Bridgestone is planning to cut jobs at two factories in northern Spain in response to a negative shift in the European market and the growth of non-European goods.

According to a Reuters report quoting local union UGT, the business intends to lay off 546 workers at two plants in Cantabria and the Basque Country in northern Spain that produce tyres for tractors, other farm vehicles, buses and trucks. The report adds that UGT and other unions have declared their intention to call for a strike at the two facilities, but they have not given any specifics.

The company's local unit, Bridgestone Hispania, employs 2,800 people at the moment, according to UGT. Bridgestone stated that it has to modify its production capacity in light of the current market conditions, which are marked by inflation, uncertainty and regulatory changes, says the report.

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Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd. has formalised a strategic memorandum of understanding with Nippon Express Logistics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to advance joint sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives. This alliance is structured to generate measurable ecological and societal benefits across the entire supply chain, directly supporting the Bridgestone Group’s overarching environmental strategy. A core target of this roadmap is the substantial escalation of recycled and renewable material usage to constitute 40 percent of all tyre production raw materials by the year 2030, as part of the broader 2050 vision for fully sustainable materials.

The partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for the environmentally sound stewardship of end-of-life tyres, incorporating rigorous selection processes for high-quality casings destined for premium retread manufacturing. Concurrently, a systematic recycling channel for non-retreadable tyres is being developed under circular economy principles to optimise resource utilisation. This system merges Bridgestone’s advanced tyre technology with the global logistics infrastructure of Nippon Express to forge a closed-loop sustainability management network that mitigates environmental harm.

Beyond waste management, the collaboration yields reciprocal operational advantages by ensuring the safe and efficient processing of discarded tyres. The two entities are also initiating joint research to devise methods for improving tyre efficiency, prolonging product service life and enhancing the sustainability of recycling protocols. These operational synergies are designed to transform logistical and manufacturing processes into more environmentally conscious operations.

The scope of the agreement further encompasses community-focused projects, including the B-SAFE programme for driver safety training and the Bridgestone Nature Conservation initiative for biodiversity protection. These activities collectively strive to foster a safer society and are anchored in the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, specifically the principles of Ecology and Empowerment. Through this integrated approach, Bridgestone aims to solidify its identity as a Sustainable Solutions Company, delivering enduring value and trust for future generations.

Akihito Ishii, Managing Director, Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd., said, “This marks another important milestone for both organisations in strengthening our business relationship towards sustainability and social contribution initiatives. Climate change and resource management are challenges that no organisation can solve alone. Bridgestone firmly believes that collaboration with strong partners is a key starting point in creating sustainable value for our customers, society, the environment and future generations.”

Masato Tanabe, Managing Director, Nippon Express Logistics (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “The signing of this MOU marks an important milestone in our partnership. It also reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and our common aspiration to create long-term value for society. We see this initiative as the beginning of a new chapter in our partnership, and through our collaboration with Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd., we look forward to steadily advancing meaningful initiatives. By deepening our contribution to local communities, we will continue working towards the realisation of a more sustainable future for the next generation.”

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BFGoodrich Tires has been designated the official tyre partner for the ChampCar Endurance Racing Series, establishing a new platform to demonstrate its engineering capabilities in grassroots motorsport. Central to this collaboration is the g-Force Rival+ tyre, which has been specifically developed for endurance racing and placed on the series' approved whitelist. The tyre is engineered to deliver consistent performance, durability and reliable wet-weather handling, addressing the core demands of amateur racing competitors.

Participants in the ChampCar series will gain access to a rebate programme and special opportunities at select events, including access to the BFGoodrich Performance Driving Guide, co-authored by brand ambassador Ross Bentley. The partnership aims to provide tangible support that enhances the racing experience for all series entrants.

The g-Force Rival+ tyre, launched in fall 2025, features a new rubber formulation for consistent lap times and a reinforced internal structure that minimises sidewall flex for instantaneous steering feedback. The tyre is currently available in 14 sizes.

Reviving a storied tradition, BFGoodrich has reintroduced its ‘Team T/A’ programme, fielding an endurance squad of employees and guest drivers competing exclusively in the ChampCar series. The team debuted at Daytona in April, finishing 16th out of 100 entries despite mechanical setbacks. Future races are scheduled at Sebring, Virginia International Raceway and Circuit of the Americas.

The original Team T/A programme was renowned from the 1970s through the 1990s for supporting grassroots racers. While the brand's recent acclaim has been tied to off-road racing, this initiative signals a return to pavement motorsports. Additional partnerships announced in June 2026 with the National Auto Sport Association, the Motorsport Safety Foundation and SCCA's Track Night in America underscore this sustained resurgence in the ultra-high performance arena.

Mike Chisek, President and CEO, ChampCar, said, “I’m excited to welcome BFGoodrich as a Series Partner of the ChampCar Endurance Series. It’s great to see the grassroots support BFGoodrich has for road racing, and their new g-Force Rival+ tyre is proving to be a great choice for our endurance road racing teams.”

T J Dennis, BFGoodrich Ultra-High Performance (UHP) Brand Manager, said, “Cementing this relationship with ChampCar is the latest step in bringing BFGoodrich’s ultra-high performance efforts back to the forefront. This partnership is mutually beneficial for each brand, and we’re eager to help ChampCar racers reach another level of performance.”

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ARLANXEO has announced that the German Federal Patent Court has nullified the German component of European patent EP 3 800 714. The contested intellectual property, held by Zeon Corporation, pertains to synthetic rubber compounds utilised as cathode binders within rechargeable battery systems, a sector critically linked to electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.

The revocation stems from an ongoing legal confrontation regarding battery binder technology. Zeon initiated infringement lawsuits in 2024 against ARLANXEO’s German and Dutch operations at the Munich Regional Court. In response, ARLANXEO contested the patent's legal standing, prompting a validity review by the Federal Patent Court.

Following a preliminary July 2025 ruling that cast substantial uncertainty on the patent’s enforceability, the Munich court suspended the infringement case. With the formal revocation in Germany, the foundational grounds for the local infringement allegations have been effectively eliminated.

John Gerrese, General Counsel, ARLANXEO, said, “We welcome the Court’s decision, which confirms our position on the invalidity of the patent. The ruling underscores the importance of robust patent standards. It also highlights the critical role of nullity proceedings in ensuring that only valid and enforceable patents are upheld.”

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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an environmental awareness session for students in grades one through three at Pirveli School-Gymnasium. The initiative employed an interactive and age-appropriate methodology to introduce young learners to fundamental ecological concepts.

The curriculum covered the detrimental effects of littering, the necessity of specialised disposal for waste tyres, used oil and batteries and the broader importance of resource conservation. Students were also taught practical, daily actions that contribute to environmental preservation and were shown how individual responsibility can collectively forge a cleaner future. The educational experience was reinforced through a participatory game that allowed children to engage with environmental topics via practical examples.

Upon concluding the programme, each student received a certificate and a symbolic gift. This activity aligns with the organisations' ongoing commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among youth, a priority that sees them regularly visiting schools to deliver engaging educational content. Such initiatives are designed to cultivate a sense of ecological responsibility from an early age, encouraging children to integrate nature conservation into their daily routines.

Established in 2022, Tegeta Green Planet operates as one of Georgia’s first authorised Extended Producer Responsibility organisations. The company offers membership to any business or individual entrepreneur subject to the nation’s EPR legislation, irrespective of their operational scale.

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