François Desné joins Arkema as Senior Vice President High Performance Polymers and Fluorogases and a member of the Group’s Executive Committee, effective 12 October 2026. He succeeds Laurent Tellier, who was appointed Arkema’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) last July.
Read MoreNatural rubber prices moved in different directions across major markets in August as supply limitations, steady downstream demand and geopolitical uncertainty influenced the global market, according to a monthly report released by the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries.
The report, released Sept. 30, said renewed conflict and disruptions to major shipping routes contributed to continued uncertainty in the natural rubber market.
Read MoreThe All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) has unanimously re-elected Mr. Anay Gupta as President for the 2026–27 term, marking his second consecutive term in the role.
Mr. Gupta has been associated with the rubber industry for over three decades and has played an active role in AIRIA’s initiatives focused on industry development, policy advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. He has been a member of AIRIA’s Managing Committee since 2017 and has previously served as Chairman of AIRIA
Henkel has successfully completed the acquisition of the Netherlands-based Stahl Group (“Stahl”), a global player in high-performance specialty coatings for flexible materials. Following the fulfillment of all closing conditions, including the required regulatory approvals, the company is now fully part of Henkel as of October 1st, 2026.
Read MoreAs Head of Communications, Lacerda will lead ContiTech’s global communications organization, serving as a strategic partner in driving business performance, transformation and brand value. She will oversee corporate, executive and brand communications, media and public relations, public affairs, employee communications, and reputation management while ensuring a consistent narrative that strengthens ContiTech’s global reputation and supports its business priorities and strategic ambitions. Lacerda succeeds Claudia Lademann-Fleger who has elected to leave ContiTech to pursue opportunities outside the company.
Read MoreThe 2026 Global Polymer Summit Expo continues today in Louisville. Wednesday’s program offers a full day of educational sessions, industry networking and exhibition activities for rubber professionals and attendees.
Registration and the expo will be open throughout the day, with the Expo Floor operating from 10:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Attendees can also visit the Headshot Station from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Read MoreYokohama Rubber announces that it has joined PROJECT TREE, an initiative founded by ITOCHU Corporation to promote the sustainability of natural rubber. PROJECT TREE aims to realize transparency in the natural rubber supply chain through a blockchain-based traceability system. Yokohama Rubber is using natural rubber procured through the PROJECT TREE framework and began supplying tires for commercial vehicles operated by FamilyMart Co., Ltd. as project-supported tires on September 25, 2026.
Read MoreContinental has significantly expanded its global portfolio of ultra-high-performance (UHP) tires – tires measuring 18 inches and above – over the past five years and plans to strengthen this segment further in the future. By the end of 2027, the company will add more than 650 new tire sizes across all tire lines, for both original equipment on new cars and the replacement market.
Read MoreThe 2026 Global Polymer Summit will begin Monday with technical presentations, an awards banquet, science and technology presentations, industry excursions and an evening event focused on women in the polymer industry.
Registration and expo hours are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the upper concourse. Two technical sessions will take place from 8 to 11:20 a.m. at the convention center’s main concourse, while exhibitors will have move-in activities from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Read MoreBridgestone announced a landmark three-year partnership with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), becoming the Official Tire of the SCCA and the sole tire supplier of the SCCA Club Spec program. The strategic agreement reinforces Bridgestone’s commitment to grassroots motorsports, enhancing its involvement in autocross, track days and time trials.
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