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.

Seasoned tyre industry executive Manish Maharaj has embarked on a new professional chapter, joining Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires) in a senior leadership capacity after a distinguished 11-year tenure with Apollo Tyres Ltd.

In his new role at BKT Tires, Maharaj has been appointed General Manager and Head of Business Finance, where he will focus on enhancing financial strategy, driving performance-driven growth, and building scalable systems to support BKT’s global expansion ambitions.

“I am thrilled to begin a new chapter with BKT Tires,” said Maharaj.

Maharaj’s career at Apollo spanned multiple strategic roles in one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers, most recently serving as Regional Chief Financial Officer for South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa, and later as Business Head for South East Asia. In these capacities, he led multi-market commercial and financial operations, driving robust business performance across diverse cultural and economic environments.

At Apollo, Maharaj was responsible for charting growth strategies in fast-evolving markets, strengthening distributor partnerships, and reinforcing brand positioning across key ASEAN economies. His leadership coincided with initiatives to expand premium brand presence in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines & South Korea and foster deeper retail engagement across the ASEAN region.

Anyline, a prominent provider of AI-driven mobile tyre inspection technology, is entering a new phase of growth under a new leadership structure. Christoph Braunsberger has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, assuming the role immediately. He succeeds Co-Founder Lukas Kinigadner, who will now serve as Chief Revenue Officer, concentrating on worldwide sales growth, partnership development and expanding the company's global customer base.

Braunsberger originally joined the company in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director. His extensive background in finance, strategy consulting and investment banking, including prior experience at PwC, equipped him to establish the operational foundations necessary for international scaling. He was instrumental in leading the company's expansion into the United States, overseeing significant funding initiatives, and serving as President of its North American operations.

This executive transition occurs as the company experiences rapidly accelerating enterprise adoption across multiple sectors. Logistics, manufacturing, retail and the public sector are all key markets, with the automotive industry representing a particularly strong growth area. The proven industrial scalability of the technology is demonstrated by a recent milestone of 100 million tyre scans conducted globally. This achievement reinforces the robustness of the computer vision platform, which is designed to address a wide spectrum of visual inspection and data capture needs for large-scale commercial and industrial clients. The leadership change is designed to sharpen the company's focus on an AI-centric operational approach, leveraging its current commercial momentum and broadening application across diverse industries.

Lukas Kinigadner, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer, Anyline, said, “This leadership transition reflects where Anyline is today. Our AI platform has achieved clear product-market fit across industries, with strong and accelerating traction in automotive. The company is on a clear path towards profitable growth. Christoph is the right CEO for this phase, and I’m excited to concentrate fully on driving revenue, partnerships and customer impact.”

Braunsberger said, “Anyline’s AI is already delivering real-world impact at scale. My focus is on building on that momentum – strengthening our operating model, scaling efficiently and deepening collaboration with customers and partners as global AI adoption accelerates.”

A new phase of strategic collaboration has begun between FARREL POMINI of the HF GROUP and WF RECYCLE-TECH, following the acquisition of a majority stake by the former. Headquartered in the UK, WF RECYCLE-TECH has developed a unique, patented pyrolysis process for transforming end-of-life tyres into valuable materials like recovered carbon black and oil. A central component of this system is FARREL POMINI's own Farrel Continuous Mixer (FCM), which efficiently processes tyres for both mechanical and chemical recycling.

This deepened partnership, building upon a minority investment made in 2021, is designed to rapidly expand the global commercialisation of this sustainable technology. The move solidifies FARREL POMINI’s commitment to pioneering circular economy solutions for the rubber and plastics sectors worldwide. By enabling greater global support and accelerating adoption, this milestone underscores the aligned vision of all involved organisations to drive innovation in sustainable industrial practices.

Paul Lloyd, President, Farrel Corporation, said, “We are delighted to deepen our partnership with WF RECYCLE-TECH and take this important step toward further commercialisation of their proven pyrolysis system. This acquisition aligns with our long-term strategy to support sustainable solutions that address global challenges.”

Jo Dennis, Managing Director, WF RECYCLE-TECH, said, “We are very pleased to become majority-owned by FARREL POMINI and HF GROUP. Being part of the HF GROUP organisation allows us to leverage a strong global support network, deep technical expertise and long-term investment commitment. This partnership significantly strengthens our ability to scale our pyrolysis system and deliver solutions to customers around the world.”

Ian Wilson, Co-CEO, HF GROUP, said, “This acquisition reflects HF GROUP’s strategic focus on enabling technologies that drive sustainable industrial growth. By combining WF RECYCLE-TECH’s patented pyrolysis process with FARREL POMINI’s technology expertise and HF GROUP’s global infrastructure, we are creating a powerful platform to address the worldwide challenge of end-of-life tyre recycling.”

In a strategic expansion of its global footprint, Bekaert has agreed to acquire Bridgestone’s tyre reinforcement operations in China and Thailand, encompassing the tyre cord production facilities in China (Bridgestone (Shenyang) Steel Cord Co., Ltd) and Thailand (Bridgestone Metalpha (Thailand) Co. Ltd.). This move significantly strengthens the market leadership of Bekaert’s Rubber Reinforcement division, its largest business unit, which has led the global tyre cord sector for decades. The acquisition, set for completion in the first half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals, is a continuation of the division's proven strategy in integrating the captive production of major global accounts.

This transaction reinforces the enduring strategic partnership between Bekaert and Bridgestone, a leading tyre manufacturer. As part of Bridgestone's mid-to-long term plan to boost competitiveness through collaboration, the deal includes a long-term supply agreement ensuring continued provision of high-quality tyre reinforcement. For Bekaert, the integration of these two established production facilities enhances its manufacturing presence and solidifies its position in the tyre cord market.

Financially, the acquisition is projected to contribute approximately EUR 80 million in annual consolidated sales for Bekaert. The purchase involves a cash consideration of EUR 60 million, which will be drawn from the company's existing cash reserves. By securing these key assets and a lasting supply partnership, Bekaert not only expands its operational scale but also deepens its trusted supplier relationship with a pivotal global account.

Yves Kerstens, CEO, Bekaert, said, “Bekaert and Bridgestone share a longstanding strategic partnership built on mutual trust and collaboration. When the transaction closes, we are delighted to welcome the plant teams to Bekaert and remain committed to joint growth and innovation with Bridgestone. The acquisition is also a clear signal of strengthening our global leadership position in the tyre reinforcement industry.”