Tyre Trends October/November 2024

Mounting Pressure on Tyre Raw Material Players Raw materials play a critical role in the tyre industry's sustainability goals. While tailpipe emissions have decreased, tyre wear pollution remains a concern. The focus is now on developing materials that can reduce noise and particulate pollution while enhancing performance. However, fluctuating costs and supply chain disruptions pose significant challenges. The recently held RubberTecht highlighted the challenges faced by Chinese tyre manufacturers, including domestic oversupply, weakening demand and international trade tensions. To mitigate these challenges, companies are increasingly turning to foreign markets and prioritizing sustainability. In this issue, we are featuring a cover story on Altracon, a leading force in the tyre industry that has emerged as a key player in addressing the industry's challenges. With a 40-year history of innovation, Altracon offers a wide range of products and services that are instrumental in helping manufacturers improve tyre performance, durability and safety. One of Altracon's standout contributions is its retrofitting technology, which allows companies to modernize their existing testing machinery without significant investment. This technology extends the lifespan of equipment and enhances testing accuracy and efficiency, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Another notable innovation from Altracon is the High-Speed Linear Function Tester (HSLFT). This technology enables tyre testing in controlled indoor environments, improving repeatability and sustainability.