The European tyre and rubber industry has welcomed the European Parliament’s vote on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), describing it as a step towards greater clarity in sustainability efforts.

The sector has been actively addressing the Regulation’s objectives even before its formal proposal, notably through its involvement in the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR).

“Clear timelines and practical guidance are essential for our industry to comply effectively with the EUDR,” said Adam McCarthy, Secretary General of ETRMA. “We are eager to continue working with EU policymakers to find solutions that benefit the entire supply chain.”

In light of the extended implementation timeline, the industry plans to enhance its systems to ensure compliance. Key measures include expanding the mapping of smallholder farmers to cover a broader supply base, providing them with necessary support, and refining Annex I of the Regulation to avoid any unintended impact on circular economy practices.

The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) reaffirmed its commitment to embedding sustainable practices across the natural rubber supply chain. The association also pledged to support the sector’s competitiveness while ensuring a smooth transition to meet the Regulation’s requirements.

This initiative underscores the industry’s long-term dedication to promoting sustainability while aligning with the EU’s environmental goals.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pirelli North America has launched its first closed-loop circular recycling initiative, marking a significant step in the company’s broader strategy to increase recycled and bio‑based content in its tyre production. The project has received the Tire Recycling Foundation’s Value Chain Collaboration Award.

The programme recovers scrap tyres generated during Pirelli’s own North American manufacturing process. These materials are sent to Bolder Industries, which applies ISCC PLUS‑certified pyrolysis technology to produce BolderBlack recovered carbon black. Pirelli then reintroduces this material into new tyre production at its North American facilities, partially replacing virgin carbon black. The effort is part of a wider Pirelli plan to expand such industrial ecosystems across the group’s production network, aiming to valorise waste by reintegrating recovered materials into tyre manufacturing.

Beyond the award, the initiative reflects Pirelli’s broader circularity approach, which includes ongoing work to boost recycled and bio‑based material usage. The company targets over 80 percent bio‑based and recycled content in its best‑performing products and forty percent in total production by 2030.

Claudio Zanardo, CEO, Pirelli North America, said, "The Rome plant is one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing facilities in Pirelli. This initiative reflects an approach focused on increasing the use of recovered materials within existing production processes. It is part of a broader effort to gradually integrate raw materials derived from recycled resources into our products while maintaining consistency in performance and quality."

Tony Wibbeler, CEO, Bolder Industries, said, "Our collaboration demonstrates that a traceable, mass-balance approach to tyre-to-tyre circularity is not only achievable, but it's ready to scale inside a premium manufacturing environment, meeting real performance and certification requirements at every step. This is the kind of progress the industry has been working toward for many years."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sun Auto Network has expanded its national footprint by acquiring Quality Tire & Auto in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The transaction officially closed on 11 May, adding the store to the company’s growing portfolio. This acquisition represents Sun Auto’s third location in the state, reinforcing its regional presence along key transportation arteries in Middle Tennessee.

The Murfreesboro acquisition is part of a broader expansion strategy that has added more than 40 new locations this year through both purchases and new builds. Joining the network provides the shop with enhanced operational support, connected technology and customer-focused service tools. These resources are designed to strengthen the in-store customer experience and support long-term market growth across the Southeast.

The Murfreesboro location delivers complete automotive repair and tyre services, featuring leading tyre brands with a price match guarantee. Additional services include alignments, brakes, oil changes, batteries, diagnostics and preventative maintenance. This addition further improves the network’s connectivity throughout the region.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President Operations, said, "Tennessee continues to be an important growth market for our network. Adding Quality Tire & Auto allows us to expand Sun Auto's reach while continuing to deliver the trusted service and customer experience drivers expect."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Sailun Tyre Europe has confirmed a new partnership with the Minrath Gruppe, a major automotive retail and service provider operating in Germany’s Lower Rhine region. The agreement sees the tyre manufacturer supplying its full product range to support Minrath’s growing replacement tyre and complete wheel business.

Minrath operates 14 dealerships and service locations, representing brands including Audi, BYD, Cupra, MG, Seat, Škoda and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Under the partnership, Sailun will provide its Smart Performance tyre solutions for vehicles powered by electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel drivetrains, encompassing summer, winter and all-season tyres. Special attention has been given to the Sailun 4Seasons Ultra, which earned an ‘AutoBild Approved’ rating and a ‘Good’ result in AutoBild’s tyre test for size 225/40 R18.

The collaboration combines Minrath’s multi-brand expertise with Sailun’s tyre technology. Both companies have expressed anticipation for a successful working relationship, aiming to deliver reliable tyre solutions to more customers across the region.

Borusiak Thomas, Managing Director, Autohaus Minrath GmbH & Co. KG, said, “Sailun’s ‘Smart Performance’ concept and the demonstration of the tyres won us over straight away. The value for money, proven quality and wide range that we can pass on to our customers further strengthens our position in the region.”

Harry Wang, General Manager, Sailun Group Europe, said, “We are extremely proud that the quality of our tyres and our brand philosophy have convinced the professionals at Minrath Group.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tegeta Green Planet has launched an educational initiative targeting young people to foster environmental responsibility and awareness. The effort responds to the growing global challenges of sustainable development and environmental protection. By focusing on youth education, the organisation aims to build a foundation for long-term ecological consciousness and active public participation in preserving natural resources.

Operating since 2022, Tegeta Green Planet is among the first entities in Georgia authorised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture under the Extended Producer Responsibility framework. This system is central to modern environmental policy, ensuring full-cycle management of specific waste streams such as used tyres, oils and batteries. The process covers collection, transportation, recycling and further handling aligned with circular economy principles.

As part of this drive, company representatives visited multiple schools in Batumi, a Black Sea coastal city and major tourist hub. Given Batumi’s rapid urbanisation and growing tourism, the need for proper waste management and ecological awareness is especially acute. The interactive sessions included presentations and workshops, teaching students how to handle used tyres, batteries and oils correctly; why such management is vital and how waste can become a resource through circular economy models. Students also learned how individual responsible behaviour affects the environment and the future.

The programme employs a practical format with educational games and activities after presentations, encouraging participants to ask questions and discuss eco-friendly daily choices. Attendees receive symbolic gifts and prizes as motivation. Through this project, Tegeta Green Planet continues its educational work across Georgia, aiming to inform and involve the younger generation in building a cleaner environment. The organisation maintains that environmental care extends beyond waste management to include education and a culture of responsibility for a sustainable future.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!