The European Commission has decisively abandoned its initial proposal to delay the implementation of its cornerstone anti-deforestation legislation. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will now proceed according to its original timeline, a move that underscores the bloc's commitment to combating global forest loss. This decision was confirmed by Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall during the recent Environment Council meeting in Luxembourg, where she outlined a revised application plan designed to balance regulatory ambition with practical feasibility for businesses.

The core implementation date for the regulation remains firmly set for 30 December 2025. In a concession aimed at supporting smaller market players, micro- and small enterprises have been granted an extension, providing them until December 2026 to achieve full compliance. A central feature of the revised approach is a strategic simplification of administrative duties. To alleviate bureaucratic burdens and prevent overloading the new digital traceability infrastructure, the obligation to submit a due diligence declaration will now fall exclusively on companies that are the first to place a covered product on the EU market. This targeted requirement is expected to significantly reduce redundant paperwork across supply chains.

Established in 2023, the EUDR’s fundamental objective is to guarantee that key commodities – including cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy and wood – sold within the European Union are not associated with deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020. To achieve this, obligated companies must provide verifiable proof of traceability back to the plot of land where the commodities were produced, confirming that their goods did not originate from recently cleared forest areas.

Commissioner Roswall’s earlier suggestion for a blanket one-year postponement encountered substantial internal resistance. Prominent figures, such as Vice-President Teresa Ribera, voiced strong opposition, cautioning that such a delay would critically undermine the Union's credibility and leadership on the global environmental stage. The newly adopted compromise includes a further measure to ease the transition: a six-month grace period, lasting until 30 June 2026, during which companies demonstrating genuine efforts to comply will be shielded from penalties. This final proposal, however, is still subject to formal approval from both the European Parliament and the member states, where legislators may yet seek additional clarifications or adjustments before the plan is formally enacted.

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The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), a joint initiative led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), has unveiled ‘Tread Boldly: Advancing Tire Recycling Through Collective Innovation’ as the official theme for its 10th Tire Recycling Conference. Scheduled for 12–14 May 2026 in Denver, Colorado, the event will focus on the urgent need for a unified effort to transform end-of-life tyre management into a truly circular and sustainable model. This vision depends on shared commitment, bold action and the latest technological advancements.

The 2026 conference is designed to engage all stakeholders across the value chain. The agenda will feature keynote addresses from industry pioneers, strategic discussions on accelerating market growth and panels examining emerging recycling technologies and regulatory policies. Specialised sessions will explore specific markets like rubber-modified asphalt, with updates from state agencies. Ample networking opportunities will allow participants to connect with leaders from every sector of the industry, fostering the collaboration essential for progress.

While USTMA notes that tyres are among the nation's most recycled products, a significant challenge remains as the volume of end-of-life tyres continues to exceed the consumption of recycled materials. Achieving full circularity requires a strengthened focus on developing and sustaining end-use markets. A prime example is rubber-modified asphalt, which not only helps reduce tyre stockpiles but also delivers long-term environmental and economic advantages, including more durable infrastructure and job creation.

Anne Forristall Luke, Board President, TRF, said, “For over 20 years, the biennial Tire Recycling Conference has been a gathering for industry leaders and stakeholders to learn and foster innovative programs to address ELT management and grow tyre recycling markets. The 2026 conference will build on this legacy and galvanise an entire system of national and local businesses, governments and state officials towards effective market-based programmes.”

Stephanie Mull, Executive Director, TRF, said, “Expanding end-use markets for recycled tyres demands bold action rooted in research, education, effective state programmes and collaboration. The conference’s theme, ‘tread boldly’, is a call to action for every stakeholder in the tyre recycling ecosystem and the critical role they play in shaping a future where every end-of-life tyre enters a sustainable and circular programme.”

John Sheerin, Senior Director – End-of-Life Tires, USTMA, said, “This milestone event will showcase the strengths of end-use markets and power of collective innovation. Whether you are a manufacturer, processor or recycler, policymaker, researcher, retailor or distributor, there is a place for you to work alongside industry partners and amplify efforts in advancing tyre recycling.”

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NEXEN TIRE has earned a ‘Good’ rating for its N'BLUE 4Season 2 all-season tyre in size 215/55 R 17 by German motor magazine AUTOBILD Allrad in a comprehensive 2025 all-season tyre test (issue 40/2025). This accolade reinforces NEXEN TIRE's strategic positioning as a global manufacturer committed to premium-level innovation and engineering that meets the demands of performance-oriented drivers.

Developed for year-round use on European roads across a wide temperature range, the N'BLUE 4Season 2 is a versatile performer. It demonstrates significant improvements over its predecessor, offering enhanced braking performance in all conditions, along with superior grip and traction on both wet and snowy roads. The tyre provides predictable handling that inspires confidence in diverse driving scenarios, delivering dependable traction and stable behaviour on snow while maintaining solid dry road capabilities, including good dry braking.

Furthermore, it ensures a comfortable driving experience with low rolling noise. This combination of reliable all-weather competence and everyday comfort establishes the N'BLUE 4Season 2 as a high-performing tyre that instils confidence for all vehicle categories.

Jeff Roh, Vice President of Europe Sales & Marketing, NEXEN TIRE Europe, said, “This test result is further proof of our technological development behind the N'BLUE 4Season 2 all-season tyre. We are proud that our investments in research and development and intensive product testing have resulted in an all-season tyre that delivers exceptional performance in all weather conditions, as well as consistent handling and reliable performance.”

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The recently held 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) in Guangzhou served as a critical gateway to international trade, attracting over 200,000 attendees from 217 countries and regions. Doublestar Tire seized this opportunity to present its comprehensive product series, demonstrating significant technological advancement and innovative capacity. The company’s modern booth highlighted high-differentiation and cost-effective tyre solutions, featuring models like the durable TBR-series DMS100 and the efficient PCR-series DH03, which is recognised for its safety and lower fuel consumption.

Through direct and detailed engagement, Doublestar's overseas team effectively communicated product value and developed customised solutions for visitors. This strategic approach successfully captured the attention of international clients, strengthened existing partnerships and generated concrete cooperation proposals. The event has effectively laid a robust foundation for Doublestar’s continued global market expansion. Moving forward, the company reaffirms its commitment to an innovation-driven strategy, aiming to collaborate with international partners to deliver progressively safer, more energy-efficient and intelligent mobility solutions for users worldwide.

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In a significant step for their global partnership, ZC Rubber recently hosted a management delegation from Arsenal Football Club at its headquarters. The visit provided the Arsenal team with a comprehensive look at ZC Rubber's operations, including a tour of the corporate showroom to understand the company's history, product range and innovative vision. The delegation also witnessed the advanced production processes at the state-of-the-art Future Factory, observing firsthand the smart manufacturing and automation that define industry standards for quality.

Following the tours, both parties convened to assess the progress of their collaboration and strategise for its future development. Since the partnership began, ZC Rubber has successfully elevated its international brand by leveraging Arsenal’s global platform. This has included stadium advertising and a variety of exclusive events for distributors and customers, such as VIP matchday experiences and digital campaigns designed to foster deeper fan engagement. This high-level meeting has not only strengthened the relationship between the two organisations but has also paved the way for new cooperative initiatives. Together, ZC Rubber and Arsenal are focused on creating unique value for a global audience and building a partnership dedicated to achieving mutual, sustainable growth.

Shen Haoyu, Deputy General Manager, Zhongce Rubber Group, said, “Our partnership with Arsenal is a key step in ZC Rubber’s globalization strategy. We move forward together with an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Through this partnership, our brand shines on the pitch while more consumers worldwide come to know ZC Rubber for quality and innovation. Working with Arsenal has broadened our reach and created tangible value for our customers and distributors. Looking ahead, we will continue to advance with ambition and deliver even greater results together.”

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