The Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence for this year have been presented at the Tire Technology Expo in Deutsche Messe. 

The awards, which were coordinated by Tire Technology International magazine, were split into seven dedicated categories and officiated by a panel of international journalists and industry experts, a press release said.  

Bekaert’s BeCoFree – a next-generation tyre cord coating that will enable tyre manufacturers to produce high performance tyres without the need to use any cobalt (or elements of similar concerns) bagged the Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year Award. 

With sustainability an ever-increasing focus for tyre makers and suppliers, the Environmental Achievement of the Year Award was a fiercely contested category. Recent years have seen the trophy awarded to those leading the way in environmentally conscious development, and the 2022 jury opted to recognise a collaboration between Bridgestone, Arlanxeo and Solvay, the release pointed out.  

TechSyn is a co-developed tyre technology platform which combines chemically optimised synthetic rubber with tailormade silica, interacting at a molecular level, to deliver improved performance with fewer trade-offs. 

SRI won the Tire Technology of the Year Award for its HSBR – Hydrogenated Styrene-Butadiene Rubber. Judges were impressed by the advanced research on display, using synchrotron as well as supercomputing facilities, the release said. In particular, molecular dynamics simulation revealed that chemical reactions coupled with mechanical deformation exacerbates wear performance throughout mechanochemical reactions. 

The Tire Industry Supplier of the Year Award was presented to Mesnac, one of the tyre industry’s most recognisable and widely regarded suppliers. Judges pointed out a number of reasons in their comments, including the company’s willingness to invest in facilities and innovation, adapting its product offering to meet the needs of the modern tyre industry. 

The Tire Manufacturer of the Year Award sees the world’s biggest tyre makers going head-to-head for the top spot. This category was, as always, a hotly contested one, with all shortlisted finalists having their admirers on the jury panel. When the scores were tallied, it was Continental who claimed first place, marking the third time the tyre maker has won this award. 

Bernd Korte, Vice President, Platform Development & Industrialization, Continental, said, “We are very honoured to receive this year’s Tire Manufacturer of the Year Award. It motivates our entire company to continue on the path we have chosen, to continuously invest in the development of our tyres and to make a significant contribution to a safe, cost-effective and environmentally friendly mobility.” 

The Young Scientist Award for 2022 was given to Marco Furlan, a PhD student at Loughborough University. The award’s jury – which is separate to the five central categories – selected Furlan and his work, “Real-time friction estimation using neural networks”. 

Head juror Jan Prins said, “Marco's presentation was rated the best overall due to the interesting content, presenting a very practical approach to a complex problem, with a smooth delivery of a high-quality, well-structured PowerPoint presentation, including extensive use of helpful animations.” 

As well as recognising the impressive achievements of manufacturers and suppliers, the awards are an opportunity to highlight the achievements of remarkable individuals within the industry. One such individual is Bo Persson, winner of the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. In perhaps the most telling endorsement of Persson’s contribution to the tyre industry over his decades-long career, he was independently suggested by several of his peers, each keen for him to receive the recognition his contemporaries feel he deserves. 

Persson is one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of friction, tribology, adhesion and contact mechanics of rubbers and rubber-like soft matter, and one of the most widely cited experts in the tyre industry. After receiving his PhD in 1980, Persson went to work at FZ Jülich. In 1983-84, he spent 1.5 years as a postdoc at the IBM research lab in Yorktown Heights in upstate New York. In 1987, he spent another year as visiting scientist at the IBM research lab in Zurich. He has his own consulting company, MultiscaleConsulting, and works mainly with tyre companies and medical companies. In tribology, Persson regards his most important paper as his 2000 work on contact mechanics for viscoelastic solids with random roughness. 

Persson said, “I wrote this paper a few weeks after I started consulting with Pirelli about rubber friction. This work turned out to be very fundamental and I have spent 20 years working out different applications of this theory. That insight has kept me occupied for 20 years!” 

The 2022 awards have seen some remarkable examples of innovation and collaboration, made all the more impressive given the challenges of the last few years. 

Matt Ross, Editor-in-chief of Tire Technology International and chairman of the awards, said, “Like other industries across the world, the tyre business has faced some extra challenges over the last two years. So, it’s all the more important to recognize these examples of world-leading innovation and industry-defining contributions to tire development. Obviously, the winners of these awards have all won over the judges, but it’s also important to point out just how impressed the panel was with the caliber of entry from all the shortlisted entrants – there were no easy decisions this year, and the winners deserve many congratulations.” (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

A new study from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has concluded that crumb rubber infill made from recycled tyres and used in synthetic turf fields poses no significant health risk to those who use or observe them. The comprehensive evaluation found no evidence linking these fields to cancer or other health issues for athletes, officials, coaches or spectators, including young children.

These engineered fields, designed to replicate natural grass, are popular due to their low maintenance, water efficiency and durable, consistent surface. Their widespread adoption in California includes over 900 installations. The infill itself consists of small granules from recycled waste tyres, which help keep the artificial blades upright and provide cushioning and traction.

OEHHA conducted the study to support California's sustainability efforts, specifically its Waste Tire Program, which seeks safe and beneficial uses for recycled materials that would otherwise go to landfills. To ensure a thorough assessment, researchers tested 35 different fields, varying in age and location to represent all of California's climate zones. Multiple samples were taken from each field to account for material differences, and air quality was monitored both during active play and at rest.

The study’s scope was unprecedented, analysing over 100 chemicals of potential concern, far more than previous investigations. In collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, researchers simulated human sweat and digestion to identify all chemicals to which a person might be exposed. To understand exposure pathways, OEHHA partnered with UC Berkeley and the University of Arizona. They surveyed over a thousand soccer players, ranging in age from 7 to 71, about their playing habits and observed games to document contact with the turf. The analysis used data from goalies, who have the most frequent contact, to estimate the maximum risk for all players, also considering the potential exposure for a crawling toddler. The final analysis indicated that risks related to cancer, reproductive harm or sensory irritation were negligible.

Kris Thayer, Director, OEHHA, said, "This study should ease concerns about the safety of crumb rubber use in synthetic turf fields. Athletes of all ages can use these fields without parents worrying about this commonly used material."

Zoe Heller, Director, CalRecycle, said, "Protecting public health is our top priority, and California is committed to making sure waste tyres are managed safely so they don’t litter communities or pose risks to residents. CalRecycle appreciates the work of OEHHA and its partners to advance our understanding in support of a cleaner, healthier circular economy."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The all-new Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2, an ultra-high-performance (UHP) all-season tyre scheduled for launch this summer, will come armed with a next-generation tread compound technology and a highly innovative structure to deliver an unrivalled combination of year-round safety, performance and efficiency across dry, wet and winter conditions. This model represents a major advancement for the Vredestein brand, which has been a pioneer in the all-season sector since the early 1990s.

Developed from a clean sheet by Apollo Tyres at its Global R&D Centre in the Netherlands, the Quatrac Pro 2 was not an evolution of an existing design. Instead, engineers completely reimagined the tread, materials and structure to overcome the typical performance compromises found in this category. The tyre will be manufactured at Apollo’s advanced facility in Hungary.

The core of its capability is a new directional tread pattern. Longitudinal grooves work with a V-shaped design to maximise resistance to aquaplaning by efficiently evacuating water. Lateral grooves are sculpted to harmonise wet-road performance with winter traction, while a stable centre rib ensures precise dry handling and braking stability on both wet and dry surfaces. For snow-covered roads, advanced 3D interlocking sipes in the shoulder blocks provide grip without compromising tread stability in other conditions. A multi-pitch tread block sequence also refines the acoustic signature, which is particularly advantageous for electric and hybrid vehicles. The entire Quatrac Pro 2 range achieves an A-rated exterior noise label.

A revolutionary next-generation traction compound is central to the tyre’s versatile performance. This advanced material combines a unique mixture of resins and polymers with complex multi-filler technology. The result is a tyre that maintains a broad operational range across varying temperatures, with a strong emphasis on wet braking. It balances low-temperature flexibility for reliable grip on cold, wet and snowy surfaces with high-temperature stability for consistent handling and abrasion resistance on hot, dry roads, enhancing durability year-round. The tyre bears the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, confirming its winter capability.

This new compound and tread design are also optimised for electric and hybrid vehicles, managing the challenges of high battery mass and instant electric motor torque by ensuring consistent grip and tread stability. The engineering goal was to provide high levels of cornering stability and precision without sacrificing ride comfort, a balance that sets the tyre apart.

Complementing the compound, the tyre's structure has been entirely re-engineered. A stiffer bead area with a double taper design ensures secure bead seating even at high speeds while distributing forces more evenly for improved comfort and stability. A dedicated belt design optimises the tyre's footprint for enhanced mileage. In mixed fitments, this improves steering precision at the front axle and stability at the rear.

The Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2 will be available in an extensive range of sizes for 17- to 24-inch rims, including section widths up to 355 for high-performance vehicles. With speed ratings up to Y (300 kmph), it firmly positions itself at the pinnacle of the UHP all-season category, with high load rating options on select sizes.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Quatrac Pro 2 has exceeded the very demanding performance target we set during development while delivering superior wet grip, great snow handling, low rolling resistance and high mileage. By focusing on the fundamentals of tyre behaviour and rethinking tread design, materials and structure, we have created a performance-focused all-season tyre that delivers stability, mileage, all-season grip with best wet performance in category.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Trelleborg Tires will showcase its agricultural tyre solutions alongside its official distributor, Gomería Altamirano, at Expoagro 2026. The event is scheduled for 10–13 March 2026 at the Predio Ferial y Autódromo de San Nicolás in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Visitors to Booth 1504 will have the opportunity to explore high-performance radial tyres designed for the demands of contemporary farming. This collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening Trelleborg’s market presence in Argentina through a partnership with a well-established regional distributor.

The Argentine agricultural sector is increasingly transitioning from bias to radial tyre technology. This shift is driven by greater mechanisation, the use of higher horsepower equipment and a focus on improving field productivity. Farmers are turning to radial solutions for benefits such as superior traction, reduced fuel consumption, minimised soil compaction and longer tyre life. Trelleborg and Gomería Altamirano are actively supporting this evolution by providing products tailored to local conditions.

At the expo, two flagship tyre ranges will be highlighted. The TM1000 ProgressiveTraction series, intended for high-horsepower tractors, features patented double-edge lug technology to enhance grip, optimise the footprint and lower fuel usage. The TM3000 CFO range, engineered for combine harvesters, offers high load capacity at low inflation pressures to preserve soil structure and ensure reliability during harvesting.

With over six decades of experience serving central Argentina, Gomería Altamirano has built a strong regional reputation through its branches in Río Cuarto, Córdoba and Santa Rosa. Expoagro 2026 will mark their first joint exhibition, underscoring their shared dedication to delivering advanced radial technology to local farmers.

Pablo Altamirano, CEO, Gomería Altamirano, said, “For us, it is a source of pride to strengthen our partnership with Trelleborg Tires and bring world-leading tyre technology closer to Argentine producers. Trelleborg tyres are original equipment on many of the high-horsepower tractors, harvesters and sprayers currently sold and operating in the country. At Expoagro, we want to showcase these high-performance radial solutions, together with the track line that we are already commercialising, expanding the technological alternatives available to farmers.”

Eduardo Marrone, Commercial Manager, Trelleborg Tires, said, “We are proud to strengthen our alliance with Gomería Altamirano, a partner with deep regional expertise and a solid reputation in the Argentine agricultural market. Their close relationship with farmers plays a key role in supporting the country’s transition to radial technology. Together, we deliver premium tyre solutions that increase productivity, improve operational efficiency and promote more sustainable farming practices.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Pirelli is all set for the Chinese Grand Prix, which marks the first Sprint weekend of the 2026 Formula 1 season and will see the presentation of the newly redesigned Pirelli Sprint Qualifying Award. The second round of the championship will feature a 19-lap short race on Saturday, the first of six such events scheduled for the year.

The tyre allocation for the event remains unchanged from previous years, with teams supplied the C2, C3 and C4 compounds for the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit. The track layout, inspired by the ‘shang’ ideogram, includes two primary straights and sixteen corners. One notable straight connects a slightly banked Turn 13 to Turn 14, while the other, which exceeds one kilometre in length, is where the starting grid is situated.

The circuit presents a varied challenge with a mix of high-speed corners, such as the sweeping Turns 7 and 8, and slower sections found at Turns 1, 3, 6 and 14. These demanding sequences, combined with fast straights, place significant stress on the tyres and will test the energy recovery capabilities of the new power units. Drivers may face difficulties with corner-entry lock-ups under heavy braking, similar to issues observed during pre-season testing in Bahrain, which features comparable braking zones.

A key variable for the weekend is the track surface, which was completely resurfaced in August 2024. The new asphalt initially provided higher grip and lower lap times, but its smoothness led to front-axle graining during the 2025 event, particularly in the Sprint race. However, as the surface has had another year to age, grip levels might be slightly reduced, potentially lowering the risk of graining. This will be assessed in early practice sessions. Teams’ simulation data suggests lap times will be closely matched to last year’s, indicating that the performance loss expected from the new car generation may be offset by other factors.

Looking back at the 2025 race, most drivers started on the Medium compound, with only three opting for the Hard. The Soft tyre was unused in the Grand Prix. The winning strategy was a one-stop, featuring a long final stint on the Hard tyre, which proved durable and resistant to graining. The podium finishers made their sole pit stops between laps 14 and 15, with Oscar Piastri taking victory ahead of Lando Norris and George Russell.

The trophy for the pole-sitter features a Soft tyre above a base embedded with a helmet decorated in the colours of the Chinese flag, which will be engraved with the winner’s name and car number. The Chinese Grand Prix returns for its 19th running at this venue, having first appeared on the calendar in 2004. Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes share the record for the most wins here, with six each. Hamilton also holds the record for the most podium finishes, with nine.

To celebrate the event, a special podium cap has been created in imperial yellow, a colour traditionally associated with prestige. It features designs commemorating the Year of the Horse and will be available for purchase on the Pirelli e-commerce platform.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!