There's more than one way to construct a company legacy. After building a strong one for more than a century, Stockwell Elastomerics has taken a step toward a new identity at the Philadelphia-based maker of silicone goods.

I did something a little crazy last week. I'm sure some of my family, friends and coworkers think it was reckless. I went on a business trip.

President Biden has been clear about his vision for the country and the policies he will pursue in areas such as infrastructure, climate, sustainability and foreign relations—all spaces with the potential for major impacts on the tire, rubber and related sectors.

Nothing magically erased what the rubber industry and world went through last year. Still, there are some signs things may be returning to normal.

The way 2020 has gone, I think everyone can stand to hear some good news. And as an added bonus we'll fold in some lessons that may come in handy.

One statistic that really puts the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic into perspective is this: the silicone market will take a bigger hit this year than it did heading into the Great Recession.

As I write this column, I'm the only person here at the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, office of Crain Communications, which is supposed to house most of the staff members of Rubber & Plastics News and our sister publication, Tire Business.

While there seemingly is so much activity going on with regard to sustainability, it's sad to see that there has been some backsliding in the recycling of scrap tires, one of the most basic ways to achieve progress and success in sustainability.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have spurred some medical growth, but that growth hasn't been consistent.