IOM3 events to study elastomers in transport, challenge of net-zero

London – The UK’s Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) Elastomer Group has outlined a series of technical events for 2026, including meetings focused on net-zero challenges, transport applications and rubber modelling.

The group's next full-day conference, organised jointly with the Manchester Polymer Group, will take place 22 June in Manchester under the theme “elastomers and the challenge of net-zero.”

The programme includes presentations on bio-based elastomers, sustainable natural rubber from dandelion roots, recycled raw materials from waste tires, carbon footprint calculations for rubber compounds, tire design, rubber devulcanisation and carbon capture applications.

Ahead of the conference, the group will host a free site visit to Michelin-owned Fenner Precision Polymers in Lincoln 18 June.

The manufacturer specialises in industrial motion products, coated fabrics and air and fluid handling systems, and is part of the Michelin Group.

Later the same day, IOM3 will hold a free hybrid afternoon technical discussion meeting (ATDM) on “elastomers in transport.”

Presentations will focus on anti-vibration technologies, hose systems for renewable energy applications, tire wear challenges in electric vehicles, marine infrastructure and recovered carbon black analysis.

The group also confirmed that it will host the 14th European Conference on Constitutive Models for Rubber (ECCMR) in Oxford 9-11 Sept.

The event will bring together industry and academic specialists to discuss advances in rubber mechanics, material behaviour and simulation techniques.

According to IOM3, more than 90 speakers have been selected and over 130 delegates have already registered.

Looking ahead, the group said its final ATDM of the year will take place 11 Dec at IOM3 headquarters in London under the theme “tire wear & the environment.”

IOM3 also noted that it remains a partner of the International Rubber Conference Organisation (IRCO) and is supporting IRC 2026, scheduled for 2-6 Nov in Nagoya, Japan, with abstract submissions closing 4 June.