor achievements and dedication worldwide. Four winners were celebrated. Máquina Solo of Brazil received Dealer of the Year 2025 for opening a new landfill compactor market during a challenging economic year while achieving full participation in all 2025 tenders. Tana Italia s.r.l. earned Excellence in Marketing and Promoting Tana 2025 for consistently innovative exhibition concepts and marketing ideas. Smart Equipment B.V. received Excellence in Service for its skilled, dependable, and positive approach. Earthmoving Solution Limited was named Newcomer 2025 for remarkable landfill compactor sales growth in Bangladesh within a short period.

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Triangle Tyre has secured the EcoVadis Gold Rating once more, posting an overall score of 85 that places it within the top 5 percent of assessed companies globally. The company had initially received the Gold Rating in 2025 during its first participation in the assessment, making history as the first Chinese tyre manufacturer to attain that distinction. This repeat recognition cements Triangle Tyre’s standing as a frontrunner in sustainable development within China’s tyre sector.

The EcoVadis platform stands among the most widely acknowledged corporate sustainability assessment systems worldwide, with results frequently guiding multinational corporations in supplier selection. Its evaluations span over 180 countries and more than 150,000 companies. The methodology examines four dimensions: environmental performance, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. A gold rating signals globally leading sustainability performance among assessed firms.

Triangle Tyre’s environmental efforts centre on expanding its green manufacturing framework through its national-level green factory platform. The company has adopted low-carbon processes including intelligent vulcanisation, accelerated low rolling resistance tire development and increased use of recycled and bio-based materials to reduce lifecycle environmental impact. A digital energy management platform supports ongoing energy conservation and carbon reduction, efforts that earned recognition as an Energy Efficiency Leader in key industries from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Regarding labour and human rights, the company’s Caring for People culture protects employee rights through diversified development and care mechanisms, occupational health and safety systems and closed-loop hazard management. Comprehensive training and career pathways support employee growth, yielding consecutive Top Employer honours. On ethics, all employees receive business ethics and anti-corruption training, with ISO 37001 certification across the company and subsidiaries, a Business Conduct Supervision Committee, confidential reporting channels and regular compliance programs. Sustainable procurement involves strengthening upstream raw material management, advancing natural rubber traceability and conducting supply chain ESG assessments.

As a UN Global Compact member with two consecutive sustainability reports, the renewed Gold Rating validates Triangle Tyre’s achievements and bolsters international credibility for overseas expansion and green trade barrier navigation.

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