Development of high-performance, high-value rubber products for sustainable business and of indigenous chemicals and organic/hybrid cross-linking synthetic reagents to reduce import dependence are some of the proposed areas of collaborative research between the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, and the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), Rubber Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.The CSIR-NIIST and the RRII are collaborating on research and development aimed at addressing critical technological challenges and emerging needs of the rubber sector. The initiative focusses on ‘Development of advanced functional materials and innovative solutions for the technological issues in rubber sector,’ a statement from NIIST said on Monday.Discussions on the collaboration were held at CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday in the presence of M. Vasanthagesan, Executive Director, Rubber Board; Debabrata Ray, Director, RRII; and C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, along with scientists and officials from both institutions.The cooperation is envisaged under the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub (NIIST-ITE Hub) at the Bio 360 Life Science Park, Thonnakkal, here. The hub is intended to extend R&D support, incubation, training, and timely science and technology interventions for promoting the rubber and allied sectors in Keralam.The other proposed areas of cooperation include innovative recycling processes, particularly for carbon black recovery and reuse; microbial treatment of effluents for pollution-free rubber processing; implementation of NIIST process know-how for odour control; analytical and characterisation support for raw materials and end-products; and innovative processes for de-vulcanisation of rubber products and sulphur-free vulcanisation.“The collaboration will provide a strong platform to translate scientific knowledge into practical technologies for the benefit of the rubber industry, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders,” Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said.Mr. Vasanthagesan said the initiative would benefit the entire rubber sector, including stakeholders at the upstream, midstream and downstream levels, particularly rubber farmers,” he said.It is also expected to support the development of S&T skills among employees in rubber-based industries, start-ups, entrepreneurs and research scholars. Published - September 07, 2026 09:47 pm IST