DUFOURNIER TECHNOLOGIES has been officially recognised as a certified test centre for full tyre homologation. This milestone follows comprehensive training with RDW in the Netherlands, which has granted the company designation as a Technical Service. As a result, DUFOURNIER TECHNOLOGIES is now authorised to perform final tyre certification in accordance with R117 (E4) regulations.

The company offers compliance testing services for both R117 and R30 standards, ensuring all evaluations are conducted under strict adherence to regulatory requirements. This certification reinforces DUFOURNIER TECHNOLOGIES' dedication to upholding the highest standards of excellence, safety and compliance within the automotive industry.

By expanding its capabilities, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting manufacturers with reliable and regulatory-compliant tire testing solutions.

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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.”

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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.”

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The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) recently honoured industry leaders for their exceptional contributions to the tire and rubber sector during its annual awards ceremony on 4 June 2025 in Mississauga. The event, held after TRAC's Annual General Meeting at the Alt Hotel Toronto Airport, celebrated excellence across four key categories: Leader of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Sustainability and Young Leader. These awards recognise the visionaries and innovators driving progress in tire manufacturing, recycling, and sustainable practices.

Neil Balson of Liberty Tire Recycling received the prestigious Leader of the Year award for his transformative impact on Canada's tyre recycling industry. As Vice President overseeing Canadian operations, Balson has demonstrated remarkable leadership in developing innovative solutions for end-of-life tyre management. His work has been particularly impactful in addressing the challenges of recycling ultra-large mining tyres, where he pioneered processes that reduce their carbon footprint by 80 percent. Beyond technical innovations, Balson has played a crucial role in shaping national policies and fostering international collaborations, establishing himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of business and environmental sustainability.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards honoured three industry veterans whose collective contributions span decades of service. Pamela Scarrow of Bridgestone Canada was recognised for her 25 years of legal leadership and her instrumental role in TRAC's governance as both board member and former chair. The late Sam Visaisouk, former CEO of Tyromer Inc, was honoured posthumously for commercialising groundbreaking devulcanisation technology that revolutionised tyre recycling globally. Barry Yutronkie received recognition for his 30-year career at Michelin and subsequent leadership at TRAC, where he helped harmonise technical standards across North America. Together, these recipients represent the dedication and expertise that have shaped Canada's tire industry.

From left: Phillip Diogenes of Bridgestone Canada Inc. accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pam Scarrow with Chris Figel (Chair of the Board, TRAC).

TRAC's Sustainability Awards highlighted two leaders advancing environmental responsibility in the sector. Dr Behdad Khamesee of Toyo Tire Canada was celebrated for applying his materials science expertise to develop sustainable tyre technologies and influence industry-wide best practices through various technical committees. Tony Mougios of Groupe Touchette was recognised for developing comprehensive ESG strategies, including the company's inaugural sustainability report that established measurable environmental targets.

The Young Leader Award went to Chris Singleton of Niagara Battery & Tire, who at 37 took over the family business following his father's passing and immediately implemented transformative changes. Singleton modernized operations through digital inventory systems, enhanced employee benefits, and expanded mobile services – all while maintaining the company's 68-year legacy as a community staple.

Carol Hochu, President and CEO, TRAC, said, “The Canadian tire and rubber industry brims with innovation and dedication; and this year’s award winners embody the very best of our industry. We’re thrilled to honour seven remarkable individuals whose leadership, ingenuity and commitment to sustainability have set a high bar for excellence, and shape and inspire the future of our sector.”

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Flexsys, a global supplier of rubber chemicals and solutions, has achieved ‘Platinum’ rating on EcoVadis, thereby securing a spot in the top one percent of companies globally for their sustainability practices and underscoring a high level of commitment to environmental and social responsibility across its operations.

With EcoVadis' Platinum certification, which is the highest possible rating, Flexsys is regarded as one of the most environmentally conscious businesses in the world. Four main criteria are used by EcoVadis to evaluate businesses: ethics, sustainable procurement, labour and human rights and the environment. The company will also be submitting a science-based targets initiative (SBTi) for validation later this year and has pledged to continue advancing products that incorporate more renewable or recycled materials in pursuit of its goal to achieve 100 percent sustainable materials by 2040.

Neil Smith, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer, Flexsys, said “This achievement is another indication of Flexsys’ capabilities. Whether it’s innovating more sustainable products, providing global security of supply or driving down our CO2 emissions, Flexsys continues to be an industry leader. We are very proud of the progress we have made thus far.”

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