27 Jan 2026
Country marks first African member in organisation’s 60-Year History
London – IOM3 Southern Africa has joined the International Rubber Conference Organisation (IRCO) as its first African member.
The decision, approved at IRCO's committee meeting in Bangkok December 2025, brings African representation to the global rubber industry body for the first time in its 60-year history, said IOM3 in a statement 21 Jan.
IOM3 Southern Africa, an affiliated society of the UK-based Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, has been active in the South African rubber and polymer industry since 1958.
IRCO has more than 120 members across industry, academia, and research, and promotes technical knowledge, professional development, and innovation within the elastomer sector.
The new addition marks IRCO’s “gateway to African markets,” said Michael Clayton, executive chairman of IRCO, adding “[it] give us perspectives and reach we didn't have before.”
The membership will also enable IRCO to hold events in Africa, Clayton added.
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