The research collaboration will focus on indigenous materials, cleaner processing methods, rubber waste recycling and high-value products for India’s rubber industry.
The CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) and the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) are joining hands to address technological challenges and emerging requirements in the Indian rubber sector. The collaboration aims to develop domestic technologies, reduce dependence on imported materials and support more sustainable rubber processing.
The partnership was discussed during a technical meeting at CSIR-NIIST in Thiruvananthapuram involving Rubber Board Executive Director M. Vasanthagesan, RRII Director Dr. Debabrata Ray and CSIR-NIIST Director Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, along with scientists and officials from both institutions.
The institutions will work on new materials, cleaner processing techniques and high-value rubber products. One of the key areas will be the development of indigenous chemicals and cross-linking agents, which are currently partly dependent on imports. The initiative is expected to help strengthen the domestic supply chain for rubber manufacturers.
Rubber waste management will also be an important focus. Researchers will explore improved recycling methods, including the recovery and reuse of carbon black from used rubber products. The collaboration will further examine technologies for rubber de-vulcanisation and sulphur-free vulcanisation.
Environmental protection is another major component of the programme. The research teams will investigate microbial treatment of industrial effluents and develop technology to control odour from rubber-processing units. These efforts are intended to reduce pollution and improve the environmental performance of rubber manufacturing operations.
The partnership will also cover the testing and characterisation of raw materials and finished products. By combining CSIR-NIIST’s expertise in materials, chemical, biological and process technologies with RRII’s sector-specific knowledge and industry connections, the institutions aim to develop solutions that can be applied across the rubber value chain.
The collaboration is expected to benefit a broad group of stakeholders, including rubber farmers, manufacturers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, research scholars and workers in rubber-based industries. Training and technology-support activities will form part of the initiative.
The programme will be implemented through the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub at Bio 360 Life Science Park in Thonnakkal. The hub is intended to provide research support, technology development, incubation and training for the rubber and allied sectors.
The joint initiative highlights the growing need for sustainable and locally developed technologies in India’s rubber industry. By promoting cleaner production, material innovation and improved waste recovery, CSIR-NIIST and RRII aim to create new business opportunities while strengthening the competitiveness of the sector.