Smithers, a provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services, announced that the Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio is certified to perform UNECE R117 rolling resistance testing. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation No 117 (R11) provides requirements for maximum tyre rolling sound emissions, minimum wet grip performance, maximum rolling resistance and conformity of production (CoP) for tyres imported into the European Union (EU). UNECE R117 testing is appropriate for C1 (passenger car) and C2 (light truck) tyres.
According to Smithers, all tyres that meet the standards outlined in UNECE R117 must comply with EU labelling requirements, which are increasingly being adopted on a global scale. Each tyre is labeled with a sticker, alerting customers to key performance characteristics. This is so that they can make informed purchasing decisions.
Smithers claims that it received its UNECE R117 certification after successfully completing a laboratory alignment for the measurement of tyre rolling resistance with the Global Network of Reference Laboratories defined in (EC) No1222/2009.
Sharing his thoughts, Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division, said, “At Smithers, we’re highly dedicated to providing testing services that empower our tyre industry clients to stay competitive on a global scale. With this certification, we can continue to provide the accurate data our clients need to manufacture tyres for the European market, here in the United States.”
UNECE R117 corresponds with ISO 28580, a rolling resistance standard commonly used for the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay verification to qualify fleet truck tyres for fuel efficiency. Those interested in scheduling UNECE R117 rolling resistance testing can contact Mark Shackelford at 330-810-5508 or mshackelford@smithers.com.
Soaring Raw Material Prices And Weak Demand Trigger wdk Alarm For German Rubber Industry
- By TT News
- May 16, 2026
The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has sounded an alarm over an exceptionally difficult economic situation facing the rubber sector. Soaring raw material prices and persistently high energy costs, exacerbated by the Iran war, are coinciding with weak industrial demand. wdk Chief economist Michael Berthel noted an almost unprecedented economic disparity, as raw material costs approach historical highs from 2011 and 2022 while a lack of demand prevents any offset for manufacturers.
Since the final quarter of 2025, prices for key inputs have risen sharply. Natural rubber has jumped more than 40 percent within months, while butadiene-based synthetic rubbers have increased over 30 percent. EPDM synthetic rubber, carbon black and oil-based plasticisers have all risen more than 20 percent, with some individual chemicals exceeding 40 percent cost growth in just a few weeks.
Energy prices remain a major burden, with Middle East developments fuelling market uncertainty. Risks to international transport and supply chains persist, and German rubber companies are closely watching potential impacts on raw material availability and global logistics flows.
Berthel warned that firms face mounting pressure from high costs, geopolitical instability and structural disadvantages in Germany, with no short-term relief in sight. The industry depends heavily on fair and reliable partnerships across the value chain, as processing companies alone cannot absorb the current strain. He called for fair solutions and a shared understanding of this exceptional situation.
Rubber Board Extends Planting Aid Schemes At Current Rates For 2026-27
- By TT News
- May 08, 2026
The Rubber Board of India has confirmed the continuation of all existing central sector schemes for the 2026-27 fiscal year at unchanged rates. Financial aid for new planting will be restricted to estates utilising poly bag or root trainer plants sourced solely from Board-approved nurseries, with applicants required to submit the original purchase bill. This mandatory verification step aims to ensure quality and authenticity of planting materials used across the sector.
Support for rain guarding and spraying operations will be channelled exclusively through Rubber Producers’ Societies. These societies must include GST bills for all acquired materials when applying. The official timeline for submitting applications will be announced separately by the Board, giving producers adequate time to prepare documentation and coordinate with their respective societies before the deadline.
Rubber Board Calls For Marketing Graduates With Digital Skills For Temporary Engagement
- By TT News
- May 07, 2026
The Rubber Board of India has announced a temporary engagement for a young professional within its Market Promotion Division, located at the RRII campus in Puthuppally, Kottayam. The selected individual will assist with division activities and promote ‘mRube’, the electronic trading platform for natural rubber.
Candidates must hold an MBA in Marketing or Agri Business Management with computer knowledge, while skills in digital marketing, sales or market research and proficiency in English and Hindi are preferred. Applicants aged up to 30 years as of 1 May 2026, will be considered for the one-year role, which offers a consolidated monthly pay of INR 25,000.
Interested individuals should send their applications to the Deputy Director (Marketing) at the Central Laboratory Building, RRII, Rubber Board PO, Kottayam – 686009 by 19 May 2026. Shortlisted names will appear on the Rubber Board’s website with interview details, as no separate communication will be sent.
Bekaert Finalises Acquisition Of Bridgestone’s Tyre Reinforcement Plants In China And Thailand
- By TT News
- May 06, 2026
Bekaert has officially finalised its acquisition of Bridgestone’s tyre reinforcement operations in China and Thailand, after securing all necessary regulatory approvals and meeting standard closing conditions. The deal, now fully completed, marks a significant step in the Belgian company’s expansion strategy.
The transaction brings under Bekaert’s control two production facilities: Bridgestone (Shenyang) Steel Cord Co., Ltd. in China and Bridgestone Metalfa (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Thailand. These plants specialise in manufacturing high-quality tyre cord products exclusively for Bridgestone tyres, and they will continue to supply Bridgestone under the new ownership, further deepening the longstanding partnership between the two firms.
Financially, the acquisition is expected to add roughly EUR 80 million to Bekaert’s annual consolidated sales. The EUR 60 million cash consideration for the deal was funded from the company’s available cash reserves.
Curd Vandekerckhove, CEO Rubber Reinforcement, said, “With the completion of this acquisition within our Rubber Reinforcement division, we are pleased to officially welcome the plant teams in China and Thailand to Bekaert. Our immediate focus is on a smooth transition and operational continuity while continuing to serve Bridgestone as a key strategic partner. The completion of the acquisition further strengthens the position of Bekaert in the tyre cord market, expands the global manufacturing footprint and deepens our longstanding partnership with Bridgestone. A long-term supply agreement ensures continued delivery of high-quality tyre reinforcement within a trusted supplier model.”
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