Bringing together the largest manufacturers from across the globe, the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers (IISRP) works to promote their interests and those of the general public in synthetic rubber production, design, safety, environmental control, transportation, international trade, and other related areas. Its key objective is to analyse changes in the market, educate market players, and issue consolidated opinions and standards.

The association's members include 30 major rubber producers and 33 companies that manufacture equipment, develop technologies, and provide additional services to producers.

The milestone event hosted by the IISRP is its Annual General Meeting. This year, the institute held its 59th meeting spanning four days. The first two days featured committee meetings and discussions of industry challenges and key focus areas while the remaining two days were dedicated to conference sessions on relevant topics.

Participants discussed a new approach to developing synthetic rubber products: to satisfy fast-changing consumer needs in a highly competitive environment, producers tend to expedite the launch of projects, cutting down on the time needed for estimation and assessment. The reports on local developments and global economic trends were the focus of attention. In 2017, the world economy expanded at a pace of more than 3%, a six-year high, driven by strong growth in developed countries and continued positive trends in emerging markets.

China and India remain the key drivers of the global economy. After a slowdown in 2015, the Chinese economy keeps steadily expanding at an average 6–7%. India that has become the global leader in terms of growth is projected to increase its GDP at 7–8% in the coming years.

An environmental crackdown and new forms of regulation in China have affected the entire industry. For instance, Asian authorities have initiated environmental audits of production sites, issuing decrees to suspend or relocate manufacturing. This is putting pressure on suppliers all over the world. Using alternative feedstock from renewable sources was one of the most popular topics. For example, dandelion roots can produce a compound similar to latex from rubber trees, although its commercial use would only be reasonable if a root weighs 0.5 kg or more, according to French experts. An in-depth research of alternative feedstock may take years.

SIBUR’s four representatives delivered reports on the European market.

“In recent years, SIBUR has been held in increasingly high esteem as an industry expert, with our opinion and advice sought on a variety of topics. The company has been sitting on the IISRP committees for yeas and presiding over the Statistical Committee of the European Section since 2013. Our active participation in day-to-day discussions, new ideas and proposals to optimise the institute’s projects changed the way we are perceived. Today, we are confident that the market sees us as equal to European manufacturers. In 2018–2019, SIBUR will be presiding over the IISRP's European Section,” says Larisa Bondar, Head of Synthetic Rubber & Thermoplastic Elastomers Marketing.

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