Sumitomo Rubber Begins Joint Research with Khon Kaen University of Thailand on Sustainable Natural Rubber
May. 08. 2024
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. is pleased to announce the conclusion of an agreement with Khon Kaen University, a national university of Thailand, about joint research on a rubber tree tissue culture technique at a signing ceremony.
The purpose of the research is to elucidate the mechanism that leads to yield improvement by analyzing data on the plant physiological response of rubber trees. Through this research, we will accelerate our initiatives for sustainable natural rubber procurement.
In line with the Sustainable Natural Rubber Policy,*1 which was updated in August 2021, we actively make collaborative efforts with stakeholders in the supply chain to achieve the sustainable procurement of natural rubber.
Although grafting is generally used to propagate rubber tree seedlings at present, it is significantly affected by the stock in terms of growth, disease resistance, and other aspects. Meanwhile, in a tissue culture technique, which we are working to establish, a part of the tissue of a rubber tree is isolated to be cultured in a test tube and the root and the stem are in the same plant body; this is considered beneficial for growth. Actually, it has been confirmed that the seedlings deriving from tissue culture grow faster than the seedlings deriving from general grafting in the early stage of planting (one to two years).
This joint research with Khon Kaen University is aimed at investgating the mechanism that leads to yield improvement by examining the growth and leaf shapes of rubber tree seedlings deriving from tissue culture and those deriving from grafting, obtaining data on plant physiological responses chiefly through the measurement of transpiration*2, and evaluating the differences.
Another activity is receiving internships from Khon Kaen University within the framework of this joint research. In the future, we will contribute to not only improving rubber tree productivity but also developing human resources in the producing country (Thailand).
We implement initiatives to enhance the sustainability of natural rubber from two perspectives: productivity improvement and odor improvement. For the productivity improvement, various research projects are ongoing that will lead to the promotion of rubber tree growth and the improvement of tapping productivity, while for the odor improvement, we have successfully developed “natural rubber with reduced odor.”
By advancing this research, we will strive to improve the productivity of natural rubber and further accelerate initiatives for sustainable natural rubber procurement.
■About Khon Kaen University
※1 Sumitomo Rubber Group Updates “Sustainable Natural Rubber Policy” | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (srigroup.co.jp)
※2 A phenomenon in which vapor is emitted from the aerial part of a plant to the atmosphere
※3 Introducing a Circular Economy Concept for the Tire Industry: TOWANOWA | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (srigroup.co.jp)
The purpose of the research is to elucidate the mechanism that leads to yield improvement by analyzing data on the plant physiological response of rubber trees. Through this research, we will accelerate our initiatives for sustainable natural rubber procurement.
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| Right: Dr. Thidarut Boonmars, Vice-President of Khon Kaen University Left ：Dr. Toshio Tada, Office Head of the Next-generation materials R&D Office |
In line with the Sustainable Natural Rubber Policy,*1 which was updated in August 2021, we actively make collaborative efforts with stakeholders in the supply chain to achieve the sustainable procurement of natural rubber.
Although grafting is generally used to propagate rubber tree seedlings at present, it is significantly affected by the stock in terms of growth, disease resistance, and other aspects. Meanwhile, in a tissue culture technique, which we are working to establish, a part of the tissue of a rubber tree is isolated to be cultured in a test tube and the root and the stem are in the same plant body; this is considered beneficial for growth. Actually, it has been confirmed that the seedlings deriving from tissue culture grow faster than the seedlings deriving from general grafting in the early stage of planting (one to two years).
This joint research with Khon Kaen University is aimed at investgating the mechanism that leads to yield improvement by examining the growth and leaf shapes of rubber tree seedlings deriving from tissue culture and those deriving from grafting, obtaining data on plant physiological responses chiefly through the measurement of transpiration*2, and evaluating the differences.
Another activity is receiving internships from Khon Kaen University within the framework of this joint research. In the future, we will contribute to not only improving rubber tree productivity but also developing human resources in the producing country (Thailand).
We implement initiatives to enhance the sustainability of natural rubber from two perspectives: productivity improvement and odor improvement. For the productivity improvement, various research projects are ongoing that will lead to the promotion of rubber tree growth and the improvement of tapping productivity, while for the odor improvement, we have successfully developed “natural rubber with reduced odor.”
By advancing this research, we will strive to improve the productivity of natural rubber and further accelerate initiatives for sustainable natural rubber procurement.
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| Grafting |
Tissue culture |
■About Khon Kaen University
|
Name |
Khon Kaen University |
| Address |
Khon Kaen University 123 Moo 16 Mittraphap Rd., Nai-Muang, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40002,Thailand. |
| Establishment |
1966 |
| No. of faculties |
19 |
| We unveiled our own unique Circular Economy Concept for the Tire Industry, which we call TOWANOWA*3, in March 2023. TOWANOWA features a two-ring structure, with a “Sustainable Ring” consisting of five processes in the value chain and a “Data Ring” linking big data collected from each process. We aim to provide new value by sharing / using data between the two rings. By using data obtained from this joint research in the Material Development & Procurement” process of TOWANOWA, we aim to achieve the procurement of more productive natural rubber and strive to improve the sustainability of natural rubber. Through TOWANOWA, the Sumitomo Rubber Group will further accelerate our efforts to promote and practice ESG Management, and contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050 and the development of a sustainable society. |
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※1 Sumitomo Rubber Group Updates “Sustainable Natural Rubber Policy” | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (srigroup.co.jp)
※2 A phenomenon in which vapor is emitted from the aerial part of a plant to the atmosphere
※3 Introducing a Circular Economy Concept for the Tire Industry: TOWANOWA | Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (srigroup.co.jp)