Continental has reinforced its commitment to sustainable manufacturing with its tyre plant in Sarreguemines, France, earning the globally recognised International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS sustainability certification. This certification validates the plant’s adherence to stringent sustainability standards, particularly in the use of renewable and recycled raw materials, while ensuring full traceability throughout the production process.

Compliance with and documentation of certain procedures for the mass balance of raw materials served as the foundation for the certification. In current systems and processes, the mass balancing method blends recycled, renewable, and fossil raw resources. Since the amounts consumed are monitored along the value chain, they can always be distributed appropriately. Continental is able to progressively raise the percentage of more environmentally friendly materials in its products by using the mass balancing technique. It guarantees correct reporting of the balance of certified more sustainable resources.

The Continental tyre mill in Sarreguemines, France, was established in 1964 and has over 1,300 employees. With an area of 323,000 square metre, the factory can produce up to 8.5 million passenger car and light commercial tyres a year. Over 330 million tyres have been produced at the factory since it started. In 2024, the plant's adoption of the Contyre.Tex technology marked a major turning point in its sustainable development. PET bottles that wouldn't be recycled otherwise are used in this method. Polyester yarn, which can tolerate the unique stresses in tyres, is made from the bottles without the need for any further chemical processes. Since this year, Continental has started producing more tyres with materials approved by the Mass Balance. Carbon black, which is partially created from oil from circular processes, and synthetic rubbers derived from bio-based and bio-circular raw materials are two examples.

Jorge Almeida, head of Sustainability for Continental Tyres, said, “Step by step, we are working to ensure that all of our tyre plants worldwide have the internationally recognised ISCC PLUS certification. The certification of our tyre plant in Sarreguemines underscores our strong commitment to more transparency along the entyre supply chain, while enabling the introduction of new and more sustainable materials”.

Didier Fuchs, head of the Continental tyre plant in Sarreguemines, said, “Receiving the ISCC PLUS certification is a strong recognition of our team’s commitment here in Sarreguemines. We are continuously integrating more sustainable solutions into our production processes. Together, we are shaping a more resource-efficient and responsible future.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

In a first for its century-long legacy, the Goodyear Blimp transported a precious cargo of eight-week-old puppies from Smyrna, Tennessee, to Nashville. This unique flight, conducted in partnership with Canine Companions and Peanuts, marks a new chapter in transporting future service dogs, who typically travel by plane to reach volunteer puppy raisers across the country.

The puppies – named Marcie, Peppermint Patty, and Snoopy in honour of the long-standing connection between Canine Companions and Peanuts – embarked on their journey during a milestone year for all three organisations. Goodyear celebrates 100 years of its iconic blimp, Peanuts commemorates 75 years and Canine Companions marks its 50th anniversary.

The Nashville flight is part of Goodyear’s centennial tour, which will see its airships visit more than 100 cities across North America and Europe. Upon arrival, the puppies will be placed with Canine Companions volunteer raisers, who will provide loving homes while guiding them through the first stages of service dog training. Over the next 16 to 18 months, the raisers will ensure the puppies receive proper nutrition, veterinary care and socialisation while teaching foundational skills. This early training is vital in preparing the dogs for advanced professional training, where they will eventually assist children, adults and veterans with disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life.

Jeannie Schulz, Canine Companions National Board Member and Board Chair Emeritus and widow of Peanuts creator Charles M Schulz, said, "As a longtime supporter of Canine Companions, I'm always thrilled to see a new troop of puppies begin their training to become vital members of the dog service community. And of course, we all know of Sparky's affection for dogs! I'm particularly delighted that Snoopy gets to join in the fun this time around – all while riding the Goodyear Blimp!"

Paige Mazzoni, CEO, Canine Companions, said, "We're honoured to celebrate our milestone anniversaries with this one-of-a-kind opportunity. For 50 years, we've been transforming the lives of people with disabilities through expertly trained service dogs, and partnering with beloved brands like Peanuts and Goodyear brings that mission to life in a joyful way. Peanuts reminds us that 'Happiness is a warm puppy’, and now, thanks to Goodyear, these future service dogs get a sky-high sendoff aboard an iconic blimp – a perfect start to a lifetime of service."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Apollo Tyres Ltd has extended its position as Official Tyre Partner of Italy's legendary 1000 Miglia through 2027, marking a decade of collaboration since 2017. The renewed agreement ensures continued visibility for the premium Vredestein brand across the rally's centenary celebrations, including associated events like the Coppa delle Alpi and 1000 Miglia Experience Italy.

The company simultaneously confirmed Formula 1 veteran Giancarlo Fisichella will remain Vredestein's brand ambassador through August 2026. The three-time Grand Prix winner has been instrumental in developing performance tyres like the Ultrac Pro since 2024, while serving as the brand's public face. Fisichella will return to this year's rally (17-21 June) piloting a Fiat 1100/103 TV Berlina on Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres.

The 41st edition will feature over 300 pre-1957 vehicles tracing the historic 1,000-mile Brescia-Rome-Brescia route. Strict entry rules preserve authenticity, permitting only models that competed in the original 1927-1957 races.

Vredestein's Classic range, including the event-proven Sprint Classic, blends period-correct styling with modern engineering to deliver optimal comfort, noise reduction and grip – making it the preferred choice for discerning classic car enthusiasts at premier motoring events worldwide. This extended partnership underscores Apollo Tyres' commitment to heritage motorsport and tyre innovation.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President – Commercial EMEA, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said “Now in our eighth year, we are proud to extend our partnership with the 1000 Miglia – an event that celebrates automotive heritage like no other. Our Vredestein Classic range is engineered for connoisseurs who demand both style and performance, and there is no better stage to showcase this on than the world’s most beautiful race.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Trade commission finds Chinese manufacturers circumventing duties through "country hopping"

South Africa's trade regulator has imposed provisional anti-dumping measures on pneumatic tyres imported from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, determining that Chinese manufacturers are circumventing existing duties through these countries.

The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) announced the six-month provisional measures following a preliminary investigation into allegations of "country hopping" - where exporters route products through third countries to avoid anti-dumping duties.

The investigation was initiated after the South African Tyre Manufacturing Conference (SATMC) filed a complaint alleging that Chinese tyre manufacturers were bypassing anti-dumping measures on new pneumatic tyres used on motor cars, bakkies, buses, small pick-up trucks and lorries.

ITAC's preliminary determination identified several companies as circumventing the original duties: Sentury Thailand, Huayi Group Thailand, Prinx Chengshan Thailand, Linglong Thailand, General Rubber Thailand, and Sailun Vietnam.

However, the commission excluded Vietnam Cofo, Firemax Cambodia, and Haohua Cambodia from the anti-circumvention review investigation.

The regulator found that the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) industry "is experiencing material injury and a threat of material injury" as a result of the circumvention practices.

SATMC represents the official industry body for local tyre manufacturers Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, and Sumitomo, which together account for 100% of domestic production volumes in the SACU region.

The provisional measures will remain in place pending the finalisation of the anti-circumvention investigation into tyres originating from or imported through the three Southeast Asian countries.

Circumvention refers to actions taken by exporters to bypass anti-dumping duties that have been legally imposed to address unfair trade practices, according to ITAC's definition.

The move highlights ongoing trade tensions between South Africa and Asian tyre manufacturers, as the domestic industry seeks protection against what it considers unfair competition.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone Americas subsidiary Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) has contributed USD 100,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) after a two-week campaign in which the business gave money for each My Firestone and Tires Plus app that shop patrons downloaded. A wounded veteran and their visitor were also given rare, behind-the-scenes access to the renowned race during the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 by BSRO and WWP as part of the campaign.  

With an emphasis on the overall wellbeing of post-9/11 wounded, sick or injured veterans, WWP is the top veterans service organisation in the country. The foundation has a significant influence on the physical and emotional health of warriors and offers vital lifelines to families and caregivers, ranging from PTSD therapies to necessary long-term care. A partnership with Army Career Skills and the Department of Defense Skillbridge Programme, which provides training and career opportunities to former service members, and a more than 30-year partnership with the Army & Air Force Exchange Services, which offers dependable, tax-free tyre and automotive service on military bases nationwide, are just two examples of BSRO's larger dedication to the military. Colleagues continue to participate in discussions and activities around the veteran experience through BSRO's BRAVO Employee Resource Group.

Marko Ibrahim, President, BSRO, said, “We are honoured to support the critical, life-saving work of Wounded Warrior Project for a second year in a row. Our nation’s veterans deserve every opportunity to thrive and enjoy bright futures following their service. We are grateful for the partnership of our customers to make a difference in their lives.”

Brea Kratzert Todd, WWP vice president of business development, said, "We must never forget the cost of freedom. Supporters like Bridgestone make it possible for Wounded Warrior Project to provide life-changing programmes and be there for warriors throughout their lifetime.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!