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.

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A new, comprehensive national campaign is underway to address the critical issue of tyre safety within UK fleets. Spearheaded by TyreSafe, the UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, this six-week educational initiative is founded upon three specialised toolkits developed in collaboration with industry leaders Driving for Better Business (DfBB), FORS and Lancashire County Council. This represents the most extensive suite of business-focused tyre safety resources the organisation has ever released, aiming to help companies strengthen compliance, enhance driver safety and achieve significant operational cost savings.

The campaign seeks to reframe tyre maintenance from a purely technical concern to a core business priority with profound implications. Neglected tyres present a major safety hazard, contributing to a heightened risk of collisions. Alarmingly, government data reveals that in 2024, 29 percent of all road fatalities occurred in incidents involving someone driving for work. Beyond the human cost, poorly maintained tyres have a direct financial and environmental impact; they waste fuel, increase emissions and lead to premature wear. This is particularly concerning given that transport remains a primary source of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Research underscores the scale of the problem, indicating that a majority of tyres on UK roads are underinflated and a significant number of vehicles are operating with at least one dangerous tyre.

To provide practical solutions, the three new toolkits offer step-by-step guidance and editable resources for seamless implementation. Developed with DfBB, the Grey Fleet Toolkit assists employers in managing the safety of employee-owned vehicles used for business purposes. In partnership with FORS, the Fleet Tyre Management Toolkit helps companies embed industry best practices for tyre procurement, inspection and maintenance. Finally, the Fleet Service Manager Toolkit, created with Lancashire County Council, provides fleet leaders and workshop managers with the materials needed to integrate tyre safety into staff training and daily operational checks. This broader effort by TyreSafe encourages businesses to view proper tyre care through the interconnected lenses of legal compliance, financial cost and carbon footprint, demonstrating how correct maintenance simultaneously reduces risk, saves money and supports sustainability targets. All resources are now available on the TyreSafe website.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “Tyre safety is not just about maintenance – it’s about responsibility. Every underinflated or worn tyre adds to a business’s costs, carbon footprint and legal exposure. Through these new toolkits and our six-week education campaign, we want to help fleets of every size understand that tyre safety is a measurable way to protect lives, budgets and reputations. Lancashire County Council’s partnership shows how tyre safety can be woven into daily operations, not added as an afterthought. By embedding simple checks into training and supervision, fleet teams can prevent incidents before they happen. Tyres are often missed during daily checks but one of the biggest influences on safety. We urge business drivers and fleet managers to ACT to ensure sound tyre safety management is included in their fleet policies which can make every journey safer, more efficient and sustainable.”

Simon Turner, Engagement Manager, DfBB, said, “Grey fleet drivers represent a hidden risk for many employers. This toolkit helps organisations bring them into the same safety and compliance framework as company drivers – meeting legal obligations and protecting everyone on the road.”

Daniel Fisher, Fleet Services Manager, Lancashire County Council, said, “Partnering with TyreSafe has allowed us to leverage our fleet management experience to provide practical guidance for others. The Fleet Service Manager Toolkit shows how simple, consistent tyre checks can improve compliance, cut costs and keep drivers safer. It’s a model that any organisation – public or private – can adopt.”

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Trelleborg Tires officially launched the TM200 ProgressiveTraction, a significant innovation for the specialised vineyard and orchard sector, at the ongoing Agritechnica 2025 show. This new model is distinguished as the first conventional VF tyre specifically engineered for these demanding applications, where protecting the soil and ensuring operational stability are critical priorities.

The tyre's performance stems from the integration of VF and ProgressiveTraction technologies. The award-winning ProgressiveTraction system employs a unique double-edge lug design that substantially improves grip and stability. This configuration provides up to 15 percent more traction than standard competitor tyres, which in turn boosts productivity and fuel efficiency. Simultaneously, the VF technology allows the tyre to function at significantly lower inflation pressures without sacrificing load capacity. This capability is vital for minimising soil compaction, offering up to 40 percent greater load-bearing ability and eight percent better soil protection compared to conventional tyres. This makes the TM200 particularly well-suited for tractors using heavy front-mounted implements, enabling precise work while preserving soil structure.

Beyond traction and soil care, the tyre’s reinforced VF carcass delivers exceptional lateral stability, a key safety feature on sloped and uneven terrain. Comparative testing indicates a 26 percent improvement in lateral stability and a 10 percent longer service life relative to standard market alternatives. These attributes contribute to safer operation, reduced fuel consumption and greater long-term durability. For added convenience, each tyre includes a unique QR code, providing farmers with immediate access to detailed product information, usage guidelines, and technical support.

This launch reflects Trelleborg's broader commitment to advancing agricultural productivity through high-quality engineering. The TM200 ProgressiveTraction exemplifies this mission, offering a field-proven solution that combines performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility for modern farming.

Luca Sabelli, Brand Director, Trelleborg Tires, said, “With the TM200 ProgressiveTraction, Trelleborg Tires continues to tread the future of the agricultural tyre industry. We are proud to introduce VF technology to specialised tractors for vineyard and orchard operations, supporting farmers in reaching new levels of performance, control and operating efficiency – transforming innovation into real advantages for tomorrow’s agriculture.”

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Alliance, a leading global brand of agricultural and off-highway tyres, introduced the Agri Star II Row Crop tyre, a significant new product extending its proven technology into the specialised row crop segment, at the Agritechnica 2025 show. This launch represents a strategic expansion of the successful Agri Star II series, which has achieved remarkable commercial success with one million units sold since its 2020 debut. Building on this momentum and driven by farmer feedback, the company has adapted its core Stratified Layer Technology (SLT) for the specific demands of row crop equipment, such as sprayers.

The new tyre is engineered as a comprehensive solution for the high-speed, multi-terrain nature of contemporary farming. It is designed for reliable performance both on the road and in the field, offering enhanced traction, greater longevity and improved road handling, all supported by a 7-year warranty. Central to its performance is the proprietary Stratified Layer Technology, which constructs each lug with two distinct layers to maintain consistent performance throughout the tyre's life. This design not only boosts braking and roadability but also helps protect crops by minimising soil compaction.

Further ensuring durability, the tyre features a robust build with integrated stubble guards and advanced, wear-resistant compounds to defend against common hazards like cuts and cracks. Its enhanced speed rating of up to 70 kmph meets the demands of modern, efficient farm logistics. To provide a tailored fit for a wide array of machinery, the Agri Star II Row Crop will be available in a comprehensive selection of sizes, ranging from 24 to 54 inches.

This product introduction reinforces Alliance’s ‘Always By Your Side’ brand philosophy and its 70-year legacy of agricultural innovation. By delivering a customised solution for the row crop category, the company aims to solidify its market position and continue addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers worldwide.

Angelo Noronha, President & CEO, Yokohama-ATG, said, “At Alliance, we take pride in our ability to adapt and innovate based on customer feedback. The Agri Star II Row Crop tyre is a testament to our commitment to empowering farmers with solutions that address their specific challenges. By bringing our proven SLT technology to the row crop segment, we aim to set new standards for performance and reliability in this category.”

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The valedictory function for Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 at the Rubber Board served as a significant culmination to the week-long campaign, held from 27 October to 2 November. The event, which aligned with the Central Vigilance Commission's directives, aimed to champion integrity and galvanise a collective stand against corruption in public life.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Honourable Principal District and Sessions Judge for Kottayam, Manoj M, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the severe detrimental effects of corruption on a developing economy, stating that it fundamentally undermines the constitutional values of justice and rights. He elaborated that corruption extends beyond bribery to include misappropriation, misconduct and nepotism, all of which erode the foundation of public institutions.

M Vasanthagesan, IRS, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, set the tone by welcoming the gathering and underscoring that the fight against corruption is a shared duty which must begin with individual accountability. A highlight of the function was the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions held for students and Board employees during the observance week. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sreevidya P, the Assistant Vigilance Officer, formally bringing the awareness campaign to a close.

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