Covid 19 has impacted the global rubber sector, both big and small stakeholders, hard. This year’s edition of the World Rubber Summit will focus on redefining value chains.

“The summit will have two days of high-level presentations and interactive discussions on identifying pathways to redesign more resilient and sustainable value chains, both at the regional and global levels. It will also focus on the critical role that innovation and new technologies could play in mitigating the social, environmental and economic risks to which the rubber sector, like many others, is currently exposed. Visibility, transparency and data-sharing are critical for the 21st century supply chain,” says Salvatore Pinizzotto, Secretary-General, The International Rubber Study Group.

What would be the key focus for this year’s edition of WRS?

The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) will organise the World Rubber Summit (WRS) in Singapore. The annual event will provide a unique and exclusive opportunity for global leaders to meet, share best practices and lay the foundations for future collaborations. The theme of the World Rubber Summit 2022 (WRS 2022) is ‘A Resilient, Digitalised and Sustainable Rubber Economy: Redefining Value Chains’. 

To be held between 24 and 26 May in Singapore at the ParkRoyal on Beach Road, WRS 2022 will be a hybrid event like the previous editions.

The summit will have two days of high-level presentations and interactive discussions on identifying pathways to redesign more resilient and sustainable value chains, both at the regional and global levels. It will also focus on the critical role that innovation and new technologies could play in mitigating the social, environmental and economic risks to which the rubber sector, like many others, is currently exposed. Visibility, transparency and data-sharing are critical for the 21st century supply chain.

I believe this is the time when companies and organisations in the rubber sector should rethink their business model as conditions are changing and new opportunities arise. This is a nique opportunity for all stakeholders involved in the natural and synthetic rubber economy to be innovative to foster resilience, adaptability and long term sustainability.

Furthermore, in their journey towards a net-zero economy, businesses need to redefine, execute and evolve decarbonisation and offsetting plans for scope 1 and 2 emissions and potentially expand those plans to include scope 3 emissions. Integrate climate-related factors into decision-making processes for strategy, finance and capital spending and consider leading actions with others in the rubber industry and/or in their ecosystem of investors, supply chains, customers and regulators. In particular, financial institutions will have an important role to play in supporting large-scale capital reallocation. On the other hand, governments and multilateral institutions could use existing and new policy, regulatory and fiscal tools to establish incentives, support vulnerable stakeholders and foster collective actions.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Enterprise Singapore, our strategic partner, for being this year, too, as every year when the event is organised in Singapore.Their inputs and contribution are very valuable and essential for IRSG. 

Also, this year I am pleased to announce that the Nanyang Technology University (NTU) Singapore’s Agri-Food Innovation Lab (SAIL) will join the World Rubber Summit 2022 as Knowledge Partner. This is the first time for IRSG to have such a significant collaboration. It follows the decision taken by IRSG to participate and contribute to SAIL’s activities as a partner.

Last year, the African region was the focus, and this year it is Latin America. Could you share some information on the Latin American rubber industry and its contribution to the global rubber industry?

The 26th of May, the third day of the WRS 2022, will be dedicated to an entirely virtual side event on the rubber sector in Latin America organised by IRSG together with APABOR and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Tecnologia del Caucho (SLTC). Latin America is an area of growing importance for the world rubber economy, and it could play a relevant strategic role in shortening supply chains and making them more reliable. There are two trends that, in my view, need to be fully considered when we speak about rubber in Latin America. Firstly, the rubber sector is rapidly expanding in Brazil and other countries in that region, such as Guatemala and Colombia. There is an essential trend towards greater integration of the Latin American natural rubber market. Secondly, this is a region where the push towards product innovation and value-added could create a diversified market by exploiting various niche markets in the manufacturing sector such as auto parts, medical industry and even environmental services. In IRSG, we think it is really important to bring to the attention of the general public new developments that are occurring in the rubber economy because it helps to support this process towards innovation and highlight the strategic role that rubber has in the world economy and for our day-by-day life. 

What are the main barriers to sustainable and inclusive growth in the rubber industry?

In the rubber economy, as in other sectors, we need to figure out effective forms of collaboration among stakeholders at local, national, regional and global levels to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. Such partnerships will be able to identify and prioritise actions on the ground without forgetting a certain degree of coherence among the various interventions planned. Of course, this is not easy, because we have several numbers of producing countries; most of the production of natural rubber comes from smallholders, and there are long and complex supply chains. On top of this, new challenges need to be addressed, such as the impact of climate changes on natural rubber systems, a topic that IRSG, together with other leading organisations in the rubber sector (IRRDB, CIFOR/FTA and CIRAD), has decided to investigate since June 2020 and that has produced as an outcome the publication of a policy paper in December 2021. In addressing these issues, we need to have a holistic sectorial approach, with each stakeholder really providing its own skills and support, listening to each other and finding common solutions. The goal is not to leave anyone behind, so we need to pay special attention to smallholders and SMEs that might find it difficult, sometimes impossible, to put in place any sustainable practice and/or initiative. Although some improvements over the years have been achieved, working in this direction has not been an easy process. The pace and scale of this transition mean that today’s organisations and institutions need to be revamped, and maybe new ones created to disseminate best practices, establish standards and tracking mechanisms, drive capital deployment at scale, manage uneven impacts and support further coordination efforts. IRSG will continue to collaborate with other organisations to genuinely ensure that rubber could become an inclusive and sustainable economy.

All major rubber consumers, especially tyre companies, are talking about traceability, transparency and data sharing. Is it really happening in the rubber industry when small stakeholders dominate the more significant portion of the industry?

This process will require coordination, a vast amount of capital and large scale actions on the ground. The stakeholders in the rubber economy have the responsibility to ensure that these three factors will play a synergic role in increasing transparency and dramatically improving traceability. Innovative tools are already available, and more will come in the future, but we need to guarantee the long term wellbeing of smallholders. They need cost-effective support to apply consistently sustainable agriculture practices, have easier access to the market, IT infrastructures and adequate/updated education.

In this World Rubber Summit, IRSG is collaborating with the NextGen Leaders Programme 2021. Could you outline the goal and mission of this initiative?

The NextGen Leaders Programme 2021 has been launched by the IRSG secretariat to create a platform for engaging several ambitious young professionals in the rubber sector in national, regional and international activities and events. The programme participants are invited to collaborate with IRSG’s global rubber dialogue, support the development of balanced policy frameworks and help shape solutions for tomorrow’s rubber economy. The NextGen Rubber Leaders community builds on creative ideas and innovative potential for the next generation to challenge conventional thinking and explore new strategies for the future of the whole rubber economy. It offers young professionals a unique opportunity for learning and development with exposure to critical issues in the rubber debate. Currently, there are 10 participants in the programme covering the whole rubber value chain and from various countries (Singapore, Thailand, Germany, Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Brazil). The World Rubber Summit 2022 will be the first opportunity for them to go public. They will provide their effective contribution to the dialogue on the future of the rubber sector. 

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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS was honoured at the sixth Endangered Species Day ceremony, which took place on 1 April 2026 at the Chollipo Arboretum in Taean. The company received a certificate recognising its sponsorship of endangered species conservation. This annual event, organised by the National Institute of Ecology, has been running since 2021 with the goal of increasing public awareness about the protection of threatened species. The institute also runs a special recognition programme that celebrates corporate contributions to conservation efforts.

Since signing an agreement with the National Institute of Ecology in 2022, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has been acknowledged for its ongoing commitment to preserving biodiversity. The firm planted 2,000 specimens of Veronica pusanensis, a Class II endangered wild plant and has been listed as an official conservation sponsor since 2023. The company has also focused on safeguarding essential pollinators like bees. In 2023, it created a pollinator garden at the Mulbeodeul Ecological Experience Learning Center in Seocheon, followed by another in 2024 at the Ulsan Climate Crisis Response Education Center, where nectar rich plants such as canola and buckwheat help sustain bee populations and reproduction.

Additionally, the company tackles threats to biodiversity through regular removal of invasive species. Since 2023, it has annually cleared harmful plants including Sicyos angulatus and Humulus japonicus from Yubu Island in Seocheon, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. These persistent efforts demonstrate a holistic approach to protecting both flora and fauna, from endangered wild plants to critical pollinators, while also managing ecological threats to preserve natural heritage areas.

An ESG official from HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition for our efforts in endangered species conservation. We will continue to work closely with the National Institute of Ecology to further expand and strengthen our conservation initiatives.”

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Kumho Tire USA has renewed its commitment to Formula DRIFT by extending its sponsorship for another three years. For the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, the company has assembled a formidable roster of six elite drivers to represent Team KUMHO. This group includes Jeff Jones, Andy Hateley, Rome Charpentier, Jack Shanahan, Ryan Litteral and Cody Buchanan. Each of them will compete on KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres, a model specifically developed to withstand the punishing conditions of high level competitive drifting.

Jeff Jones returns for his third season with KUMHO and his 18th in the PRO Championship, more determined than ever to reach the podium and build on his legacy as a drifting pioneer. He is also committed to mentoring the next generation of drivers. Andy Hateley, known as the Drift Wizard, brings over two decades of experience as both a driver and builder, entering his third PRO season and third with KUMHO. Rome Charpentier, a Southern California native who began chasing his racing dreams at age 30, has achieved multiple podium finishes worldwide and is starting his second year with KUMHO.

Jack Shanahan, who earned Formula DRIFT PRO 2025 Rookie of the Year on KUMHO tyres, now aims for the championship podium in 2026. Hailing from Ireland, he started racing at 10 and has won multiple international titles in hot rod racing, tarmac rallying and drifting. Ryan Litteral, with over a decade of Formula DRIFT experience, is known for his aggressive yet composed driving style and grassroots roots; 2026 will be his first season with KUMHO. Cody Buchanan, the 2025 PROSPEC Champion and the first driver from North Dakota to earn a Formula DRIFT license, joins KUMHO for his PRO rookie year, bringing consistency under pressure and fan favourite status to the championship chase.

Entering its 23rd season, Formula DRIFT continues to be motorsport's fastest rising discipline, capturing a young audience with over 85 percent of fans aged 18 to 44. Attendance has grown exponentially, and the series now commands more than five and a half million social media followers. By partnering with this energetic and rapidly expanding sport, Kumho Tire taps into a deeply engaged community, reinforcing its image as a premium brand choice in a competitive market.

Shawn Denlein, President of Sales and Marketing, said, "As one of the most popular motorsports in the United States for millennial and Gen Z generations, Formula DRIFT offers an unparalleled platform to showcase the ultra-high-performance capabilities of KUMHO tyres and we are thrilled to be an Official Tyre sponsor through 2029. We are also incredibly proud to partner with an elite lineup of Formula DRIFT PRO drivers in 2026, equipping them with cutting-edge tyres as they push the limits of skill and precision on the track."

Ryan Sage, President, Formula DRIFT, said, "KUMHO has continued to engage with Formula DRIFT in a way that emphasises a strong manufacturer-to-event relationship. Having partnered with teams in a thoughtful and strategic way, its effort drives a powerful narrative throughout the season. And KUMHO tyres appear both competitive and reliable, allowing the teams to push hard on the track against top products from their main rivals. This helps the athletes who are in an extreme situation, going sideways with smoke, walls and fellow competitors just inches away.”

2026 Formula DRIFT Schedule:

• Round 1: Streets of Long Beach (10–11 April, Long Beach, Calif.)
• Round 2: Road to the Championship (7–9 May, Atlanta, Georgia)
• Round 3: Scorched (29–30 May, Orlando, Florida)
• Round 4: Battle at the Springs (18–20 June, Stafford, Connecticut)
• Round 5: Midwest Mayhem (30 July–1 August, Indianapolis, Indiana)
• Round 6: Throwdown (21–22 August, Seattle, Washington)
• Round 7: High Stakes (24–26 September, Las Vegas, Nevada)
• Round 8: Shoreline Showdown (23–24 October, Long Beach, Calif.)

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Singapore-based Radar Tyres has entered into a multi-year partnership with the Texas Rangers baseball team. The idea is to increase the market visibility and dealer engagement for the tyre brand across North America.

The partnership allows Radar Tyres to utilise the Texas Rangers' platform to coordinate with distributors and retailers. The initiative follows a similar strategic partnership with South African Cricket, as the brand seeks to expand its global footprint.

At present, Radar Tyres distributes passenger and light truck tyres in over 80 countries.

Rob Montasser, Vice-President for Radar Tyres, North America, said, “We’re excited to partner with the Texas Rangers, an organisation that represents excellence at the highest level. This partnership gives us a unique opportunity to engage with our dealers and customers in a more impactful way, while continuing to build the Radar brand across key markets like Texas.”

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The ApexTire2025 China Tire Awards took place in Tianjin on 17 March 2026, serving as a premier annual recognition event for the nation’s tyre industry. This year’s programme was structured around key areas including top 10 tyre brands, corporate honours, product accolades and technology innovation awards, showcasing advancements in brand development, product refinement, technical innovation and sustainable practices.

Founded by Tirechina.net, ApexTire has grown into a distinguished annual platform. Beyond celebrating winners, the 2025 edition provided insight into evolving market competition. With categories for new energy vehicle tyres, high-performance products, safety, off-road use, digital intelligence and ESG management, the awards signalled a shift from isolated metrics towards application suitability, user experience and technical strength.

The official top 10 tyre brands include Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Hankook, Yokohama, Dunlop, Sailun and Linglong. Eagle Tire and Doublestar were recognised as leading domestic brands, underscoring the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers.

Product winners spanned multiple segments. Hankook iON evo won for new energy passenger tyres, while Guizhou Tire Green Motion GL278a took the commercial vehicle honour. Maxxis VICTRA SPORT 6 earned sport flagship recognition. Mount Everest Tire’s STATICS S1 won for quiet comfort, Eagle TA01 for off-road and Pirelli P ZERO Corsa for racing. CST MR-C5 was named best value passenger tyre, CST CA186 won for fuel-efficient commercial tyres and Double Coin DC211+ received the safe and wear-resistant award.

Guizhou Tire’s ‘Kunuo Zhixing’ platform won the Technology Innovation Gold Award, while Linglong received the Digital and Intelligent Innovation Gold Award. Michelin China and Triangle Tire were named ESG benchmark enterprises. As vehicle demand grows more specialised, the ApexTire awards offer a key reference for brands and consumers, illustrating how China’s tyre industry is redefining competitiveness.

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