IOM3 Southern Africa Joins IRCO

IOM3 Southern Africa Joins IRCO as First African Member in Organisation’s 60-Year
History

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. This milestone expands IRCO’s global footprint and strengthens its commitment to supporting scientific and technical excellence in rubber and polymer industries worldwide.

IOM3 Southern Africa, an aQiliated society of the UK-based Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, has been a cornerstone of the South African rubber and polymer community since its constitution was inaugurated in 1958. With more than 120 members across industry, academia, and research, the organisation plays a vital role in promoting technical knowledge, professional development, and innovation within the region’s elastomer sector.

Michael Clayton, Executive Chairman of IRCO, welcomed the new membership:
“IOM3 Southern Africa brings 67 years of experience in rubber and polymer science to IRCO. Prof Hlangothi and his team have built a strong technical organisation with genuine commitment to advancing the industry. As our gateway to African markets, they give us perspectives and reach we didn’t have before, and bringing an IRCO conference to Africa is now a real possibility.”

Professor Percy Hlangothi, Chair of IOM3 Southern Africa, commented:
“Joining IRCO marks an important moment for IOM3 Southern Africa and for the wider African rubber and polymer community. This membership provides our professionals, researchers, and students with a stronger international platform to share knowledge, contribute to global discussions, and showcase the innovation emerging from our region. We look forward to active participation in IRCO events and to building new partnerships across the world.”

What This Membership Means
IRCO coordinates major international rubber conferences, including the annual International Rubber Conference (IRC) and RubberCon series. These events bring together scientists, engineers, and industry specialists from around the world. IOM3 Southern Africa’s membership ensures that South Africa, and Africa more broadly, will now have a voice within this influential global network.

IOM3 Southern Africa
IOM3 Southern Africa is an independent, aQiliated society of IOM3 (UK), focused on the rubber and polymer industry. Established in 1958, the organisation operates through three regional branches and hosts a biennial National Rubber Conference. More information: https://www.iom3.co.za

IRCO
The International Rubber Conference Organisation (IRCO), established in 1966, is a global body that coordinates major international rubber conferences and promotes scientific and technical collaboration across the elastomer industry. More information: https://internationalrubberconference.org

Contacts

For IRCO:
Dr Matthew Thornton; [email protected]

For IOM3 SA:
Wendy Knott-Craig; [email protected]