Which City Is Known As The Rubber Capital Of The World? Know History And Facts Behind The Title

Rubber Capital Of The World:  Akron is known as the Rubber Capital of the World. It is situated in the state of Ohio in the USA. The city is regarded as the rubber capital of the world mainly due to its being the centre of tyre production, rubber development, and polymer science across the globe. It became a global rubber giant in the 20th century, along with its headquarters of the largest tyre companies in the world, which defined the industry over the decades with its factories, scientists, and research laboratories of rubber.

The emergence of Akron as a giant in the rubber market started in the early twentieth century when there was an explosion in the automobile industry, and tyres became in high demand. This made the city the centre of large tyre manufacturing firms like Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, which are still among the largest tyre manufacturers in the world. Alongside, its research and tyre development centres are still in Akron. The city also enjoyed a good transport system, the availability of a skilled industrial labour force and advanced research in the science of rubber and polymer, which led it to a successful way ahead.

Rabber Capital (Image Credit: Canva)

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The Akron tyre industry manufactured more tyres than any other city on earth and was highly instrumental in World War II when natural rubber resources were cut off, and synthetic rubber technologies were developed. This era strengthened Akron's position as a dominant force in the rubber production and technology hub worldwide.

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However, currently, the major producers of natural rubber are countries like Thailand and Malaysia. Despite Akron still being relevant as the stepping stone of the modern rubber and tyre manufacturing industry, and has earned a unique status in the world, which makes it stand out a the Rubber Capital of the World.