Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a global tyre and rubber company based in Japan, announced on their website last week that they have succeeded in synthesising new biopolymers that will accelerate the development of the ultimate fuel-efficient tyres. This is as a result of joint research undertaken with Associate Professor, Seiji Takahashi of Tohoku University, Associate Professor, Satoshi Yamashita of Kanazawa University, and Professor Yuzuru Tozawa of Saitama University, states Sumitomo Rubber Industries.

The company claims that its research team recently discovered that the use of modified tomato enzymes (developed as part of their prior research) as a polymerisation catalyst, makes it possible to select polymer initial monomers at will. Based on this discovery, they have succeeded in synthesising biopolymers incorporating initial monomers that are more conducive in improving tyre performance. According to Sumitomo Rubber Industries, through its ongoing research, the company aims to contribute to the realisation of sustainable societies by developing tyres that take fuel efficiency to all new heights for the 2040s and beyond.

The rubber and tyre company further states that its research team had previously succeeded in synthesising a biopolymer not found in nature, by first identifying the segment of natural rubber synthase that plays a key role in determining polymer chain lengths, and then replacing this segment with a similar segment of a specially modified enzyme derived from tomatoes.

Having since furthered its research on modified tomato enzymes, the company recently discovered that the use of modified tomato enzymes weakens initial monomer selectivity. Sumitomo Rubber Industries claims that this in turn allows for synthesis, starting from monomers other than the initial monomers typically involved in the initiation of polymerisation. In addition, by taking advantage of this newfound characteristic, the company has also synthesised entirely new biopolymers, incorporating initial monomers that they have selected at will.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries recently announced the results of its research at the 33^rd Annual Association for Advancement of Industrial Crops (AAIC) Meeting held in Bozeman, Montana (USA) from 9-12 October, 2022. Moving forward, as per Sumitomo Rubber Group, the company will continue working to contribute to the realisation of sustainable societies. It plans on doing this through its ongoing efforts to ensure a stable supply of natural rubber while providing tyres that combine safety and peace of mind, with a reduced environmental impact, the company claims.

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Continental has launched an educational initiative highlighting how rolling resistance-optimised tyres can enhance efficiency and sustainability in commercial vehicle fleets. The campaign, anchored by a dedicated website, provides fleets with interactive tools, videos and data-driven insights to demonstrate how strategic tyre selection impacts total operating costs.

While many fleet operators traditionally prioritise mileage-optimised tyres for their longer tread life, Continental emphasises that rolling resistance plays an increasingly critical role – especially with tightening EU emissions standards and the logistics sector’s shift towards greener transport. Tyres influence not just direct costs (around two percent of fleet expenses) but also fuel consumption, toll fees and CO₂ emissions, affecting up to 31 percent of total operating expenses.

The campaign compares Continental’s fifth-generation tyre lines – Conti Eco, Conti Hybrid and Conti EfficientPro – in various applications, showing how low rolling resistance can reduce fuel use by up to 2,105 litres per vehicle annually. For a 150-truck fleet, proper tyre selection can yield over EUR 300,000 in yearly savings. Continental’s calculations, based on VECTO and its proprietary LODC (Lowest Overall Driving Costs) tool, illustrate these benefits for long-haul and regional transport scenarios.

Beyond tyres, Continental integrates digital solutions like ContiConnect and retreading services (ContiLifeCycle) to further optimise fleet efficiency. Customers like Remondis, a German waste management firm, report tangible benefits, including lower fuel consumption, extended tyre life and proactive maintenance through digital monitoring.

With this initiative, Continental aims to help fleets balance economic and environmental goals, proving that rolling resistance-optimised tyres are not just a compliance measure but a strategic tool for cost savings and emissions reduction in modern logistics.

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The Tire Industry Association (TIA) has published its updated 2025 Legislative Position Papers, reinforcing its dedication to shaping federal policies that benefit the tyre sector.

Prepared by TIA’s Government Affairs Committee and ratified by the Board of Directors, these documents outline the association’s priorities on key legislative and regulatory matters, including proposed bill language where applicable. The papers provide critical context on industry challenges, present TIA’s policy recommendations and mobilise stakeholders to take action. By advocating for favourable legislation and opposing harmful regulations, TIA ensures the tyre industry’s perspective is heard in Washington.

The 2025 positions have already been shared with lawmakers, manufacturers, TIA members and the press, serving as a foundation for the association’s advocacy efforts this year. As new legislative developments arise, TIA will revise the documents to address emerging industry needs. This initiative underscores TIA’s proactive role in influencing policy to support tyre businesses nationwide.

Roy Littlefield IV, TIA’s Vice President of Government Affairs, said, “These documents are more than just policy statements – they’re advocacy tools. They help educate lawmakers, federal agencies and other stakeholders about how federal actions directly impact tyre dealers, manufacturers and service providers across the country.”

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A decade after pioneering the first winter-approved summer tyre, Michelin pushes boundaries again with its groundbreaking MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport. Designed specifically for high-performance sports cars, this innovative tyre merges the dynamic handling of summer sport tyres with certified winter capability – a first for the market.

Engineered for powerful gas and electric vehicles, the CrossClimate 3 Sport delivers year-round confidence with exceptional wet grip (rated ‘A’ on the EU label) and durability. Its advanced materials and motorsport-derived technologies achieve what was once deemed impossible: combining summer tyre responsiveness with Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) winter certification.

Available since 1 July in 29 sizes (205/40R18 to 315/35R20), with 30 additional variants coming in 2026, the tyre has already secured its first OEM partnership. The new Alpine A390 will feature a custom A39-marked version, optimised for the model’s sporty agility in 245/45 R20 sizing. Alpine selected the CrossClimate 3 Sport from three contenders, valuing its all-season precision and winter-ready 3PMSF performance.

Industry recognition followed swiftly, with Michelin winning the 2025 ‘Ze Award for Technological Innovation’ on 3 July. Judged by automotive experts and journalists, the accolade underscores Michelin’s leadership in the booming all-season segment, now representing 37 percent of the market. By redefining performance boundaries, the CrossClimate 3 Sport reaffirms Michelin’s commitment to innovation that meets evolving driver needs.

Serge Lafon Director of the Original Equipment Business Line, said, “When designing this tyre for Alpine, we paid close attention to the vehicle’s specific characteristics. Developed for the largest and most powerful Alpine ever built, this tyre combines winter performance, energy efficiency, optimal grip and sporty responsiveness. It delivers consistent performance, so drivers can count on the tyre throughout its lifespan. Alpine is the first auto manufacturer to select the brand-new MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport.  We are confident that this tyre meets the vehicle's demands and the expectations of consumers seeking long-term safety, simplicity and sportiness. We’re very proud of Alpine’s trust in us.”

Dominique Stempfel President of the French Tyre Manufacturers Association (Syndicat du Pneu), said, “The jury chose to honour the MICHELIN CrossClimate 3 Sport for pioneering a new segment: an all-season tyre designed specifically for sports car drivers seeking the year-round advantages of an all-season tyre without compromising on performance or safety.”

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Continental has received the 43rd KS Energy and Environment Award in the vehicle technology category from Germany's Automobilclub KS e.V., recognising its leadership in sustainable mobility. The honour highlights Continental's UltraContact NXT, its most eco-friendly series tyre to date, which contains up to 65 percent renewable, recycled and ISCC PLUS-certified materials.

As part of the award, Automobilclub KS e.V. is donating EUR 10,000 to Kleine Herzen Hanover, a charity supporting paediatric heart care at Hanover Medical School since 2006. The funds will aid therapies and facility improvements for young patients.

The UltraContact NXT combines sustainability with performance: up to 32 percent renewable content, five percent recycled materials and 28 percent ISCC PLUS-certified bio-based and circular-sourced components. All available sizes achieve the EU tyre label's top 'A' rating for efficiency, wet grip and noise reduction.

Established in 1981, the KS Energy and Environment Award has long promoted emissions-reducing innovations in transport. Under the patronage of Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection since 2022, the award underscores Continental's alignment with national sustainability goals through cutting-edge tyre technology.

Kristina Kumme, Continental Tires' Strategic Program Manager, EMEA, said, "With the UltraContact NXT, we have taken a significant step forward by combining maximum sustainability with excellent performance. We are pleased that the KS Energy and Environment Award jury recognised this innovative development, and we are honoured to support a significant charitable organisation with a EUR-10,000 donation through this award.”

Prof Dr-Ing. Dieter Anselm, a member of the expert jury, said, "For us, this volume tire is clear proof that Continental is working hard to promote innovative technologies and sustainable solutions throughout the entire value chain. Given that every car, regardless of its drive type, needs tyres today and will continue to need them in the future, this innovation has a significant impact.”

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