Michelin will incorporate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chips into all its car tyres by 2023.

The manufacturer believes RFID technology is a cost-effective way of tracking tyres from cradle to grave and a significant contributor to predictive maintenance services.

In addition, it will enhance driver safety by allowing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems such as ESP to fine tune responses according to specific tyre characteristics.

At the end of a tyre’s life, the technology could be used to improve recycling rates, allow proof of recycling and help improve the efficiency of energy recovery programmes.

Michelin is working with car manufacturers to develop algorithms that could pave the way for several new advances as cars become more connected.

Dealers and workshops will also benefit as exact tyre identification and data will be easily accessible, reducing fitting errors and helping with stock control.

Michael Ewert, Vice President of Global Sales for Original Equipment at Michelin, said: “Since RFID technology ensures this exact tyre identification, it is conceivable in the future that drivers will see a tyre status display next to their fuel gauge.

“RFID in tyres makes many new business models possible and can also further increase safety when driving. We are convinced it represents a significant step forward in the tyre industry.”

Up to 15 million chips a year will be encased in rubber at Michelin’s Homburg plant in Germany before they are installed in new tyres on site or shipped to other Michelin factories in Europe, China, Thailand and Brazil.

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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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Bridgestone Americas is set to introduce its new Fleet Portal platform at the upcoming Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, taking place from 16 to 19 March 2026 in Nashville. Designed to streamline and simplify fleet management, the platform consolidates essential digital tools into a single, unified interface to help commercial fleets enhance operational efficiency.

The web-based Fleet Portal brings together various fleet management systems, allowing users to access multiple services with just one login. Key features include oversight of accounts, user permissions, vehicle assets and service records, as well as billing, performance reporting and support resources. The portal also provides direct links to other Bridgestone applications. Integrated within the platform is the Service Dispatch solution, which connects fleets with the Bridgestone Commercial Dealer Network, automates technician deployment and enables comprehensive tracking of service documentation and digital data.

To boost productivity, the platform incorporates automation to analyse data, recommend actions and improve search functionality. Initial features include an automated workflow for service events that reduces duplicate data entry and accelerates tyre repairs based on fleet profiles. A streamlined search function allows quick access to technical documents, troubleshooting guides and reports, while centralised network access provides instant connections to dealer locations and training materials, cutting down on resolution time.

Future enhancements for the Fleet Portal will include AI-powered analytics and advanced workflow automation, aligning with Bridgestone’s broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence across its customer support tools. At the event, Bridgestone’s booth (#2513) will also feature its latest truck and retread tyres tailored for various applications, with representatives available throughout the exhibition hours.

Josh Holland, Vice President – Network and Fleet Care Solutions, Bridgestone Americas, said, “With the new Fleet Portal, we can centralise all tools and data into a single digital experience for fleets. This integration is key to Bridgestone's customer strategy to connect our fleet solutions in ways that deliver stronger performance with less complexity.”

Steve Hoeft, President – Commercial Truck Group, Bridgestone Americas, said, “Centralising insights and workflows means less manual work, faster decisions and full operational visibility. It’s a major step in the industry’s digital evolution, enabling fleets to move from reactive problem-solving to proactive decision-making and management."

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TROESTER GmbH & Co. KG expanded its automation capabilities in 2025 by acquiring SC OTOMASYON, a Turkish company based in Istanbul. The acquired business now operates as TROESTER Robotics and has been fully integrated into the TROESTER Group structure. This strategic move enhances the company’s expertise in automation and robotics while creating synergies that support future growth.

The acquisition marks an important step in TROESTER’s long-term strategy of developing autonomous production systems that enable fully integrated, low-labour manufacturing processes. Through TROESTER Robotics, the company now gains access to robotic applications across the entire tyre factory, from individual process stations to fully networked production lines. This capability addresses growing global demand for robotic solutions, as manufacturers in Europe, China and North America increasingly face workforce shortages.

With this integration, TROESTER can now meet that demand with comprehensive solutions from a single source. Both teams look forward to working together and jointly advancing technologically leading automation solutions.

Thomas Holzer, CEO, TROESTER GmbH & Co. KG, “The company brings start-up spirit, agility and strong innovative capabilities, while TROESTER contributes decades of experience, established commercial structures, a global sales network and longstanding customer relationships. Together, this creates a clear competitive advantage and a USP that sets us apart in the market.”

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