Tyres do not typically carry the weight of our vehicles but it is only the air inside them does. There are three basic elements which determine the load capacity of a tyre namely, the size of the air chamber formed between the tyre and wheel, the strength provided by the engineering construction of tyre to hold air pressure, and the amount of air pressure actually in the tyre.

Most flat tyres or zero pressure air  are the result of slow leaks that go unnoticed and allow the tyre's air pressure to escape over time (Fig.1). Therefore, monitoring tyre air pressure in real-time is extremely important. Fortunately, in these days we practically have such devices inbuilt in tyre, called, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS, Fig.2. Run Flat Tyres (RFT) are typically designed passenger car tyre or light truck tyres or SUVs to run even when they are flat  or when there is zero inflation pressure. It is more of a safety issue - it's design allows you to continue driving in deflated condition to a point were you can safely get the tyre changed or repaired. To all RFT, therefore, it is was required to fit in TPMS system (Fig.2) to indicate driver that the tyre is running with low pressure or tyre is failed and is under zero pressure now.

Tyre pressure sensor (pressure transmitter) converts the physical quantity 'tyre pressure' into an industry-standard signal , that enables the driver if the tyre pressure is becoming low or the tyre has already failed during driving (Fig.2). Mandates for TPMS technology in new cars have been continued to proliferate in the 21st century in Russia, the EU, Japan, South Korea and many other Asian countries. As of November 2014, the above fitment rate stands had been to ~ 54% of passenger cars.

 

Tyre pressure has profound influence on vehicle safety and efficiency. Tyre-pressure monitoring (TPM) was first adopted by the European market as an optional feature for luxury passenger vehicles in the 1980s. The first passenger vehicle to adopt TPM was the Porsche 959 in 1986, using a hollow spoke wheel system. In 1996 Renault used the Michelin PAX system. In the United States, TPM was introduced by General Motors for the 1991 model year for the Corvette in conjunction with Goodyear run-flat tyres. The system uses sensors in the wheels and a driver display which can show tyre pressure at any wheel, plus warnings for both high and low pressure (Fig.2). It has been standard on Corvettes ever since.

The dynamic behavior of a pneumatic tyre is closely connected to its inflation pressure. Key factors like braking distance and lateral stability require the inflation pressures to be adjusted and kept as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Extreme under-inflation can even lead to thermal and mechanical overload caused by overheating and subsequent, sudden destruction of the tyre itself. Additionally, fuel efficiency and tyre wear are severely affected by under-inflation. Tyres do not only leak air if punctured, they also leak air naturally (air permeability), and over a year, even a typical new, properly mounted tyre can lose from 3 to 9 psi, roughly 10% or even more of its initial pressure.

Maintaining proper tyre inflation is essential to vehicle handling, overall tyre performance, and load carrying capability. A properly inflated tyre will reduce tread movement, reduce rolling resistance, and increase water dispersion. Reduced tread movement gives the tyre a longer tread life. Reduced rolling resistance, the force required to roll a loaded tyre, results in increased fuel efficiency. Increased water dispersion decreases the possibility of hydroplaning. Both over-inflation and under-inflation can cause premature tread wear and possible tyre failure. Over-inflation can result in decreased traction and the inability to absorb road impact. Overinflated tyres will show premature wear in the centre of the tread. On the other hand, under inflation will cause sluggish tyre response, decrease fuel economy, excessive heat buildup, and tyre overload. An under inflated  tyre will show premature wear on both outside shoulders (Fig.3).

 

The European Union reports that an average under-inflation of ~ 6psi ,  produces an increase of fuel consumption of 2% and a decrease of tyre life of 25%. The European Union concludes that tyre under-inflation today is responsible for over 20 million liters of unnecessarily-burned fuel, dumping over 2 million tones of CO₂ into the atmosphere, and for 200 million tyres being prematurely wasted worldwide. In 2018, a field study on TPMS shows that TPMS fitment reliably prevents severe and dangerous under-inflation and hence yields the desired effects for traffic safety, fuel consumption and emissions. The above study also showed that there is no difference in effectiveness between dTPMS and iTPMS and that the TPMS reset function does not present a safety risk.

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TMPS) is an electronic system in the vehicle that monitors tyre air pressure and alerts the driver when it falls dangerously low. This system involves a pressure sensor (Fig.4) fitted in tyre air filling valve. However, a given TPMS system can only work with compatible sensors in the tyres.  

 

TPMS notifies on vehicle dash board when vehicle’s tyre pressure is low or is going flat and this help to maintain proper tyre pressure (Fig.2). TPMS can directly or indirectly, increase vehicle safety on the road by improving your vehicle’s handling, decreasing tyre wear, reducing braking distance and bettering fuel economy. The significant advantages of TPMS are summarized as follows:

• Fuel savings: For every 10% of under-inflation on each tyre on a vehicle, a 1% reduction in fuel economy will occur. In the United States alone, the Department of Transportation estimates that under inflated tyres waste 2 billion US gallons (7,600,000 m³) of fuel each year.

• Extended tyre life: Under inflated tyres are the major cause of tyre failure and contribute to tyre disintegration, heat buildup, ply separation and sidewall/casing break downs. Further, a difference of 10 psi in pressure on a set of duals literally drags the lower pressured tyre 2.5 metres per kilometre (13 feet per mile). Moreover, running a tyre even briefly on inadequate pressure breaks down the casing and prevents the ability to retread. It is important to note that not all sudden tyre failures are caused by under-inflation. Structural damages caused, for example, by hitting sharp curbs or potholes, can also lead to sudden tyre failures, even a certain time after the damaging incident. These cannot be proactively detected by any TPMS.

• Improved safety: Under-inflated tyres lead to tread separation and tyre failure, resulting in 40,000 accidents, 33,000 injuries and over 650 deaths per year only in USA. Further, tyres properly inflated add greater stability, handling and braking efficiencies and provide greater safety for the driver, the vehicle, the loads and others on the road.

 

• Environmental efficiency: Under-inflated tyres, as estimated by the Department of Transportation, release over 26 billion kilograms (57.5 billion pounds) of unnecessary carbon-monoxide (CO) pollutants into the atmosphere each year in the United States alone.

A TPMS reports real-time tyre-pressure information to the driver of the vehicle, either via a gauge, a pictogram display, or a simple low-pressure warning light (Fig.2).  

TPMS can be divided into two different types – direct (dTPMS) and indirect (iTPMS). TPMS are provided both at an OEM (factory) level as well as an aftermarket solution (replacement market). TPMS is increasing consumer demand for avoiding traffic accidents, poor fuel economy, and increased tyre wear due to under-inflated tyres through early recognition of a hazardous state of the tyres.

A sensor based TPMS has a pressure monitoring sensor fixed inside the wheel and tyre  assembly(Fig.5). This is usually clamped to the wheel and constantly monitors the internal pressure of the tyre . This information is relayed to a receiving unit on the vehicle body which is connected to a processing unit in the electronics system of the vehicle. This alerts the driver to a loss in tyre pressure.

 

There are two different types of systems being used today: Direct TPMS and Indirect TPMS. Direct (dTPMS) uses a sensor mounted in the wheel to measure air pressure in each tyre. When air pressure drops 25% below the manufacturer’s recommended level, the sensor transmits that information to the computer system of car and triggers your dashboard indicator light (Fig.2).

 

Indirect (iTPMS) works with Antilock Braking System’s (ABS) wheel speed sensors. If a tyre’s pressure is low, it will roll at a different wheel speed than the other tyres. This information is detected by the computer system of car , which triggers the dashboard indicator light (Fig.2). The purpose of the TPMS is to alert you when tyre pressure is too low and could to create unsafe driving conditions. If the light is illuminated, it means your tyres could be underinflated, which can lead to undue tyre wear and possible tyre failure.

Direct TPMS

Direct TPMS (dTPMS), is a directly measuring hardware-based systems. They could be fitted in each wheel, most often on the inside of the valve (Fig.6), there is a battery-driven pressure sensor which transfers pressure information to a central control unit which reports it to the vehicle's instrument cluster or a corresponding monitor. Some units also measure and alert temperatures of the tyre as well.

These systems can identify under-inflation in any combination, be it one tyre or all, simultaneously. Although the systems vary in transmitting options, many TPMS products (both OEM and aftermarket) can display real time tyre pressures at each location monitored whether the vehicle is moving or parked. There are many different solutions, but all of them have to face the problems of exposure to hostile environments. The majority are powered by batteries which limit their useful life.  A direct TPMS sensor consists of the following main functions requiring only a few external components, that is mounted to the valve stem inside the tyre:

 

• Pressure sensor
• Analog-digital converter
• Microcontroller
• System controller
• Oscillator
• Radio frequency transmitter
• Low frequency receiver
• Voltage regulator (battery management)

 

InDirect TPMS

Indirect TPMS (iTPMS)  uses to detect the differing speed of revolution of a wheel with a reduced circumference, caused by a reduction in tyre pressure . There may be  dashboard icons for low pressure warning icon  or system failure icon (Fig.2). This system uses the ABS  or the Antilock Braking System of the vehicle to monitor the rotation speed of the individual wheels. If a deflation of a tyre occurs the resulting increase in wheel speed triggers the TPMS and advises the driver accordingly (Fig.7).

Advantages of the ABS based system include the fact that the system uses technology and equipment that is already fitted to the vehicle. Also there are no sensors fitted inside the wheel/tyre assembly which makes the tyre fitting process easier than the sensor based systems.

Dr Samir Majumdar, Rubber Consultant (India & Asia pacific), has served in leading tyre companies like JK Tyre, Kyoto Japan Tire, among others. He was technical and R&D head (Asia Pacific) in ExxonMobil. He has authored several research papers and technical books. smajumdar501234@yahoo.co.in

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its Monthly NR Statistical Report for January 2026, providing an overview of key developments in the global natural rubber sector.

As per the report, a notable price rise was observed this month, driven by a combination of surging crude oil prices and heightened demand from tyre manufacturers, especially in China.

Below is a summary of the latest trends and data points defining the NR sector:

Global NR production is expected to rise by 2.2 percent in 2026 to an estimated 15.324 million tonnes, according to recent statistics from ANRPC member countries. Global demand for consumption is expected to increase by 1.4 percent to around 15.602 million tonnes annually.

The tyre industry's recovery indications reinforce the market's resilience in the face of several global economic headwinds. The current state of the market indicates a time of consolidation. This comes after recent price increases and before the cyclical wintering season, which runs from February to May and is traditionally characterised by a more constrained worldwide supply.

Bekaert has achieved a significant sustainability milestone by securing ISCC PLUS certification for its steel tyre reinforcement products. This accomplishment highlights the company's dedication to driving innovation and working closely with tyre manufacturers to promote the widespread use of materials with high recycled content.

Historically, steel used for tyre reinforcement was not covered by ISCC PLUS. However, a partnership between Bekaert, ISCC and the certification body TÜV NORD successfully developed a structured certification path for tyre cord and bead wire with high recycled content. TÜV NORD played a key role by auditing Bekaert’s Burgos facility during a pilot phase, technically validating that the ISCC PLUS framework could be effectively applied to steel-based products. This validation paves the way for its wider acceptance in the tyre sector.

This certification builds upon the foundation laid by Bekaert’s own Recycled Content Standard, which previously set an industry benchmark for traceability and sustainable practices. The earlier standard's success was instrumental in encouraging ISCC to broaden its certification framework to encompass steel products. Although the Bekaert standard will remain valid during the transition, ISCC PLUS now offers a globally acknowledged system that guarantees uniformity and clear traceability throughout the entire supply chain.

This certification positions Bekaert as a leader in advancing certified tyre reinforcement, fostering industry-wide acceptance and generating shared benefits with tyre makers. For manufacturers, utilising ISCC PLUS-certified materials lends credibility to their sustainability assertions, simplifies the certification landscape and aids in meeting regulatory and market demands. Furthermore, their customers continue to gain from Bekaert’s dependable supply chain, which is now enhanced by verified sustainable sourcing.

Annie Xu, President – Rubber Reinforcement, Bekaert, said, "Achieving ISCC PLUS certification demonstrates our leadership in certified steel with high recycled content for tyre reinforcement. We are proud to have worked closely with ISCC and TÜV NORD to shape this framework, which will help our customers stay ahead of sustainability and regulatory expectations."

An ISCC representative said, "We welcome the successful completion of the certification process for steel tyre reinforcement under ISCC PLUS. This demonstrates that the ISCC framework can be applied to additional material categories while maintaining our established requirements for traceability and verification."

Samir Beqqal, Head of Carbon Traceability Business Entity Sustainability, TÜV NORD CERT, said, "Working with Bekaert and ISCC on this pilot certification was an important step towards applying ISCC PLUS principles to new material categories like steel. We are delighted that we were able to contribute our expertise to this process and help ensure that certified traceability and sustainability assurance can also be effectively extended to industrial materials now.”

Birla Carbon is set to participate in the upcoming Tire Technology Expo 2026, scheduled to take place in Hannover, Germany, from 3 to 5 March 2026. Attendees can find the company at Stand C 224, where it will present its latest innovations in carbon black and sustainable materials. The focus will be on solutions specifically designed to meet the evolving demands of the tyre industry, particularly in enhancing performance while aligning with broader environmental objectives.

The exhibition will serve as a platform to demonstrate how Birla Carbon’s advanced materials contribute to greater tyre durability and fuel efficiency. These developments are especially pertinent for next-generation mobility, including the specific requirements of electric vehicles. The company aims to show tire manufacturers how performance enhancements can be achieved without sacrificing sustainability commitments.

A key theme of their presence will be the strength and agility of their supply network across the EMEA region. By emphasising its robust local manufacturing and distribution framework, Birla Carbon intends to highlight its role as a dependable innovation partner. This infrastructure is built to ensure consistent quality and supply chain resilience, allowing for effective collaboration even in fluctuating market conditions.

Sustainability will be woven throughout the company’s engagement at the expo. Birla Carbon plans to detail its journey towards achieving net zero carbon emissions, spotlighting advancements like its Continua Sustainable Carbonaceous Material (SCM). The widespread ISCC Plus certification across its global manufacturing sites will also be featured, underscoring its commitment to traceable and responsible sourcing practices throughout the value chain.

John Davidson, Chief Sales, Marketing & Sustainability Officer, Birla Carbon, said, “Birla Carbon brings a range of innovative carbon black solutions, backed by its decades of manufacturing leadership, at a time when the industry is focused on maximising tyre performance across diverse mobility requirements. As mobility evolves towards electric and more energy-efficient platforms, carbon black is increasingly becoming a key performance enabler, directly influencing durability, rolling resistance and lifecycle emissions. Tire Technology Expo provides an impactful global platform to demonstrate how our advanced carbon material solutions are engineered for modern mobility and sustainability.”

Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) is advancing Thailand’s agricultural digital transformation through its homegrown platform, the Sri Trang Friends application. Launched in 2019 with the vision of providing a comprehensive digital tool for rubber farmers, the platform has since evolved to serve a broader agricultural community, including palm growers. It is designed to streamline access to information, services and various support mechanisms, creating a direct link between the company, farmers and supply chain participants.

A key recent development is the introduction of the Friends Shop feature and the Friends Point rewards system. This enhancement integrates local merchants from communities nationwide into the application, allowing farmers to conduct convenient transactions while helping to lower their daily expenses. The points accumulated can be used as cash equivalents or exchanged for a wide range of benefits, including essential goods and services, thereby stimulating local economic activity. The platform’s utility has also been extended to Sri Trang Group employees and the general public, who can now earn and redeem points for discounts or payments at participating outlets such as supermarkets, fuel stations and coffee shops. This expansion ensures the app delivers practical, lifestyle-oriented advantages to a wider user base.

According to Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul, the application was originally conceived under the concept of ‘One App, Complete Services for Rubber Farmers’ to strengthen farmer engagement, improve coordination efficiency and ensure fully traceable and transparent produce trading. Beyond these operational goals, it also opens new marketing channels for local communities and fosters deeper collaboration across the agricultural value chain. The company is actively broadening its network of partners to diversify the benefits and merchant options available to users.

Currently, the Sri Trang Friends platform has attracted over 150,000 registered users, with more than 40 community merchants across various regions either already onboard or preparing to join. This growth underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging a Thai-developed digital solution to empower modern farmers, reinforce local economies and drive sustainable long-term progress within the nation’s agricultural sector.