Tweet
UK hosted the International Rubber Conference last month, almost after two decades. International Rubber Research and Development Board (IRRDB), MRB and TARRC came together to organise the 2013 event, which was held at Mayfair’s Millennium hotel. Tyre manufacturers gained a valuable insight into natural rubber sustainability, mainly during the morning sessions of this week-long event that commenced on 24 June.
A New Awakening Begins
IRRDB Chairman and Director General at MRB, Datuk Dr Salmiah Ahmad, commenced the IRC 2013 proceedings thoughtfully summarising the rubber industry globally in 2013 and the continued impact of economic recovery on it.
Sustainability was one of the core topics on the agenda at IRC; and Ahmad discussed the influence of economic crisis on the technological advancements in natural rubber. He emphasised the need for scientists, planners and elastomer industry experts to come together and evaluate progress, consolidate thinking, recognise common interests, accumulate knowledge and devise new strategies to meet common goals of manufacturers, traders and customers alike.
He elucidated that IRRDB is a potent research network that brings natural rubber research organisations from almost every rubber-producing nation together, resultantly covering about 95% of world’s natural rubber produce. IRRDB is actively instrumental in pooling relevant resources from these countries, initiating project discussions or R&D advancements, bringing scientific resources together and ensuring exchange of info.
Sustainability – An Immediate Need
He further added that rubber industry the world over ardently yearns for economic growth, as the industry links many key economic elements such as employment, R&D, investment and innovation. Also, the future of this industry largely depends on how well it fulfils the current global need of sustainability and its progress towards the same. Quintessentially, sustainability refers to the conservation of scarce natural resources, while achieving the fine balance between social, economic and ecological aspects.
He explained that to facilitate achieving such sustainable development and ultimately sustainability, all rubber industry players – ranging from smallholders, rubber estates, processors, producers, regulators and government bodies – will have to proactively play their role at personal and industrial level. Fresh approaches are a must to arrive at fitting solutions to a variety of predicaments, while including sustainability.
Ahmad stated that future natural rubber demand will largely depend on its utilisation in the transportation segment, as it already makes up for 75-80% of overall consumption. Other factors will include predicted demand of both natural and artificial rubber in this particular segment, while taking into account elastomer’s chemical, commercial and engineering potential as a raw material used across industries.
Ahmad went on to recognise TARRC’s significant research accomplishments, pertaining to both, the global rubber industry and also the Malaysian industry. He even added that despite, we must restrain from relying on past successes and hoping that these will be enough for a bright future.
He concluded saying that acute challenges and constantly changing circumstances today necessitate boosting productivity, advancements in mechanisation, transferring of R&D advancements to smallholders to aid rubber industry expansion, upgrading natural rubber quality, finding innovative uses of this raw material and to make the most of its technological benefits.
The latest tyre information and safety advice from Tyre Blog, associated with fast fit car tyres specialists.
Related posts:
Top Five Makes In Automobile Industry In 2013
Will the rising cost of rubber drive up tyre prices for consumers?
Conti’s Latest Harbour Range: Growth Plan in Line with the Growing Market