Beontag, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of self-adhesives and smart tags such as RFID, NFC and BLE, has entered into a collaboration with Kumho Tire to develop RFID-enabled tyres for commercial and passenger vehicles.

The partnership will see new Kumho tyres use Beontag's TyreTag RFID technology. Traceability will be possible with the RFID-enabled tyres from the point of origin to recycling and disposal. Following years of research and development, according to both the companies, the new RFID-enabled tyre is very robust and dependable, able to survive high temperatures and pressures over the course of years of intensive use. The new TyreTag-enabled tyres' traceability will also adhere to the forthcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulations (ESPR), which will need Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and be in force for tyres starting in 2028–2030.

Thiago Horta, Global VP of Digital Transformation, Beontag, said, “We are extremely proud to share what we have achieved in our partnership with Kumho Tire. Through rigorous testing, we have worked hard to develop the necessary technology and durability capabilities in these RFID-enabled tyres; I look forward to continuing this journey with Kumho Tire for years to come”

Jihon Park, Assistant Manager with Kumho Tire, said, “Kumho Tire has been producing RFID-enabled tyres since 2013. Beontag’s technical expertise and collaborative approach were instrumental in helping us meet our rigorous standards and enhance our technology. We look forward to delivering even greater quality and reliability to our customers around the world.”

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BANF, a Korean intelligent tyre system company, and Silicon Labs, the leading innovator in low-power wireless, have developed a tyre monitoring platform capable of real-time, high-resolution data processing specifically designed for autonomous vehicles and connected fleet operations. A detailed case study documenting this development is now available on the Silicon Labs website.

The system directly addresses the limitations of conventional Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), which only trigger alerts after pressure drops substantially, leaving critical safety and efficiency issues undetected. BANF has transformed the tyre into an active intelligence node by integrating the Silicon Labs BG22 Bluetooth LE SoC into its in-tyre sensor architecture. This ultra-low-power system-on-chip was chosen for its robust RF performance, enabling reliable wireless communication even within the tyre's challenging environment where steel belts and thick rubber typically create a Faraday cage effect that impedes signals.

Inside the tyre, BANF's iSensor captures 3-axis acceleration, pressure, temperature and tread depth data at 4 kHz sampling rates. Rather than transmitting this raw information, the system performs onboard processing to extract key signals indicating wheel-nut loosening, slip events or reduced friction before sending concise alerts to the vehicle. This approach reduces communication load while accelerating response time. The integration of Silicon Labs' Secure Vault technology ensures automotive-grade security, protecting tyre data from tampering or spoofing for autonomous applications.

Power delivery has historically prevented advanced tyre sensing due to battery degradation from heat, centrifugal force and mechanical stress. BANF solved this through proprietary wireless power transfer technology. The Smart Profiler, mounted on the mudguard or fender, delivers continuous power to the iSensor using magnetic resonance, enabling battery-free operation with uninterrupted data acquisition at thousands of Hertz.

This real-time tyre intelligence feeds directly into chassis control, stability systems and autonomous driving algorithms for driverless trucks and buses where human intuition cannot detect traction loss. BANF plans to leverage accumulated data for predictive maintenance, route optimisation and insurance-linked services, positioning this solution as foundational infrastructure for next-generation mobility. Through this partnership, BANF and Silicon Labs have digitised the vehicle's last analogue domain.

Adam Sunghan You, CEO, BANF, said, "Tyres generate terabytes of data related to friction, load and mechanical stress, but until now there was no viable way to capture and transmit that information in real time. By combining Silicon Labs' BG22 with our wireless power technology, we have unlocked a new level of tyre intelligence."

Ross Sabolcik, Senior Vice President – Product Lines, Silicon Labs, said, "Compute is no longer confined to the CPU – it extends across intelligent peripherals and sensors. BG22 enables reliable, secure connectivity even in extreme environments, empowering innovators like BANF to digitise traditionally analogue systems."

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KraussMaffei Extrusion concluded a highly productive participation at the Tire Technology Expo 2026, held in Hannover from 3 to 5 March 2026. The company showcased its latest advancements in tyre extrusion technology alongside an enhanced portfolio of customer services. The exhibition booth attracted considerable attention from global trade visitors, with strong interest focused on systems designed to deliver precision, efficiency and reliability in the production of tyre components.

Dr Gerard Nijman, Senior Technical Expert Tire & Rubber at KraussMaffei Extrusion, highlighted the evolving dynamics of the global tyre market. He pointed to notable growth and transformation in regions such as India, Korea, Eastern Europe and increasingly Africa. This development is largely fuelled by the expanding global vehicle fleet. While Germany maintains a high vehicle density, emerging markets like India present substantial room for growth, accompanied by rising tyre demand.

Changing mobility trends, including the rise of electric vehicles and car-sharing models, are reshaping tyre specifications and manufacturing processes. Additionally, a growing emphasis on regional production is evident as manufacturers seek to minimise transportation expenses, shorten delivery timelines and navigate trade complexities. KraussMaffei Extrusion is strategically positioned to support this shift with its comprehensive technological offerings.

Central to the company’s exhibit were its high-performance Multiplex and Rollerhead systems. With decades of leadership in multiplex technology, KraussMaffei enables highly accurate co-extrusion of diverse rubber compounds, significantly boosting productivity. Its Rollerhead solutions further demonstrated capabilities tailored for cost-efficient production of components used in both passenger and truck tyres.

Dr Gerard Nijman, Senior Technical Expert Tire & Rubber

Beyond new machinery, the company emphasised the importance of modernising longstanding installations. Many systems from its predecessor brand remain operational after decades of service. Through customised retrofitting, KraussMaffei assists customers in upgrading existing lines to meet contemporary efficiency and production standards.

An expanded service portfolio was also unveiled, featuring a digital innovation that places QR codes directly on equipment. This allows for instant access to support services, with automatic capture of machine and order details enabling faster resolution of inquiries. Optional health checks can accompany QR code retrofits to ensure optimal system performance.

Sustainability emerged as a recurring theme throughout the event. Dr Nijman delivered a technical presentation addressing pathways to more sustainable rubber extrusion, engaging industry peers in discussions on future challenges and potential breakthroughs.

Buoyed by overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients and partners, KraussMaffei Extrusion looks ahead with confidence to ongoing developments in the international tyre industry and eagerly anticipates the next edition of the Tire Technology Expo.

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Gradeall International Ltd, a manufacturer of tyre recycling equipment and waste management machinery based in Northern Ireland, is drawing attention to an emerging environmental issue linked to the worldwide transition to electric vehicles. While EVs are effective in cutting transport emissions, they contribute to a new problem: accelerated tyre wear. As EV uptake grows across UK and globally, the resulting surge in end-of-life tyres is placing mounting strain on existing recycling systems. The Northern Ireland-based company is promoting the value of PAS 108 tyre baling as a practical solution for operators dealing with this increasing waste stream.

The accelerated degradation of EV tyres is largely due to the significant weight of their battery packs, which can add several hundred kilogrammes compared to conventional vehicles. This extra load, combined with the instant torque characteristic of electric motors and the friction generated by regenerative braking, leads to more rapid tread wear. These mechanical demands mean EV tyres require replacement sooner, intensifying the volume of waste material entering the recycling chain.

Evidence from industry research underscores the scale of the issue. Data from Epyx, analysing millions of vehicles, reveals that EV tyres wear out thousands of miles earlier than those on petrol or diesel cars. First replacements for EVs typically occur around 18,000 miles (approximately 28,968 km), a notable contrast with the longer lifespan of conventional vehicle tyres. Some estimates suggest EV tyres wear out up to half as quickly again, reinforcing the need for robust processing infrastructure.

Tyre baling has emerged as a widely adopted method for managing large quantities of waste tyres. Hydraulic balers compress whole tyres into dense, standardised units that are easier to store, transport and reuse. In the UK, PAS 108 sets the benchmark for tyre bale quality, defining standards for density, dimensions, and binding to ensure suitability in civil engineering projects like drainage and embankments.

Gradeall’s MKII PAS 108 tyre baler enables operators to process growing volumes efficiently while adhering to recognised specifications. As EV adoption accelerates across the UK and Ireland, such scalable equipment is becoming essential for responsibly managing the next wave of electric vehicle tyre waste.

Conor Murphy of Gradeall International said, “The EV revolution is great for emissions, but it is creating a tyre waste problem the recycling industry needs to address now. Electric vehicles wear through tyres 20–30 percent faster due to battery weight and instant torque. As EV fleets expand, the volume of end-of-life tyres entering the waste stream will increase accordingly. PAS 108-compliant processing provides a reliable way for operators to manage that growth responsibly.”

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MESNAC participated in the 2026 Tire Technology Expo, held from 3 to 5 March 2026 at the Hannover International Exhibition Center in Germany. At the event, the company presented its advanced technologies and intelligent manufacturing systems, underscoring its role in advancing smart production and sustainable practices within the global rubber industry.

The company’s presence at the expo featured several technological achievements across key stages of tyre production. Its intelligent mixing solution integrated automated film feeding and cutting mechanisms with AI-powered software, enabling full material traceability and automated handling of rubber compounds. In tyre building, the international version of the NPS PCR one-stage building machine demonstrated exceptional performance with a 35-second production cycle per tyre and a fully unmanned operation. MESNAC also highlighted its full range of curing presses, which incorporate patented electric heating technologies to reduce energy use and support flexible, environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.

In addition to product innovations, MESNAC shared its strategic direction focused on smart manufacturing, localised service and sustainability. By leveraging proprietary artificial intelligence solutions, the company provides integrated smart factory projects that enable data-informed and efficient production. To strengthen its global service network, MESNAC is expanding its footprint with production and service centres in Southeast Asia and other regions, ensuring responsive local support. Looking forward, MESNAC is committed to embedding sustainability into its operations, working towards a low-carbon and circular economy for the rubber sector.

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