The valedictory function of Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act 1947 and the Rubber Grower’s Conference at Mammen Mappillai Hall, Kottayam will be inaugurated by George Kurian, honourable Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Minority Affairs, on 16 January 2025. Members and officials of the Rubber Board, farmers, representatives of rubber stakeholders, labourers, technical experts, legislators and others will all be attending the event.

The occasion will be presided over by Member of Parliament Advocate K Francis George. Member of the Legislative Assembly Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan will be a special guest at the gathering. N Hari, a member of the Rubber Board; G. Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman of the Rubber Board and Bincy Sebastian, Chairman of the Kottayam Municipality, will offer congratulations at the meeting. Dr Jessy M D, Director of Research I/C; Dr T Siju, Rubber Production Commissioner and M Vasanthagesan, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, will also be present at the event.

In his presentation, Vasanthagesan will discuss the important subject of creating a digital platform that links growers and organisations interested in harvesting rubber plants in an unexplored region. A matter of great relevance, the preparedness of the EUDR process for Indian NR exporters, will be explained by Manoj Vembu, Director of TRST01, the Rubber Board's technology partner to implement EUDR in the nation. Additionally, panel discussions on ‘Handholding stakeholders through schemes & policies’ and ‘Sustainable farming practices’ will be held, which will be moderated by Sheela Thomas (Chairperson of Kerala Rubber Limited and former Chairman of the Rubber Board) and James Jacob (Managing Director, Plantation Corporation of Kerala), respectively.

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Continental has broadened its Grand Prix 5000 family of road tyres with two new size options, responding to evolving rider needs while upholding the line's established reputation for speed, grip, and endurance. The new offerings include a 35 mm version of the GP5000 S TR and a 30 mm variant of the GP5000 TT TR.

The Grand Prix 5000 series is engineered to deliver reliable performance across a spectrum of riding scenarios. The S TR model serves as a versatile all-rounder, balancing lightness, velocity and robustness for those who prioritise both speed and dependability. In contrast, the TT TR is engineered exclusively for velocity, employing a minimalistic casing design to achieve the lowest possible weight and rolling resistance.

With the introduction of a 35 mm width, the GP5000 S TR enhances its adaptability over mixed surfaces while boosting comfort during extended, high-tempo journeys. This increased volume enables riders to utilise lower air pressures, which dampens vibrations and elevates comfort without compromising pace or puncture resistance. The 30 mm GP5000 TT TR expands its contact area, delivering superior stability and grip during high-speed cornering. This greater composure over long distances inspires confidence, allowing cyclists to push harder through demanding sections. Its specialised two-ply casing is fundamental to minimising rolling resistance, cementing its status as the swiftest tyre in the range.

Every tyre in the Grand Prix 5000 lineup incorporates Continental’s signature technologies. These include the BlackChili Compound for an optimal blend of traction and efficiency, a Vectran Breaker for robust puncture defense, Active Comfort construction to dampen road buzz and Lazer Grip for improved cornering adhesion. The new GP5000 S TR 35 mm has a weight of 380 grammes, while the GP5000 TT TR 30 mm comes in at 280 grammes.

Hannah Ferle, Road Product Manager, Continental Tires, said, “We recognise that the needs of the modern cyclist are ever-evolving, and by extending our GP5000 offering, we are ensuring that every rider, from elite professionals to endurance enthusiasts, has the perfect tyre for their setup. These new sizes are a direct response to the shift towards high-volume tyres, where the benefits of reduced rolling resistance, enhanced vibration dampening and a larger contact area are no longer just for comfort but for performance. With the introduction of the 35mm S TR and 30mm TT TR, we are proving that riders seeking a more supple, confident ride do not have to sacrifice speed. These extensions allow riders to optimise their tyre pressure and grip to match the demands of their ride.”

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has introduced the End-of-Life Tire Toolkit 2.0, a comprehensive resource designed to guide stakeholders in building more sustainable management systems for end-of-life tyres (ELTs). This updated edition offers practical strategies for reducing waste and advancing circularity across the global tyre sector.

Each year, over one billion tyres reach the end of their useful life worldwide. Although ELTs contain valuable materials that can contribute to a circular economy, current management systems remain inconsistent, with significant regional disparities in collection, recovery and recycling outcomes. The new toolkit addresses these challenges by providing adaptable approaches for developing transparent, resilient and effective ELT systems that can function across diverse regulatory landscapes and market conditions.

Created for policymakers, industry associations and tyre manufacturers, the guide also offers relevant insights for recyclers, recovery operators, retailers, researchers and civil society organisations. Building upon the foundation of the 2021 first edition, this iteration stands as the only known compilation that consolidates current knowledge, real-world case studies and expert perspectives on evolving opportunities and obstacles throughout the ELT value chain.

The toolkit draws upon extensive work by TIP and its member companies, combined with contributions from committed experts across the tyre value chain. It features maturity assessment tools that provide structured frameworks for evaluating ELT system effectiveness, concrete examples from nine countries showcasing diverse regulatory approaches and practical improvement guidance with action-oriented recommendations spanning collection, sorting, processing and management.

Additionally, the toolkit advances multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including improved resource efficiency in consumption and production (8.4), the sustainable management and use of natural resources (12.2) and substantially reducing waste generation (12.5).

Tania Paratian, Director of Action and Engagement, TIP, said, “Effective ELT management is both an environmental imperative and a source of long-term value creation. We developed the ELT Toolkit 2.0 to offer stakeholders, no matter where they are in the world or in their ELT management journey, a strong practical foundation for building their sustainability efforts. The initiative supports our commitment to advancing more sustainable ELT management worldwide, guided by the Sustainable Development Goals.”

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Ironman Tires, a brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, has unveiled the All Country HT 4S, marking the brand's entry into the all-weather highway terrain segment. Engineered for daily drivers, this new model delivers reliable traction throughout the year, improved ride comfort and consistent performance in diverse conditions. It represents an expansion of the established All Country family, now offering a highway-focused option that integrates sophisticated tread architecture and advanced material science.

A key distinction of the All Country HT 4S is its Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, achieved through a specialised all-weather compound without sacrificing longevity or value. The tyre’s intricate tread pattern, developed using advanced modelling, enhances wet road handling and braking while contributing to a smoother ride. Its construction is tuned to sharpen steering response and minimise road noise thanks to a carefully arranged tread block design and simulated pitch sequencing that reduces vibration at higher speeds.

The tyre's capability is supported by four wide circumferential grooves and 3D siping, which work together to expel water and provide grip on snow and ice. Built for both daily commutes and long-distance travel, the HT 4S aims to balance comfort with all-season security. Initially launching in 27 sizes, with a total of 46 planned, it carries a 600 UTQG rating, indicating a focus on treadwear. Ironman backs the model with a comprehensive protection plan that includes a 60-month policy against defects, road hazard coverage and a 55,000-mile (approximately 88,513 km) warranty, reinforcing its commitment to dependable and affordable products.

Keith Calcagno, Chief Strategy Officer, Proprietary Brands, American Tire Distributors, said, “The All Country HT 4S brings all-weather confidence to the highway terrain segment. These tyres are designed for drivers who want a quiet, comfortable ride with dependable traction in rain and snow – all at a value they can trust.”

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Firestone AG, a division of Bridgestone Americas, has broadened its Maxi Traction and Radial Deep Tread 23° tyre portfolios with new sizes engineered specifically for the latest generation of John Deere tractors. The expanded lineup was introduced at the Commodity Classic 2026 show, reflecting a parallel development process with John Deere’s recent machinery innovations, which assures growers of reliable performance from a trusted tyre brand. Now included in the RCI Group 50, the range features the flagship VF480/95R54 size, a 90-inch-tall tyre with a load capacity of 16,100 pounds (approximately 7,302 kg).

Engineered for superior ground contact, the Radial Deep Tread 23° ensures steady traction through optimised lug-to-soil interaction. In contrast, the Maxi Traction tyre, frequently used on front axles, delivers extended tread life and increased load potential. For certain sizes, Very High Flexion technology is offered, enabling farmers to operate at lower inflation pressures. This expands the tyre's footprint, boosts traction and plays a vital role in reducing harmful soil compaction. Availability for these new sizes is scheduled to begin 1 May 2026.

Bill Durivage, Senior Agricultural Product Strategy Manager, Firestone Ag, said, “This expansion takes our most established row crop fitment and carries it forward. By strengthening load capacity and incorporating our VF technology, we’re ensuring the tyres continue to support the performance, efficiency and soil management expectations of today’s tractors.”

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