The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) reports global natural rubber production is expected to fall short of consumption for the fifth consecutive year in 2025. According to ANRPC, global production is expected to rise by 0.3% to 14.9 million metric tons in 2025, while demand is projected to grow at a much faster rate by 1.8% to 15.6 million tons.

Tire traction and handling satisfaction declines seven points to 803 (on a 1,000-point scale) from 2024, the biggest year-over-year decline of any factor, according to the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study. Vehicle owners who say they had one problem with tire traction and handling have a loyalty rate that is 19 percentage points lower (39%) than the loyalty rate of those who didn’t have a traction or handling problem (58%). After the first two years of ownership, overall satisfaction for tires declines to 790 from 796.

The United Nations World Water Day on March 22 has been reminding us of this since 1992. Water consumption is constantly increasing worldwide – especially in the production of consumer goods. For decades, Continental Tires has been committed to sustainable water management along the entire value chain. After all, in tire manufacturing, water is used in various states for heating, cooling and cleaning, as well as for the daily needs of employees. Since 2020, Continental has reduced its water withdrawal per ton of product at all locations by more than ten percent, which corresponds to a saving of around 197 million liters of water – enough to fill 79 Olympic-size swimming pools. This has been achieved through systematic and controlled measures to use water more efficiently and to treat and reuse wastewater. Thanks to innovative filtration and membrane technologies, the tire manufacturer already reuses about 90 percent of its wastewater after treatment.

Alliance is a part of Barry-Wehmiller, the 140-year-old, $3.6 billion global capital equipment and engineering solutions firm led by CEO Bob Chapman and President Kyle Chapman.
“Alliance Machine Systems International is thrilled to acquire both Systec Corporation and Automatan, LLC, marking a significant milestone in our journey,” said Marius Batrin, Alliance President. “After years of successful collaboration, Alliance, Systec and Automatan have decided to become part of the same business structure. This acquisition is a pivotal step in enhancing our position as a comprehensive full-range solution provider for our customers.”

The partnership aims to leverage the extensive expertise of both Potter Associates and TIPCO Technologies in gasket manufacturing. By joining forces, the two companies are set to enhance product development, improve customer support, and maintain the highest standards of quality and reliability. This alliance is designed to create significant value for customers, ensuring they receive top-notch products and exceptional services.

Highlighted content in the March issue of Rubber World includes: MgO additive adjusts curing times in a silica filled light