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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Apollo Tyres, one of the leading tyre makers in the country, has extended its strategic partnership with Manchester United Football Club, one of the world’s most iconic football teams, for an additional three years.

The partners stated that the renewal of the enduring partnership highlights a mutual commitment to excellence, innovation and shared values. This 12-year alliance has been instrumental in connecting both entities with millions of passionate fans globally, yielding highly engaging campaigns and delivering significant value, both in the realm of sport and business.

Since its inception, the partnership Apollo Tyres' stated has propelled its brand equity, leveraging Manchester United's unparalleled global visibility and deep emotional connection with its loyal fanbase. This association has not only bolstered Apollo Tyres' reputation and amplified consumer trust but also solidified its standing as a premier tyre manufacturer.

The renewal follows the recent visit of Manchester United's first-team players, Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire, to Mumbai. Their visit marked the official launch and commencement of activities for the fifth season of the ‘United We Play’ programme, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with fans in India.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and MD, Apollo Tyres, said, “We are thrilled to continue our association with Manchester United, a club that embodies passion, performance and global reach. Our partnership has been instrumental in amplifying our brand equity by aligning with a club that represents passion and perseverance. Together we will strive to create even more exciting experiences for fans, leverage new opportunities in digital and on-ground engagement, and strengthen our brand presence across key markets. We are also excited to expand our impact through a grassroots football initiative that aims to nurture young talent and promote access to the sport at the community level.”

Omar Berrada, CEO, Manchester United, added, “We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Apollo Tyres, a valued and long-standing member of the Manchester United family. During our 12-year relationship, we’ve not only created impactful global campaigns but also delivered meaningful initiatives at the grassroots level, from youth development to sustainable infrastructure.”

“As we move into this next chapter, we look forward to continuing on our shared legacy -- driving further engagement with our fans around the world and creating lasting value both on and off the pitch,” added Berrada.

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Nokian Tyres plc has been awarded the prestigious Key Flag symbol by the Association for Finnish Work for its flagship Hakkapeliitta winter tyres and Hakka summer tyres.

The Key Flag, a nationally recognised emblem, is granted to products manufactured or services produced in Finland that contain a minimum of 50% domestic content based on break-even cost.

“We are proud of our Finnish heritage and our northern knowhow which is represented in our premium Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta and Nokian Tyres Hakka products,” said Ville Nikkola, Head of Sales, Finland at Nokian Tyres. “The Key Flag symbol is a sign of Finnish work and very well known among consumers. We are extremely happy to be able to present it next to our tyres manufactured in Finland for Nordic drivers.”

The Hakkapeliitta winter tyres and Hakka summer tyres are both developed and produced at Nokian Tyres’ factory in Nokia, Finland. The company’s global research and development centre is also located at the site, and both products undergo rigorous testing in Finland, including winter trials at the Ivalo test facility in Lapland.

This recognition is the latest in a series of Finnish quality accolades for the company. Nokian Tyres has previously received the Key Flag for its heavy machinery tyres, wheels, and retreading materials. Additionally, its truck and bus tyres carry the Design from Finland label, underlining their Finnish design pedigree.

Founded in 1898, Nokian Tyres began manufacturing tyres in 1932. The company introduced the world’s first winter tyre in 1934, followed by the first Hakkapeliitta-branded passenger car winter tyre in 1936. Since then, the brand has become a hallmark of Nordic winter driving.

“The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta winter tyres, as well as the Nokian Tyres Hakka summer tyres,, are designed to withstand the challenges of their northern home: the harsh winters with ice and snow as well as the summer months from the first sub-zero mornings of the spring to the heavy rainfalls of autumn,” Nikkola added.

Nokian Tyres emphasised that both product lines are still made in the same factory in Nokia as their early predecessors. Over the decades, the plant has been modernised and now runs on electricity sourced entirely from CO2-free sources. Most of the steam used in the facility also comes from CO2-free fuels. Since 2015, the factory has sent no waste from tyre production to landfill.

The company has further strengthened its sustainability credentials by obtaining the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS for the Nokia passenger car tyre plant. The certification enables the integration of sustainable raw materials into tyre production at the facility.

“The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta winter tyres are already a legend of Nordic winter roads and are, just like the Nokian Tyres Hakka summer tyres, still made within the same factory walls in Nokia as their predecessors in the 1930s,” Nikkola concluded.

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Hankook Tire is gearing up to electrify the 2024/2025 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the series returns to Jakarta on 21 June for Round 12 of Season 11.

After a one-year absence, the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit (JIEC) will once again host the high-speed spectacle, set against the vibrant backdrop of Ancol’s shoreline. The 2.37-km track, celebrated since its debut in Season 8, blends high-speed straights, sweeping turns and a technical final section – inspired by the rhythmic flow of Java’s traditional Kuda Lumping dance. The challenging layout, combined with Jakarta’s intense tropical heat, will test drivers’ skill, endurance and tyre strategy to the limit. Powering every team will be Hankook’s GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre, purpose-built for Formula E’s cutting-edge electric race cars. Its advanced tread design and specialised rubber compound ensure superior grip, stability and heat resistance – key to handling Jakarta’s demanding conditions.

Sustainability remains a core focus, with the tyre incorporating 35 percent eco-friendly materials, including natural rubber and recycled fibres. Designed for extended durability, each tyre is fully recovered post-race and processed through Hankook’s recycling programme, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to reducing motorsport’s environmental footprint while pushing the boundaries of electric racing performance.

Maximilian Günther, the DS Penske driver and winner of 2023 Gulavit Jakarta E-Prix (Race 10), and most recently, the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix (Race 3) and 2025 Hankook Shanghai E-Prix (Race 10), said, “Jakarta delivers a unique blend of technical complexity and extreme climate. It’s a true proving ground for drivers and tire management. The enhanced grip of the GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre allows us to push harder through technical sectors without sacrificing traction. We’ve already observed gains during simulator sessions, and we’re optimistic about translating that into on-track performance.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has signed a Mizuho Eco Finance (Mizuho Environmentally Conscious Finance) loan agreement with Mizuho Bank, Ltd. on 17 June, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainable growth and decarbonisation.

This environmentally conscious financing programme supports companies transitioning to a decarbonised society by evaluating their climate-related initiatives and disclosures. Yokohama Rubber qualified for the loan after achieving high scores in Mizuho Bank’s environmental assessment, which examines corporate efforts in emissions transparency, greenhouse gas reduction and long-term sustainability goals.

The company has committed to reducing CO₂ emissions by 40 percent by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. These targets, along with Yokohama Rubber’s focus on emissions reduction across its supply chain, contributed to its strong evaluation. Under its sustainability slogan, ‘Caring for the Future’, the company integrates social responsibility into its business strategy, aiming to create shared value by addressing global environmental challenges.

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