K 2025, the world’s foremost trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry, is scheduled for 8–15 October 2025 in Düsseldorf. The event is supported by the German Rubber Industry Association (wdk), which has long championed the rubber and elastomers segment.

A central feature of the fair is the special exhibition, RUBBER STREET, located in Hall 6. For the first time since 1983, Messe Düsseldorf is directly managing this showcase, which is already a complete success with all spaces fully booked. The exhibit will present the entire spectrum of elastomer products. Visually, the 500-square-meter area will be defined by a strikingly illuminated ceiling in the event's bright blue-green corporate design, proudly displaying the wdk logo as the patron. The wdk will also be present with a joint booth featuring the AZuR (Alliance Future Tires) network.

The commitment to sustainability will be a tangible experience for visitors on RUBBER STREET. The flooring itself is an innovative demonstration of the circular economy, consisting of comfortable, reusable mats produced from recycled tyre rubber. Provided by wdk member MRH Mülsen GmbH, this solution contrasts with typical disposable fair flooring, as the durable mats are designed for multiple uses and are fully recyclable afterward. Alongside nearly 50 other wdk member companies and countless international exhibitors, the fair in its entirety will display the latest advancements in raw materials, machinery and components across every hall.

Boris Engelhardt, Managing Director, wdk, said, "Especially in challenging times like these, it is important to show our colours and strengthen networks. The K trade fair offers us as the rubber industry an excellent platform. We demonstrate our exceptional innovative strength and unique solution expertise to the world. With elastomers, we design sustainable, safe and comfortable products for all areas of life – from mobility to medical technology. And we not only supply the materials but also practical solutions to bring the products into a functioning circular economy at the end of their life cycle."

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The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) hosted a significant courtesy visit from Stefano Safi, CEO of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), on 4 February 2026. The meeting, held at the ANRPC Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, featured substantial discussions with Secretary-General Dr Suttipong Angthong and his team.

Central to the dialogue were the crucial themes of sustainable production and pricing mechanisms, alongside an analysis of recent market impacts on the industry. Both parties affirmed the necessity of collaborative action to address sectoral challenges and committed to a shared path for promoting sustainable growth in the face of evolving market dynamics, ultimately striving towards a more environmentally responsible future for natural rubber.

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City of Moreton Bay has been recognised for a groundbreaking road resurfacing programme that sets a new sustainability benchmark for Queensland. In partnership with infrastructure firm Fulton Hogan, the council spearheaded a research and development project to create a durable asphalt solution specifically designed for subtropical climates.

This innovative approach involved trialling a mix incorporating crumb rubber binder with up to 30 percent recycled asphalt pavement. The highly sustainable formula was also produced as a warm mix asphalt, requiring lower production temperatures than conventional methods. Extensive field testing on local roads confirmed the mix's functionality and durability, establishing a viable future-ready surfacing solution for local governments.

The environmental benefits of the 2024/25 programme were substantial. Across 82 streets, the project utilised 7,838 tonnes of recycled asphalt and repurposed the equivalent of 28,748 end-of-life passenger tyres into the road network. This concerted effort resulted in an estimated carbon emission saving exceeding 556,000 kilogrammes.

The Australian Flexible Pavement Association subsequently honoured the project as the Queensland state winner in the ‘Outstanding project less than $10m’ category. This initiative aligns with the City of Moreton Bay’s broader environmental strategy, which includes a target of achieving net zero emissions for council operations by 2039 and reducing the city's overall carbon footprint.

The council views such partnerships as a practical demonstration of its ‘Going Green as We Grow’ commitment, aimed at maintaining materials in circulation to reduce waste. Recognising local roads as one of its largest infrastructure assets, the city continues to actively encourage all resurfacing contractors to pursue innovative and environmentally sustainable solutions. This road programme complements other ongoing green infrastructure projects within the region focused on enhancing safety for both motorists and wildlife.

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Nexion Group has inaugurated a state-of-the-art, sustainable logistics hub in Prato di Correggio, Italy. This facility, serving the Group's portfolio of brands including Corghi, HPA-Faip, Mondolfo Ferro, Teco, Sice, Autopstenhoj, Sherpa and Bright, is a strategic investment designed to support future growth and market demands through advanced automation and artificial intelligence.

The hub is a highly automated, fully digitalised operation that functions around the clock. Its core is a high-capacity vertical warehouse, utilising over 2.2 kilometres of racking systems that reach 11.7 metres in height across seven levels. This design, spanning a total of 22,000 square metres and offering 7,600 pallet positions, maximises vertical space to handle large volumes and a diverse product range. Logistics are managed by laser-guided vehicles and intelligent software algorithms, which optimise material flows, minimise errors and significantly reduce order fulfilment times. The entire process features automated identification and labelling systems, with real-time monitoring ensuring full traceability, operational accuracy and the reliable handling of complex or oversized items.

A cornerstone of the project is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The hub is equipped with a 1.1 MW photovoltaic system that fully meets the facility's energy needs and contributes substantially to the power requirements of the adjacent metal fabrication plant, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact of Nexion's operations.

This next-generation infrastructure enhances the Group's ability to provide fast, accurate and reliable service. By optimising warehousing and distribution, it strengthens Nexion's regional presence and underscores a firm commitment to integrating industrial development with technological innovation and environmental responsibility, paving the way for a more advanced and service-oriented logistics model.

Giulio Corghi, President, Nexion Group, said, “The new logistics hub in Prato di Correggio represents a concrete step in Nexion industrial evolution. We have invested in a sustainable, intelligent and highly automated facility designed to improve logistics service quality and strongly support the Group’s future growth while guaranteeing the highest safety standards for our employees and playing an active role in the ecological transition.”

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Comerio Ercole has achieved a significant international milestone by securing the ‘Italian Company of the Year – Manufacturing’ title at the ACQ5 Global Awards 2026. This honour, conferred by a globally respected M&A magazine, recognises exceptional commercial performance and innovation on the world stage. The award is particularly meaningful as it results from a rigorous peer-driven nomination and voting process, establishing it as a credible benchmark for excellence. For Comerio Ercole, this accolade validates over 140 years of dedication to industrial reliability, quality and technological advancement in specialised calendering and mixing solutions, blending traditional engineering with modern innovation.

Concurrent with this recognition, the company is aggressively pursuing a strategy of global engagement and visibility in 2026. A key component of this strategy involves participation in major international trade shows, including several first-time appearances, to connect with new audiences and strengthen existing partnerships. This direct market engagement supports the company's international expansion and allows it to showcase its expertise while understanding regional industry demands. The upcoming Tire Technology Expo 2026 in Hannover, Germany, from 3–5 March, stands as a prime example. At this leading industry gathering, Comerio Ercole will occupy Stand 8006 in Hall 21 to present its latest advancements in rubber calendering, automated production systems and sustainable manufacturing solutions tailored for the tyre and rubber sectors.

Integral to these presentations will be the company's evolving focus on digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Attendees will be introduced to a suite of AI-based tools, including MINERV-AI, which is designed to digitally capture, structure and automate critical industrial procedures related to work, maintenance, quality and safety. This technology aims to preserve valuable operational know-how and enhance overall efficiency. The inclusion of such smart tools underscores Comerio Ercole’s commitment to merging its deep engineering heritage with cutting-edge digital solutions, offering clients future-oriented capabilities that boost productivity and process reliability.

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