The Indian rubber and tire industry is becoming increasingly sensitive to environmental issues such as climate change, landslides, floods, and droughts. These challenges are prompting the industry to lead in circular sustainability by focusing on high product quality, cost control, and safety. To address these concerns, stronger and comprehensive efforts in research and skill training are necessary.
These sentiments were expressed during the opening session of a two day national seminar organized by the Indian Rubber Institute (IRI), Rajasthan Chapter, in Udaipur. The seminar, titled "Sustainable Circularity in Rubber Industries: Quality, Cost, Safety, and Productivity", has brought together rubber industry professionals, researchers, experts, and students from across the country.
In his inaugural address, Dr. R. Mukhopadhyay, National President of the Indian Rubber Institute and Director at the JK Tyre R&D Center, Mysore, highlighted global, regional, and local environmental challenges. He discussed the potential for integrating sustainability into the rubber industry.
Mohammad Saif, CEO of the Rubber, Chemical, and Petrochemical Skill Development Council (NSDC), Government of India, emphasized the government's commitment to environmental initiatives and youth development. He noted that a substantial budget has been allocated for skill development in this sector, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's environmental and youth development goals.
Dr. Jitendra Taliya, President of Vidya Bhawan Society, a prominent industrialist and educator, stressed the importance of industry-leading social and community efforts, particularly in product development. He emphasized the need for industries to play a pivotal role in preserving trees and contributing to societal well being.
Sunil Jagasia, Chairman of the Teaching Division of IRI Rajasthan Chapter, highlighted efforts being made to develop rubber technology skills among students at Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic and Mohanlal Sukhadia University.
Notably, the seminar features participation from major industry players such as BK Tyre, JK Tyre, RS Group of Companies, Apollo Tyres, CEAT Tyres, Lanxess, Madura Textile, Ralson Tyres, Chemtrend, Dinkem, Agro International, Pukhraj Additives, Rubber King, Petrogel, Gujarat Multi Gas Ltd, Gujarat Paraffin Ltd, Aarti, Bansal, Northwest Group, Polymer Processors, and Alpha Technologies.
The technical sessions on the first day were led by Dr. Sunil Jagasia, Dr. Rajeev Bhatnagar, Dr. Vikram Singh Kumawat, Dr. N. K. Sharma, and Dr. B. B. Sharma. Presentations were made by Pravesh Saxena, Ganesh, Vivek Purohit, Rajeev Bhatnagar, Subodh Sharma, Sohail Khan, Albin Antony, Soumitra Choudhury, and Anil Sharma. The sessions were coordinated by Cheshtha Mehta and Nirmal Rathore.
On the second day, Saturday, the seminar will continue with various technical sessions focused on sustainable circularity. A special panel discussion chaired by Dr. R. Mukhopadhyay will feature Dr. Anil Mehta, Principal of Vidya Bhawan Polytechnic, and other invited experts including S. Ramakrishnan, S. Balachandran, Dinesh Porwal, Dr. N. K. Sharma, and Dr. Rajeev Bhatnagar.