Tag: natural rubber
Continental’s Taraxagum project a potential winner under Germany’s bioeconomy strategy
Locally-sourced alternatives to natural rubber, such as Continental’s ‘Taraxagum’ Russian dandelion project, look set to benefit from new government policy in Germany. Yesterday, the German cabinet approved its ‘Nationale Bioökonomiestrategie’ (National Bioeconomy Strategy). This brings together existing bioeconomy strategies and paves the way for further development in this area, including funding for research.
Canadian researchers present new method for dissolving tyre rubber
A team of chemists at Canada’s McMaster University claim to have discovered an innovative way to break down and dissolve the rubber used in tyres. They believe their process could lead to more efficient methods of recycling.
Sumitomo Rubber sets up rubber procurement company
After considering a number of factors, such as a changing business environment as well as growing awareness of human rights and environmental considerations, Sumitomo Rubber Group has established its own local organisation for procuring natural rubber. It has done so via its member company Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which this month set up Sumitomo Rubber Singapore Pte. Ltd. This entity, located in the world’s largest natural rubber trading hub, will commence operations in April.
ZSL: Global natural rubber production lacks transparency
Global natural rubber production lacks transparency and the necessary sustainability commitments to protect both people and wildlife, according to an analysis of the natural rubber industry undertaken by international conservation charity ZSL (Zoological Society of London). ZSL assessed 15 of the “most significant” natural rubber companies and calculated an average score of just 35 per cent on SPOTT (Sustainability Policy Transparency Toolkit).
Michelin to purchase additional SIPH shareholding
Michelin intends to acquire all shares in Société Internationale de Plantations d’Hévéas (SIPH) not already owned by itself or Ivory Coast-based company SIFCA. It is launching a public buyout offer on 7 November, offering 85 euros per share. This buyout offer is being made exclusively in France and will be followed by a squeeze out.
Rubberway: Michelin & Continental team up for rubber supply chain JV
The natural rubber supply chain is very complex. It includes around six million farmers, 100,000 intermediaries and over 500 processing plants. To bring greater transparency to the supply chain, two ‘top-five’ tyre makers are now cooperating with a third party in a joint venture: Michelin and Continental, together with IT agricultural specialist Smag, have formed a company to further develop and deploy a technological solution for mapping sustainability practices. The client-facing portion of this technology is a smartphone app called Rubberway.
IRSG and FTA collaborate
The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) and the Forests, Trees and Agroforestry research program of the CGIAR (FTA) led by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) have decided to collaborate on issues related to the sustainability of natural rubber production in order to support sustainable development of the natural rubber economy.
IRSG and GPSNR sign MoU
The International Rubber Study Group (IRSG) and the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to detail and define efforts to increase cooperation between the two bodies.
Michelin renews, expands its work with WWF France
The 2015-initiated collaboration between the Michelin Group and the French office of the World Wide Fund for Nature has been renewed for a further four years. The tyre maker will continue working with WWF France towards sustainability within the natural rubber market. In the coming four years, the partnership will further develop an existing pilot project in Indonesia and additionally open up the collaboration to include sustainable mobility and the protection of biodiversity.
GRI joins IRSG
Sri-Lanka based speciality and industrial tyre manufacturer GRI has joined the International Rubber Studies Group (IRSG).
India: From rubber growers to tyre makers
Rubber growers in India’s Kerala state are guarding themselves against potential slumps in natural rubber prices by forming a producer company that will manufacture tyres for two- and three-wheel vehicles. The Integrated Rubber Farmer Producer Company Ltd (IRFPC) was registered last November. The Pala-based company is being financed in part by a share float open to rubber farmers, and is also being assisted by German NGO the Andreas Hermes Akademie.
IRSG welcomes new Thai member
The IRSG has welcomed a new member, the Plastics Institute of Thailand. The Plastics Institute of Thailand is the eighth specialised network institution under the foundation development industry, ministry of industry approved by a cabinet resolution on 16 November 2010. Its goals are: Technology and management development; increasing marketing capabilities; and creating a plastic industry database.
Top natural rubber produces cutting exports by 240,000 tons
On 6 March, the International Tripartite Rubber Council (ITRC) announced plans to reduce rubber exports by 240,000 tons for the next four months.
IRSG: World rubber demand to rise 2.5% in 2019
Global demand for rubber is expected to rise about 2.5 per cent in 2019 to more than 30 million metric tonnes, according to the International Rubber Study Group (IRSG).
China establishing rubber Free Trade Zone in Sri Lanka
China has begun establishing a rubber Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Sri Lanka. The arrangement will help promote the country’s rubber industry and boost sector earnings. In return, China is asking for long-term access to lands and tax concessions, according to various media reports.