In a candid interaction with Tyre Trends, freelance tyre testing specialist Juuli Raatikainen shares her views on the intricacies of tyre testing, the role of women in the industry, simulation and the road ahead, reports Nilesh Wadhwa.

“Women have been driving cars for decades, so why not be part of the tyre and automotive testing industry? I believe the bigger question and challenge is how the industry (tyre and automotive) can think beyond gender. The tyre testing industry is huge, but there are not many direct studies to learn about it and become part of it,” remarked Juuli Raatikainen, the 28-year-old test driver and mechanic who has been offering freelance services for tyre testing for the last four years.

INITIAL JOURNEY

It is no secret that tyre testing is not a widely known field. A simple internet search for the world’s top 10 racers or motorsport celebrities will return mostly male sports personalities.

For Raatikainen, the journey into tyre testing began as a test assistant in Lapland, Finland.

“I started my career as a test assistant. My passion for testing grew, and I was eager to learn more, working hard to gain knowledge. My efforts were noticed, and I received the necessary support. The decision to start my own company and operate as a freelancer was quite easy for me. In the first two years, I focused on gaining experience, testing time and learning as much as possible. I wanted to see tyre testing from different angles, companies and drivers. Today, I am happy to say that I have experience in tyre testing operations as a tyre mechanic, test assistant, instrumentation specialist and objective test driver. I am also engaged in testing tyres and vehicles for events and magazines,” she shared.

THE EVOLVING ROLE OF TYRE TESTING

Tyre testing has evolved over the years, from physical and mechanical assessments to indoor methods, including Tyre-in-the-Loop (TiL) testing, a form of hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) simulation. However, despite technological advancements, many tests still need to be conducted in real-world conditions to determine optimal solutions.

For example, a vehicle travelling in a sandy environment at a particular tyre pressure will have different braking times even at the same speed. The steering response, traction at different corners and slippage will also vary.

“I find simulators to be a good tool for all drivers and for hardware development. However, no one knows exactly how they will impact testing in the future. Many questions remain, and some conditions and types of tests cannot yet be simulated accurately. As a test driver, my main expertise is in winter testing. From my experience, winter conditions are particularly difficult to replicate artificially. Winter is a living, breathing element of nature, making it hard to forecast, as conditions can change very quickly,” she explained.

For tyre manufacturers, real-world testing is essential for finding the right conditions and weather. For instance, summer tyres cannot be tested in winter, nor can Nordic spike tyres be tested in warm conditions. “It is a challenge for companies to run tyre tests year-round and across different locations. Agility is key,” Raatikainen added.

Tyre testing falls into two main categories: objective and subjective. Objective testing relies on instruments to assess tyre performance, while subjective testing depends on the driver’s evaluation.

“As a freelancer, I work across different processes. Transparency with clients is my priority. It’s about what I do and how I do it. Trust is one of the key values I bring to the table,” she explained.

KEY LEARNINGS & TYRE SAFETY

As a test driver, Raatikainen has firsthand experience of how tyre choices impact performance and safety in different conditions.

“Statistics show that one of the most common mistakes drivers make is using the wrong type of tyres for their environment and weather conditions. When selecting tyres, it’s crucial to consider two key questions: Where will I be driving, and in what weather conditions? These simple considerations can significantly impact safety,” she added.

Most tyres have a wear indicator on the tread to signal when they need replacement, but these warnings are often ignored.

According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), India recorded 461,312 road accidents in 2022, resulting in 155,781 fatal cases. Despite tyres having a significant influence on vehicular control, they are rarely cited as a primary cause of accidents.

When replacing tyres, it is also crucial to check their manufacturing date. Raatikainen emphasises that even a ‘new’ tyre must be evaluated based on its production date, as rubber degrades over time, regardless of use.

“Regularly checking tyre condition is just as important as choosing the right type. Ensure tyres have adequate tread depth, are free from cracks or bulges and are properly inflated. These simple maintenance habits can extend tyre life and improve safety,” she added.

FUTURE TRENDS IMPACTING THE TYRE INDUSTRY

New-age vehicles and tightening regulations are pushing industry players towards sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint.

For the tyre industry, environmentally friendly sourcing, production and materials remain key focus areas. From a tester’s perspective, what does the future hold?

“I am excited about advancements in simulation technology and their impact on the tyre industry. Another major trend is the growing emphasis on indoor testing for winter tyres, which addresses unpredictable weather challenges and helps distribute testing workloads more efficiently,” she said.

A third emerging trend is smart tyre technology.

“While modern vehicles are equipped with advanced systems, tyres have yet to integrate similar innovations. The questions of when this technology will arrive, how it will develop and what features it will bring are incredibly exciting. I look forward to seeing how smart tyres will enhance safety, performance and the driving experience,” Raatikainen concluded.

The global tyre industry’s top manufacturers and technology suppliers met at the Tire Technology Expo 2025 in Hannover on 4-6 March to unveil technologies focused on driving sustainability, digitalisation and road safety. At the Deutsche Messe, the exhibition featured advances in tyre engineering, materials science and manufacturing technologies that will define mobility in the future.

In opening the event, expo founder Tony Robinson called on manufacturers to close the knowledge gap with consumers, highlighting how most drivers undervalue the importance of tyres in ensuring a vehicle’s safety. He mentioned that safety rests on the four small ‘footprints’ of rubber linking a car to the road, which tends to be undervalued by the general driver.

Looking to the future, Robinson saw a day when tyres contain sensors that share real-time information with other cars and roadside infrastructure. These sensors could warn drivers of dangerous road conditions like flooding or new potholes, making roads safer and avoiding crashes. He predicted that information from tyres could also feed into weather forecasting services, providing useful real-time information on road conditions.

The exhibition floor showcased innovation and high-performance solutions from more than 240 exhibitors, with Bekaert, Rockwell Automation, VMI Group, HF Group, ARP Technologies, Synthos, Nynas, Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH, Kordsa, Black Donuts and others.

SUSTAINABILITY AND MATERIAL INNOVATION TAKE CENTRE STAGE

The expo also reflected the tyre industry’s growing focus on sustainability, with manufacturers launching new materials and processes to lower environmental impact. Bekaert launched its Mega Tensile reinforcement technology, a major innovation in its Elyta range. The technology enables tyre manufacturers to produce up to 20 percent less steel and 10 percent less rubber compound in belt plies, achieving a 2-4 percent drop in rolling resistance and a huge 15-20 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions per tyre.

Kordsa introduced its REV Technologies, which are specifically tailored to electric vehicle tyres. The company’s innovations include recycled PET (rPET) cord fabric and RFID tyre tags, enabling improved lifecycle monitoring and data collection. Kordsa expects to enhance sustainability and recycling practices by combining digital identification with tyre production.

Teijin Aramid featured its Twaron para-aramid reinforcement, a material that can manufacture lighter tyres with reduced rolling resistance and eventually lower emissions.

EV AND DIGITAL INNOVATION LEAD DISCUSSIONS

As the electric vehicle (EV) market grows, tyre makers focus on creating solutions specific to the special needs of EVs and autonomous vehicles. Continental Tires unveiled an overall sustainability strategy, emphasising the environmental impact of tyres throughout their life cycle. The firm detailed plans to incorporate more sustainable raw materials, minimise waste during production and enhance tyre durability.

Michelin’s Director of Standards and Regulations for Connected Mobility, Claire Fioretti, outlined the company’s efforts around Digital Product Passports (DPP), a major initiative within the (ESPR). The regulation, enacted in 2024, aims to increase supply chain transparency by mandating that products carry a permanent, readable identifier usable throughout their life cycle. Michelin is already testing the programme in various industries, such as textiles, electronics and automotive components, with the cooperation of French, German and Swedish stakeholders.

The ESPR system, Fioretti characterised as an ‘ambitious information system’, will enable the maker, the recycler and the buyer to make environmentally informed decisions. She stressed that the movement is not so much about compliance as a transition towards the principles of the circular economy. By 2027, by the time broad adoption of the ESPR sets in, product design may improve, recycling efficiency will be elevated and buyers’ confidence will be boosted in second-hand markets.

MANUFACTURING INNOVATION AND AI TECHNOLOGY

The event showcased the latest digital manufacturing solutions to enhance efficiency, lower waste and better quality control. Rockwell Automation launched AI-driven tools to optimise tyre production, including digital thread technologies for tracking data without interruption through various manufacturing processes.

Black Donuts launched its Digital Twin Tyre Plant Simulation, a cutting-edge real-time virtual modelling tool that aids manufacturers in minimising downtime and optimising production. The company’s methodology involves end-to-end finite element analysis, enabling accurate tyre performance simulations before production.

HF dominated the manufacturing technology market with its state-of-the-art electric tyre curing presses. The company illustrated how its new electric curing technology could be applied to new and retrofit installations to minimise energy consumption and enhance process efficiency. Fischer TireTech exhibited computerised cord-cutting lines and premium extrusion technologies aimed at increasing accuracy in tyre production.

Uzer Makina launched a high-end electric tyre curing press focused on energy efficiency and precision production. ARP Technologies showcased its Electromagnetic Heating (EMH) curing system, a more energy-efficient curing process, alongside an artificial intelligence-based inspection machine that can spot tiny defects with great accuracy.

KraussMaffei featured its multiplex extrusion technology, which enhances first-time production quality and eliminates material bleeding during tyre formation. The company showed a new head clamping technology that maximises channel cleaning effectiveness, further expanding the limits of green manufacturing.

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Regulatory matters were on the agenda at the expo, with leading experts discussing the changing scene for tyre production and green compliance. Adam McCarthy, Secretary General of the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), gave a definitive overview of recent European Commission regulatory interventions impacting the sector.

A specific session on Tyre and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) collaborated with industry experts from Bridgestone, Continental and Michelin, as well as leading research institutions, to address the implications of future Euro 7 regulations. It was centred around reducing tyre wear’s environmental footprint without compromising performance levels.

FUTURE OUTLOOK AND INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

During the three-day conference, experts worldwide exchanged information, delved into future technologies and worked on crafting the mobility of the future. The event highlighted reducing carbon footprint, improving safety and customising solutions for future electric and self-driving cars.

The next edition will be held on 3 and 4 March 2026.

TIRE TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL AWARDS FOR INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

A key highlight of the event was the prestigious Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence 2025. Recognising achievements across 12 categories, the awards celebrate the latest advancements in tyre technology, progress towards a more sustainable industry and the outstanding contributions of individuals driving innovation. This year’s winners are as follows:

Goodyear bagged Environmental Achievement of the Year – Tire Design for its ElectricDrive Sustainable- Material (EDS) tyre.

Continental was awarded the Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing award for its CO2-neutral tyre production at the Lousado plant in Portugal.

Nokian Tyres won the Environmental Achievement – Industry Contribution award for its inauguration of the world’s first full-scale tyre factory with zero CO₂ emissions in Oradea, Romania.

Bekaert received the Materials Innovation of the Year award for its next-generation reinforcement solution, Mega Tensile.

Sumitomo Rubber Industries won the R&D Breakthrough of the Year award for its Active Tread technology.

VMI was awarded for Tire Manufacturing Innovation of the Year award for its integrated quality monitoring for the MAXX and MILEXX platforms.

ARP Technologies was selected as Industry Supplier of the Year for its many innovations in the tyre curing sector.

Bridgestone bagged Tire Concept of the Year for its Lunar concept tyre.

Michelin was awarded Tire of the Year for its Primacy 5 tyre.

Continental won the Tire Manufacturer of the Year award for the fourth time, acknowledging the scale and breadth of the company’s achievements over the last year.

Two further awards were also given for individual achievements in the industry:

Katerina Filzer, a PhD student at Twente University in the Netherlands, was awarded the 2025 Young Scientist Award for her presentation, ‘An Innovative  Method to Incorporate a Devulcanization Aid into Rubber’.

Anke Blume, head of elastomer technology and engineering at the University of Twente, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to the tyre industry.

KENDA Europe has announced plans to expand its speciality business operations across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region), with implementation set to begin in June 2025.

Following its recent strategic realignment revealed at The Tire Cologne 2024, the company will establish a dedicated stock facility near Hamburg to supply specialty products directly to regional distributors.

“This is a natural and strategic development driven by our commitment to being closer to our customers. In a partnership, being there matters, and our goal is to be present, accessible, and supportive of our customers. Strengthening our presence in the DACH region is about more than logistics; it’s about empowering our distributors and creating the conditions for long-term mutual growth,” said Christian de Wit, Sales Director of KENDA Europe Specialty.

The initiative will initially focus on specialty products, including trailer tyres, turf, small industrial and agricultural vehicles, ATV and UTVS, and forklifts. The company plans to eventually transform KENDA GmbH into a central European warehouse for specialty products, with potential future expansion to include additional product lines such as powersports.

The company indicated it would share further details with partners as the June launch approaches.

The 14th edition of TyreXpo Asia, held from 12 to 14 March 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, took the event to a new high. Organised by Informa Markets, the top-tier event boasted more than 250 participants and more than 6,000 industry experts from over 90 countries and established itself firmly as one of the prominent events for the world’s tyre, automotive repair and maintenance businesses.

CENTRAL POINT OF INDUSTRY INNOVATION AND NETWORKING

TyreXpo Asia 2025 was a vast platform to showcase the most recent developments in tyres, car repair equipment, tools, parts and accessories. The exhibition grounds had innovative start-ups, established companies and industry leaders who unveiled ground-breaking technologies transforming the world tyre business. Visitors had the opportunity to experience these innovations firsthand, see the latest trends and stay ahead in a competitive business.

The significance of the event was driven by its host city’s prime position in Southeast Asia’s auto cluster leader Singapore. World-class infrastructure and access ensured that world-class international buyers, together with regional players, found the platform the ideal one-stop shop. The event was a resounding success at its last staging with near 5,000 executives from 91 countries represented, and it was addressing every aspect of the tyre, vehicle and related industries. This year, the organisers saw an even larger response, which shows how more and more important the Asia-Pacific region is to the global tyre market.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS AND PARTICIPATING BRANDS

The gigantic 15,000 square metre exhibition space hosted over 500 international tyre firms, including renowned entities such as Alves Bandeira, American Pacific Industries, Davanti, Deestone, Evergreen, Guizhou Tyre Co. Ltd., Hubei Aulice Tyre Co. Ltd., JGL Worldwide, LingLong Tire, Max Rubber, Momo Tires, Nexen Corp, Ozka, Petlas, Prinx Chengshan, Stamford Tyres, Tercelo, Transamerica, Roadone, Armour, Yongsheng, Wholesale Tire Distributors, ZC Rubber and Zodo Tire.

These exhibitors presented a great variety of products, ranging from passenger car radial tyres to truck, bus and off-the-road tyres, tyre accessories and maintenance tools. The event provided the participants with a complete overview of the latest products and services that supply the market, enabling business development and collaboration between manufacturers, distributors and inventors.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMES AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

In addition to the exhibition, TyreXpo Asia 2025 also featured a robust conference programme designed to facilitate knowledge sharing and industry information. The Tyre Technical Seminar delved into tyre technology advancements and industry innovations, closing the knowledge gap in downstream technicalities with dedicated tracks. The Tyre Business Forum also featured sessions on market trends, sustainability, digitalisation and mobility’s future.

These sessions provided attendees valuable information on the rapidly evolving tyre manufacturing and design developments. The experts discussed advances in artificial intelligence, 3D printing and new material sciences that were transforming tyre performance. The event was centred on enabling industry participants to gain the necessary knowledge to remain ahead of the change and take advantage of the new opportunities.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND BUSINESS MATCHING

TyreXpo Asia 2025 placed a major emphasis on forging genuine connections in the global tyre industry. Networking sessions were a part of the event that helped bring together distributors, manufacturers, retailers and innovators, allowing them to exchange knowledge and form strategic partnerships. A business matching platform powered by AI was available through web and mobile app, simplifying meetings and maximising business interaction before and during the show.

The Hosted Buyer Programme was also an element, welcoming 120 international hosted buyers, from fleet managers to purchasing directors, wholesalers and distributors, to meet with key decision-makers. The programme supported buyers by pre-paying travel expenses, ensuring a hassle-free and affordable experience that fostered business growth and collaboration.

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

TyreXpo Asia 2025 demonstrated its dedication to corporate social responsibility with activities, such as the Flip Tyre Challenge, for the benefit of the Singapore Children’s Society. The activity was not only to highlight endurance and strength but also to build community. For every SGD10 collected per tyre flip, the people involved were supporting the Singapore Children’s Society directly, further making the event about doing good beyond the industry.

Sustainability was a recurring theme throughout the event, with recycling, equipment and retreading being addressed. The recycling sector witnessed positive interest, with Eldan Recycling and Gradeall experiencing high interest in their products, reflecting the growing demand for recycling and waste management in the region. With the sector under pressure to be more sustainable, TyreXpo Asia 2025 aimed to provide a comprehensive platform for addressing these pressing issues.

Retread tyres in Malaysia are unfairly blamed for road accidents. While the tyres enjoy a pristine reputation in export markets, the notoriety within the local market stems from the lack of ability to differentiate them from low-cost and low-quality tyres that fail to comply with performance standards owing to overloading, maintenance and misapplication.

A total of 1.35 million lives are lost each year in road accidents, according to data from the Ministry of Transport Malaysia. Another data set from Statista highlighted that the South Asian country witnessed 545,000 road accidents in 2022, an increase from the previous year data of 370,000.

A large portion of these accidents involve commercial vehicles and the blame is also shared by retread tyres. A recent news report highlighted rising concerns within the Malaysian parliament to ban the use of retread tyres of commercial vehicles citing safety norms.

The situation seems ironic as the Malaysian retread industry enjoys a pristine reputation in export markets. Yet, the notoriety of retread tyres on home turf might be seen as ‘collateral damage’.

Speaking to Tyre Trends exclusively on why retread tyres remain a scapegoat for road accidents, Tyre Retreading Manufacturers Association of Malaysia (TRMAM) President Edmund Wong said, “Retread tyres are often unfairly blamed for road accidents because the public struggles to differentiate them from low-cost, low-quality tyres that fail due to poor maintenance, overloading and misapplication. Many people mistakenly associate tyre debris, especially when it reveals exposed steel cords, with retreads. However, this type of failure is more commonly linked to cheap, substandard tyres rather than retreads, which, when properly maintained and used correctly, can be as safe as new tyres. The focus on retreads allows the real issues such as inadequate tyres maintenance and overloading to remain overlooked.”

IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY

Malaysia has a higher road fatality rate compared to ASEAN peers like Singapore, largely due to motorcycle-related deaths, which make up over 65 percent of fatalities.

Malaysia’s road safety goals have reportedly fallen short despite setting out clear targets. In 2014, the government aspired to reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2020 as part of its alignment with United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The initiative was a failure and the same target was reiterated in Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022-2030.

Current figures also raise questions over the supposed success of the target. Commenting on ways that could make the reduction target a reality, Wong noted, “To reduce road fatalities by 50 percent by 2030, Malaysia should enforce traffic laws strictly, including penalties for speeding and disobeying traffic lights, while expanding automated systems like speed and red-light cameras. Enhancing road infrastructure with safety audits, smart technology and dedicated motorcycle lanes is essential.”

“Malaysia can adopt best practices, such as dedicated motorcycle lanes, public education campaigns and improved road infrastructure, while learning from Singapore’s success in enforcement, infrastructure and safety culture. Public awareness campaigns should target risky behaviours including running red lights and promote defensive driving. Protecting vulnerable road users, especially motorcyclists and pedestrians, through improved infrastructure and safety regulations is also crucial,” he added.

Alluding to why stringent safety campaigns or regulatory measures are not undertaken to reduce motorbike fatalities, he noted, “The lack of stringent safety campaigns or regulatory measures targeting motorbike users in Malaysia is due to several factors. Firstly, motorbikes are a vital mode of transport for many due to affordability and accessibility, especially in rural areas, making stricter regulations politically sensitive. Secondly, enforcement of existing laws such as helmet use and licensing is inconsistent, particularly in rural regions, allowing unsafe practices to persist. Thirdly, cultural factors like risk-taking behaviour, resistance to change and low awareness of safety risks hinder the adoption of safer practices. Lastly, limited resources, both financial and infrastructural, result in insufficient investment in targeted campaigns and dedicated motorcycle lanes, leaving riders vulnerable.”

CLOSING GAPS

Wong iterated that to improve road safety and support the retreading industry in Malaysia, several regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses need to be addressed. One significant issue is the inconsistent enforcement of tyre standards, especially for imported new tyres.

While Malaysia requires that imported tyres have certifications like the E-mark, DOT or MS, these standards can sometimes fail to verify the genuineness and reliability of the tyres, leading to concerns about the quality and safety of some imports. This lack of stringent checks on tyres authenticity puts road users at risk and undermines confidence in tyre safety.

Additionally, there is a gap in regulations requiring regular tyre maintenance checks, particularly for retread tyres. Without mandatory inspections for tread depth, pressure and overall tyre condition, vehicles, especially commercial fleets, are at higher risk of tyre-related accidents.

Another issue is the weak enforcement of penalties for overloading and the misapplication of tyres such as using retreads in unsuitable conditions. Overloading vehicles puts excessive stress on tyres, increasing the likelihood of tyre failure, and stricter penalties are needed to deter this dangerous practice.

There is limited education on the benefits of retreads and how to use them safely, which affects their acceptance and proper usage. Implementing campaigns that highlight the safety, environmental and economic benefits of retreads could help improve perceptions and encourage safer practices.

Moreover, government procurement policies should prioritise retread tyres for public transportation fleets, encouraging their use across sectors and providing a market boost to the retreading industry.

Lastly, there is a lack of clear regulations on tyre end-of-life management including guidelines for recycling and disposal. Establishing clear regulations for the responsible management of worn-out tyre, including retreads, would support the circular economy and further promote the sustainability of the retreading industry.

Addressing these regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses would not only improve road safety but also foster the growth of a reliable, safe and sustainable retreading industry in Malaysia.

REPUTATION REVIVAL

The shadow of malignance over the local retread industry is daunting, especially considering its stellar reputation abroad. A methodical plan is urgently needed to change the prevailing perception.

Commenting on how the industry can leverage its foreign reputation to promote retreads domestically, Wong explained, “Malaysia can leverage its reputation in the global retreading industry to promote retreads domestically by focusing on education, policy support and sustainability initiatives.”

“Firstly, educating the public about the benefits of retreads, such as safety, environmental advantages and cost-effectiveness, can shift perceptions. Secondly, incentivising businesses to adopt retread tyres would not only increase its usage but also align with sustainability practices. Retreads significantly reduce waste by reusing tyre casings, contributing to lower carbon footprints and less landfill waste. Offering tax breaks, rebates or financial incentives to businesses that adopt retreads can encourage the adoption of this eco-friendly practice, benefiting both companies and the environment,” he added.

He also noted that Malaysia has a well-established certification system with Malaysian Standard 224 (MS 224), which sets high-quality standards for retread tyres. This national standard ensures that domestically produced retreads meet rigorous safety and quality requirements, reinforcing consumer confidence and helping local manufacturers maintain global competitiveness. By promoting this certification and its benefits, Malaysia can further build trust in its retreading industry and drive domestic demand for high-quality retreads.

He also noted that partnerships with universities, research institutions and organisations such as the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) could play a pivotal role in establishing Malaysia as a hub for innovation in tyre retreading. These collaborations would enable research and development focused on improving the quality, safety and efficiency of retread tyre, which could enhance their appeal domestically and internationally.

“The Malaysian Rubber Board has extensive expertise in rubber technology and the development of new rubber compounds, which are crucial for retreading. By working with these organisations, Malaysia could explore advanced rubber materials and improve the durability and performance of retread tyres. MRB’s research could focus on optimising the rubber used in tyre retreading, enhancing its resilience and performance under various road conditions, thus improving the overall safety of retreads. Universities and research institutions bring additional expertise in materials science, engineering and sustainability and can help address any technical gaps in the retreading process. They could collaborate with retreading companies, fleet operators and tyre manufacturers to develop new retreading technologies, better tyre monitoring systems and more efficient processes,” explained Wong.

He added, “These partnerships could also produce credible, science-backed data on the reliability and safety of retread tyre, helping to build public trust and dispel misconceptions about retreads.”

FILLING DATA GAPS

The lack of local data to validate the reliability and safety of both retread and new tyres in Malaysia stems from several key factors, according to Wong.

“Primarily, there is a significant gap in research due to the lack of collaboration between tyre manufacturers, retreaders, fleet operators, research institutions and government agencies. Without cooperation among these stakeholders, there is little incentive or infrastructure to collect and analyse tyre failure data in the local context. This leads to a situation where tyre failure research is outdated or non-existent, leaving the industry to rely on studies from other countries such as US, which may be many years old and not reflective of current tyre technology or local conditions,” noted Wong.

He added, “This problem is not unique to Malaysia; many countries face similar challenges in gathering and sharing tyre-related data. For example, tyre debris reports and studies on tyre failures tend to be infrequent and may not accurately capture the complexities of modern tyre usage, road conditions or fleet operations. To address this gap, a collaborative effort among different stakeholders, both local and international, could be instrumental.”

Collaborations could fund and conduct comprehensive studies on tyres performance under local conditions. By sharing data and expertise, these stakeholders can develop a more accurate understanding of the causes of tyre failures, improve maintenance practices and promote better safety standards for both new and retread tyres.

Additionally, international partnerships could allow for access to global tyre failure databases and new research, enabling Malaysia to adopt best practices from countries like US, Japan or the EU, where more tyre safety research is available.

Establishing a framework for ongoing research and data sharing with regular updates and reports would help fill the data gap and improve tyre safety standards locally. This collaborative approach could ultimately lead to the development of localised tyre safety standards, improved regulations and more informed decision-making by all stakeholders involved.

NEW LEARNING

According to Wong, Malaysia can learn important lessons from countries like Japan and UK, where retread tyres are promoted effectively for their cost-efficiency and environmental benefits. Both Japan and the UK have robust local manufacturing industries for new, high-quality tyres, which ensure a consistent supply of durable tyre casings for retreading.

This industrial advantage helps protect the respective retreading industries by ensuring the availability of reliable casings that meet safety and performance requirements. Japan enforces stringent standards for both new and retread tyres through the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) such as JIS D 4202, which defines specifications for automobile tyres. These regulations ensure high-quality tyre production and maintenance, supporting a thriving retreading ecosystem.

Similarly, UK relies on the ‘E’ mark certification system, which aligns with European safety and performance regulations. The ‘E’ mark, prominently displayed on compliant tyres, indicates that a tyre has undergone rigorous testing and meets safety standards. This harmonised approach in UK ensures that only certified-quality tyres are used, reducing risks and building trust in retread tyres.

In Malaysia, the absence of a local new tyre manufacturing industry for trucks presents a challenge. The reliance on imported new tyres, coupled with the fact that Malaysia’s new tyre standard (MS 1394) is not compulsory, allows low-cost and lower-quality imports to flood the market.

These tyres often produce casings unsuitable for retreading, which undermines the retreading industry. To address these issues, Malaysia could make MS 1394 mandatory for new tyres, ensuring better-quality casings and fostering trust in retreads.

Additionally, promoting awareness of retreads’ economic and environmental benefits, strengthening enforcement of Malaysian Standard 224 (MS 224) for retread quality and offering incentives for their adoption could help the industry grow.

Technology, such as tyre monitoring systems, can play a significant role in addressing concerns about retread tyres and improving road safety. These systems provide real-time data on tyre pressure, temperature, tread depth and overall tyre health, helping to ensure that all tyres, including retreads, are properly maintained.

By monitoring tyre performance, these systems can detect early signs of wear, overloading or misapplication, reducing the risk of tyre failure. This not only enhances the safety of retread tyre but also helps prevent accidents caused by poor tyre maintenance or low-quality tyres, leading to a change in perception.