ATMA-Rubber Board working to improve natural rubber quality

The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) is working with Rubber Board to improve the quality of natural rubber and those who are making poor quality sheet rubber would be identified, said a top official.

"ATMA is working with Rubber Board on improving quality of natural rubber. Indian tyre manufacturing is converging to the world in research and development, automation and technology. Quality of natural rubber as a key determinant of end product quality needs to go up the curve to keep pace with the changing scenario in manufacturing," Satish Sharma, Chairman ATMA told reporters here on Saturday.

Sharma, referring to the highlights of a meeting with the Rubber Board Committee, said it was decided to identify stakeholders who are responsible for producing poor quality sheet rubber and also minimise its variablility.

He said ATMA is actively involved with Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion for devising norms for End of Life Tyres. Currently the recommendations are with the Ministry of Environment.

According to Sharma, the demonetisation of high value notes by the government a year back and the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) this year has curbed the imports of tyres from China to a large extent.

--IANS

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