Falken Tyres will introduce summer and all-season tyres for cars and SUVs for the OE and aftermarket segments in the Spring 2021.

Ten new sizes will be added to the Falken AZENIS FK510 range, with another two sizes currently in development. This ultra high performance (UHP) tyre provides excellent handling in wet and dry conditions along with low rolling noise, and will be available in the sizes 205/50Z R17 (93Y) XL to 255/35Z R18 (94Y) XL, in addition to the existing 86 sizes. Four new sizes are now available for the AZENIS FK510SUV variant, specifically designed for SUVs, with 215/50 R18 (92W) also set to join the range in the spring.

With 22 new fitments for XL applications, Falken is boosting the offering for its excellent all-season tyre, the Falken EUROALL SEASON AS210. Featuring the “XL” mark, the new sizes span 175/65 R15 (88H) XL through to 255/45 R20 (105V) XL. The all-rounder also features the snowflake symbol (3PMSF), marking it for use in all weather conditions.

With 17 new sizes, Falken is also significantly increasing its range of the all-terrain WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA tyre model, which has been designed for SUVs and 4x4 vehicles used off road. Engineered for rugged terrain in any weather, this model is marked with the snowflake symbol (3PMSF). Additionally, the 255/55 R20 (110H) XL dimension is scheduled to enter production in March 2021. The additional fitments bolster the existing 40 WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA range already available, spanning series 55-85, 15-20 inches.

Falken’s new fitments across its models for cars and SUVs will be available from Spring 2021.

Falken’s extended tyre range and higher load ratings take the strain for LCV and truck operators

Starting from March 2021, Falken will increase its range of tyre fitments available for light commercial vehicles, vans and trucks, along with the load rating of select patterns.

Three new dimensions of Falken’s LINAM VAN01 summer tyre will be available. Engineered to deliver excellent mileage and long-lasting performance, the LINAM VAN01 will be available in sizes 225/60 R16 C 105/103 T, 235/60 R17 C 117/115 S and 225/55 R17 C 109/107 H. Additionally, the pattern’s 235/65 R16 C fitment will have an increased load index of 121/119 R.

For users looking for one tyre to provide all-year-round performance, Falken has added seven new sizes of its EUROALL SEASON VAN11 range. The all-season tyre, which is marked with the snowflake symbol (3PMSF), delivers outstanding durability and safety in all weather conditions. The seven new fitments are: 185/75 R 16 C 104/102 R, 195/70 R 15 C 104/102 S, 215/70 R 15 C 109/107S, 225/70 R 15 C 112/110 R, 225/60 R 16 C 105/103 T, 235/65 R16 C 121/119R and 225/75 R16 C 121/120R.

To support operators and users, numerous additions will also be made to Falken’s truck tyre range. In production is Falken’s BI856 high-traction drive axle tyre for regional and long-distance transport, which will be available in 295/60 R22.5 150/147.

Falken’s patterns for steering and trailer axles – the GI378, GI368 and RI151 – will be available in additional fitments. The Falken GI378 will be available in sizes 425/65 R 22.5 165 K and 445/65 R 22.5 169 K. Featuring the snowflake symbol, this all-season tyre has proven itself on both construction sites and in urban applications. The Falken GI368 in size 385/65 R 22.5 will be upgraded to feature an increased load index of 164 (speed index K).

Falken is also offering four new sizes for the RI151 model: 215/75 R17.5 128/126M, 265/70 R 17.5 140/138 M, 255/70 R 22.5 140/137 M and 295/60 R 22.5 150/147 L. Additionally, the load index of fitment 385/65 R 22.5 is increasing to 164K.

Engineered for regional transport usage, the durable and efficient RI128 pattern will come in additional sizes: 245/70 R 17.5 143/141J, 285/70 R 19.5 150/148J and 275/70 R 22.5 152/148 J. The load index for fitment 245/70 R 19.5 has been increased to 141/140 J, while the 385/65 R 22.5 has been upgraded to a load index of 164 K (158 L).

In April 2021, Falken will begin production of the GI388 all-wheel drive tyre for construction vehicles in 385/65 R 22.5 with the increased load index of 164 K. The addition of the fitment 13R 22.5 156/150K (154/150L) will follow in summer 2021.(TT)

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Dr Suttipong Angthong, Secretary-General of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), was a distinguished speaker at the World Elastomer Technology and Engineering Forum (WETEF) in Shanghai from 13 to 16 September 2026. Co-organised with RubberTech China, the event attracted over 100,000 professional visitors, industry leaders, scholars and executives from dozens of countries.

His participation delivered strategic benefits for ANRPC and its members by raising natural rubber's profile amid global discussions dominated by synthetic elastomers and advanced materials. Aligning with WETEF's eco-friendly manufacturing focus, he promoted climate-positive practices, traceability and environmentally sound processing methods.

The forum also created direct dialogue channels with major consuming markets and international technical institutions, strengthening trade synergies. It provided valuable insights into breakthrough elastomer science, helping member nations adapt to shifting international market demands.

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Kuraray Co., Ltd. has contributed JPY 9,896,480, roughly USD 64,000, to four international nonprofit organisations. The funds were generated through employee participation in ‘100 Challenge’, a global initiative tied to the company’s centennial observances.

The World Food Programme received JPY 2,804,003, while UNICEF was granted JPY 2,474,120. WaterAid obtained JPY 2,405,394 and WWF was allocated JPY 2,212,963. Each organisation’s share corresponded directly to points accumulated by Kuraray Group staff.

The Group marked its 100th anniversary in June 2026, adopting ‘Possible starts here’ and a related brand story as the guiding concept for its centennial activities. While honouring those who built its first century, Kuraray is pursuing diverse efforts intended to shape the next 100 years, with employees worldwide at the centre. The company seeks to connect staff across departments, countries and languages, fostering unity and connection.

A dedicated app called ‘100 Challenge’, inspired by younger employees, formed one such effort. Participants completed 100 in-app tasks, earning points that supported social contribution activities. The app provided a shared experience regardless of location or role, with individual efforts contributing to both a commemorative mosaic artwork and charitable donations. By combining small individual challenges, the initiative illustrated how personal actions can generate meaningful collective impact, reflecting long-held Kuraray Group values.

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TyreSafe has entered a new partnership with Staffordshire Police, reinforcing a joint commitment to improve road safety and reduce fatalities and serious injuries across the county. The collaboration aims to highlight the critical role tyres play in protecting road users by encouraging simple, regular checks of pressure, tread depth and overall condition.

The value of this preventative approach was recently demonstrated during a multi-agency enforcement operation at the DVSA Vehicle Inspection Site in Doxey. Held on 25 August, Operation Doxey involved Staffordshire Police, West Mercia Police, DVSA, Datatag, the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit and TyreSafe. Inspectors directed 30 vehicles into the site, covering leisure vehicles, towing vehicles, light commercial vehicles and goods vehicles.

Seven tyre and wheel-related defects, mechanical risks and pressure discrepancies were identified. These included a tyre cut through to the cord, which received an immediate prohibition notice, a tyre running roughly 30 percent below recommended pressure, an overweight light commercial vehicle with a nail embedded in a tyre and all four tyres underinflated, a significant rear axle pressure imbalance, a missing wheel nut and an 11-year-old tyre. Leisure vehicle owners generally showed good tread awareness, though pressure maintenance remained an issue, while commercial vehicles presented several preventable defects.

Staffordshire has one of UK’s statistically safest road networks, yet serious collisions remain a concern, particularly on single carriageways. Rural bends, changing speed limits and limited visibility add risk, while motorcyclists and vulnerable road users are disproportionately affected. Common factors include failing to look properly, misjudging speed or path and driving too fast or carelessly. TyreSafe now works with over 260 organisations, and this partnership encourages Staffordshire motorists to make tyre checks routine.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to welcome Staffordshire Police as a TyreSafe partner. While Staffordshire has a strong road safety record, every serious collision has potentially devastating consequences for those involved, their families and their communities. The recent Operation Doxey enforcement activity demonstrates exactly why preventative vehicle maintenance matters. Across just 30 vehicles, inspectors identified a number of serious tyre and wheel defects, including a tyre cut to the cord, significantly incorrect tyre pressures, an embedded nail, a missing wheel nut and a tyre that was 11 years old.

“These findings are a powerful reminder that problems are not always obvious from behind the wheel. Simple checks before a journey can help identify issues before they become a danger on the road. Different roads present different challenges, particularly rural and single carriageway roads where the consequences of losing control or being unable to stop safely can be especially severe. Road safety requires a collective effort, and partnerships such as this are incredibly important. By combining the reach and expertise of Staffordshire Police with TyreSafe’s specialist knowledge and campaigns, we can help more road users understand the simple but crucial role their tyres play in keeping themselves and others safe.”

Police Sergeant Adam Van de Sande, Staffordshire Road Crime – Proactive & Harm Reduction Team, said, “Keeping people safe on Staffordshire’s roads requires everyone to play their part. We are committed to working with partners to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our road network. Operation Doxey demonstrated the value of partnership working, with officers, vehicle examiners and road safety specialists able to identify a range of defects and safety issues before those vehicles continued their journeys.

“Vehicle safety is an important part of that responsibility, and tyres are fundamental to a vehicle’s ability to stop, steer and maintain grip. We are pleased to be working with TyreSafe to raise awareness and encourage motorists to make regular tyre checks part of their routine vehicle maintenance. Our message to road users is simple: don’t wait for something to go wrong. Take a few minutes to check your vehicle and make sure it is ready for the road.”

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The AZuR Network has been honoured with the German Award for Sustainability Projects 2026 in the C2C/Recycling category for its ‘Retreading: Climate Protection on Wheels’ project. The recognition highlights the network's efforts to expand tyre retreading across Germany and Europe, thereby extending the useful life of tyres. Retreading works by reusing a suitable used tyre casing and applying a fresh tread, keeping a substantial share of the original tyre in circulation.

A life cycle assessment commissioned by AZuR and carried out by the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT compared retreaded tyres with equivalent new ones. Under the conditions examined, producing a retreaded truck tyre generated roughly 135 kilogrammes less greenhouse gas emissions, a reduction exceeding 60 percent. The process also reuses considerable portions of the existing tyre casing, reinforcing its environmental advantages.

The jury underscored the project's scalability and its relevance to the industry. Official documentation further noted the political integration of the topic as a key strength, with the EU taxonomy confirmation in 2025 representing a tangible milestone. The award places AZuR among well-known companies and innovative projects, including a climate protection cooker initiative in Cameroon, a capsule-free coffee system and a mental health awareness campaign.

Knauf secured first place in the same category with its circular gypsum supply chain, while Schmitz Cargobull led the Mobility and Logistics Solutions category. Other first-place winners included DEKRA, Hansgrohe, Pfleiderer Germany and SBRS. Presented by DISQ with ntv and DUP UNTERNEHMER under Brigitte Zypries' patronage, the 2026 edition saw 433 nominations, with 46 organisations recognised across 19 categories on 17 September in Berlin.

Christina Guth, Network Coordinator, AZuR, said, “This award belongs to our entire network. Retreading only works when many stakeholders collaborate along the value chain – from certified end-of-life tyre recyclers, tyre manufacturers and retreaders to retailers and fleet operators, all the way to academia. The award highlights the potential of using high-quality tyres for longer and keeping their casings in circulation.”

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