Large companies rated at some level tried to measure the risk factors of their products and resources starting in late 1990’s. They calculated or estimated the most critical parameters and assessed and listed the topics. They listed the predicted strategies to be overcome. One can guess, however, that none of them ever viewed a virus as causing such a pandemic that their predominant risk failed and they had to stop production for long days.

No risk means that there is no sustainability problem. Indeed, the risk concept for each industry should cover all aspects. The risk can be related to the global economy, a pandemic, local disruption, local toxic leaks, or a lack of resources in processes. The energy, the people, the water or the air we breathe can be additional risk factors for sustainability.

The ‘Material Recovery’ and Retreading are two milestones for recycling of waste tyres with increasing rates rather than energy recovery. The ‘Challenge is every tyre is to be recycled after removal’

In the tyre industry, current raw material sources must first be well managed unless alternatives are developed. Delivery channels are generally designed to take place in just-in-time transactions. There is already a good step towards weight loss. The main goal of sustainability is to ‘stay carbon-neutral.’ This is true, but it does not cover everything. The management of a ‘Zero Waste Factory’ is primarily focused. Collecting used tyres is a problem and factories should contribute. The challenge is: “Every tyre has to be recycled after it has been removed.”

One aspect of tyre recycling is retreading, which unfortunately only applies to large tyres like trucks, buses and OTR’s in many countries. However, the volume and mass of the tyres to be handled in small groups is much larger and, unfortunately, energy recovery is primary destination in many countries.

According to ETRMA, the tyre industry in EU countries has dramatically improved the sustainability of tyres at every stage from design to end of life. Weight reduction, voluntary commitment to eliminate PAH-rich oils from tyres, helping the chemical industry assess the risks associated with their products, and the Sustainable Natural Rubber Initiative are just a few of the recent examples of this commitment. According to the EU Landfill and Waste Equipment Directive (EOL), the national governments are obliged to address its recycling for safety, health and environmental purposes.

However, we know that recycling of waste tyres is increasing in Europe, but the rate of retreading is not, and that tyres are still widely used in energy recovery processes. The bright side, however, is that recycling rates in the European Union have globally reached 98% after the United States, where the recycling rate is still close to 80%.

So many technological advancements to serve for long-lasting tires have contributed to the sustainability of the industry

The annual world production of used tyres, which comprises about 1.4 billion units, is estimated at 2.5 billion units in 2032. This means that a mass of almost 100 million tons of old tyres must be recycled every year. The use of recycled materials in industrial products should be encouraged by the governments. This is in fact a great advantage for the world economy and ecology.

In the automotive tyre industry, So many technological advancements have contributed to the sustainability of the industry. The main concern was to have long-lasting tyres on the market. Shorter life means more production and more used tyres. Today, in many product groups, premature tyre failure in service is almost “zero” except sudden air loss and improper use. When looking for sustainable alternative raw materials, therefore, it should be taken into account that the current level of tyre performance should not lag behind.

Anti-block braking systems were initially optional. Wheel Torque Distribution Algorithms were so at the beginning. However, both eliminate a significant safety risk for almost all vehicle groups that have served for long lasting and even worn tyres.

The synthetic rubber polymers in crude oil used in the tyre industry have helped too much for long-lasting tyres. Their “reuse” in recycling and the search for carbon-free alternatives are more important today.

For Sustainability, Carbon Neutral and Longer-Lasting Tyres are needed. There is still a long way to go…

Crump rubber extracted from old tyres is widely used in road construction, sports and leisure in various institutions. Recycling in this respect serves the circular economy. However, it should be possible to use micronised rubber powder in new tyres that also replace oil and rubber-based materials.

If one day airless tyres become popular in the market, they will add durability by using less rubber and being puncture proof. The development of sensors, chips and labels that can be integrated into the tread groove of a tyre and provide access to real-time information on temperature, pressure and roadway configuration will increase the impact of self-inflating tyres. With run-flat tyres, this is a big step towards more “Longer-lasting” tyres.

Various technologies are being explored to take advantage of used tyres, including infrastructure, and to make new tyres. If thermo technology research is successful, carbon black converted from recycled tyres into new tyres will become a reality. The recovered carbon black reduces CO2 emissions during the carbon black recovery process by 81% and prevents deforestation.

Carbon neutral and longer-lasting tyres without compromising on safety are necessary which will take a hard work and a long journey.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Dunlop Motorcycle Europe is celebrating a successful conclusion to the 2026 Campeonato de España de Superbike (ESBK) campaign, with five of its equipped riders securing titles at the Sunday finale at Circuito de Jerez Ángel Nieto. The brand claimed five of the series' eight championships, four of them in open-tyre competition classes, after a tightly contested season spanning Spain and Portugal.

The ESBK's open-tyre rules in several classes give Dunlop a direct benchmark against competing manufacturers. The company backed riders throughout the year in Superbike, Supersport, Supersport 300, Superstock 600, Superstock 1000 and Pre-Talent. Four of those classes allow any tyre brand, while Dunlop is the sole supplier for Supersport 300 and Pre-Talent.

The Superbike, Superstock 600 and Pre-Talent crowns all remained undecided going into Jerez. Honda Laglisse's Javier Palomera clinched Superbike ahead of Dunlop-backed Ivo Lopes of BMW Easyrace Team, runner-up in the open-tyre class; the same squad also took Superstock 1000 through Mauro González. José Luis Armario won the last Superstock 600 race of the year, and in Supersport, Team Speed Racing's Marcos Ludeña placed second with Team Honda Laglisse's Yeray Ruiz third, giving Dunlop two of three open-tyre podium slots. In the Dunlop-only classes, Marc Vich took Supersport 300 and the Kawasaki Ninja Spirit Trophy, while Marcos Vinagre won Pre-Talent at Jerez, leading an all-Dunlop podium alongside Javier Vigueras and Jose Luis Cagigas.

Dunlop's ESBK programme uses its KR racing slick line, covering both development and catalogue specifications, with wet tyres also available. Data from real race weekends helps the brand validate new products before they reach other championships and track-day use. Dunlop's racing footprint also takes in the Campionato Italiano Velocità, which produced six more Dunlop champions in 2026, and the FIM Endurance World Championship, where a fresh multi-year deal makes Dunlop the sole supplier to the Superstock and Production Trophy classes.

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said, “It's great to see Dunlop-equipped riders achieve such strong results in the 2026 ESBK season, with championship titles secured across multiple categories and two all-Dunlop podiums in Supersport 300 and Pre-Talent. We're incredibly proud of what our riders and teams have achieved this season and of the role Dunlop has played in their success. These results are a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Congratulations to all the newly crowned champions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tegeta Green Planet, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organised an information and practical campaign titled ‘Don’t Throw It Away, Hand It In’ in Poti. Held on 29 October at a Tegeta Motors branch, the initiative sought to strengthen environmental responsibility and promote proper management of specific waste streams.

The campaign targeted local residents, vehicle owners, drivers and private sector representatives, encouraging their active involvement in waste management. Attendees learned about the environmental impact of automotive waste and correct disposal methods. A dedicated collection point at the branch allowed residents to hand in end-of-life tyres, used batteries and waste oils, offering a practical way to contribute to environmental protection through everyday actions.

A significant focus was placed on raising awareness about the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, including the role of EPR organisations, collection and subsequent management of specific waste streams and importers’ legally established obligations. Symbolic gifts encouraged participation. Tegeta Green Planet and UNDP continue to implement regional environmental campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at raising public awareness, fostering responsible waste management and promoting circular economy principles.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone’s Potenza Sport EVO has earned two independent test accolades, strengthening the tyre maker’s standing in the ultra-high-performance segment. The double success spans a victory in What Car?’s summer tyre test and a Recommended award from evo.

In What Car?’s evaluation of 11 summer tyres, the Potenza Sport EVO ranked first. Fitted to a Volvo XC60, it drew praise for predictable handling and secure performance in wet and dry conditions, along with communicative steering suited to a premium performance tyre.

The What Car? results also underscored tyre choice’s safety implications. In wet braking, the Bridgestone stopped 7.3 metres shorter than the Goodride competitor. The publication concluded that the Potenza Sport EVO justified its higher price, highlighting the value of investing in quality tyres.

The evo test delivered further recognition. The Potenza Sport EVO finished second overall but secured the Recommended award and was arguably the standout performer across individual disciplines, taking five first-place finishes. It earned top subjective ratings for polished, effortless behaviour, excelled in wet grip, traction and stability and set the fastest handling-course time, becoming the only tyre to break 51 seconds.

Drew Chapman, Consumer Sales Director, Bridgestone UK, said, "To achieve such outstanding results in two highly respected independent tyre tests is a fantastic endorsement of the Potenza Sport EVO and the engineering that has gone into its development. Winning the What Car? test against 10 other competitors, while also securing evo's Recommended Award and five individual test victories, demonstrates the tyre's exceptional breadth of capability. These results reflect exactly what we set out to achieve with the Potenza Sport EVO; delivering outstanding performance, control and confidence in a wide range of driving conditions. It's hugely rewarding to see that recognised by independent experts."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has expanded its UK commercial service network by acquiring G & S Tyres Ltd, a move that also brings a modern retreading facility in the London metropolitan area into the group. The deal advances Citira's push towards a national UK footprint, building on its recent purchase of Redpath Tyres in Scotland and its entry into UK market earlier this year via Tyrefix Group.

G&S's local knowledge, solid reputation and retreading strengths align closely with Citira's circular tyre management model, which covers retreading, rim refurbishment and fleet logistics and is already well established across the Nordics and Poland. The East London site is strategically positioned and employs around 45 people.

A two-generation family firm with more than four decades of service to UK customers, G&S will keep trading under its own name with its existing team. Gary, James and Billy Short will stay involved in the business and take shareholdings in the Citira Group.

Oliver Johnson, Head of UK at Citira, said, “G&S Tyres has earned a strong reputation across the UK through its reliability, service quality and close relationships with the fleets and customers it supports. That reputation provides an excellent foundation for the next stage of growth. Following our acquisition of Redpath Tyres in Scotland, G&S is a further step in our ambition to build a national commercial tyre service network with the best people and businesses in the UK.”

Gary Short, speaking on behalf of the Short family, said, “We are very happy to join a group whose ambitions for the UK align so well with our own. Citira is a great home for G&S and gives us the right platform to support the next generation, spearheaded by James and Billy, as they continue to grow and improve the business.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!