For over a decade, a strong partnership has existed between Danish bus operator AarBus and tyre manufacturer Continental, a collaboration now central to a significant green transition in public transport. Serving the city of Aarhus and its environs, AarBus equips its entire fleet of city buses with Continental's premium tyres, a choice driven by the critical need for operational reliability and outstanding durability. This commitment has recently expanded to include Continental's digital tyre monitoring system, ContiConnect, aligning with the company's deep-seated philosophy of reducing its CO2 emissions and overall ecological footprint. A testament to this ambition is the fact that every second bus in their modern fleet is already electric, with a clear goal for 168 of their vehicles to be clean, zero-emission models by 2027, according to Managing Director Hans Jørgen Østergaard.

This strategic direction places AarBus firmly on course with broader European objectives, including a European Commission target for 90 percent of new city buses to be emission-free by 2030. The environmental benefits of this shift are already substantial. Since introducing its first four electric buses in 2019, AarBus has prevented approximately 14,095 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, a saving equivalent to the annual emissions of over 9,000 cars. Hans Jørgen Østergaard notes that in 2024 alone, the company saved 4,681 tonnes of CO2, representing a 35 percent reduction compared to its 2018 levels when it relied entirely on diesel. In this context, selecting the right tyres becomes a crucial factor in maximising efficiency and minimising environmental impact, proving essential for the economical operation of a modern fleet.

The specific demands of electric buses have directly influenced tyre design. Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Product Development EMEA at Continental, explains that tyres like the Conti Urban HA 5 were developed precisely for the unique requirements of electric drives, which feature higher torque and increased weight. These energy-saving tyres with low rolling resistance are engineered to withstand the additional stresses of frequent stops and tight curbs common in urban settings. Their robust construction, including reinforced sidewalls and a durable rubber compound, is intended to maximise longevity. This design philosophy supports a circular economy concept that extends the tyre's life cycle through retreading, thereby reducing its overall environmental footprint.

The integration of the ContiConnect live digital tyre pressure monitoring system brings another layer of efficiency and safety to AarBus operations. By ensuring buses consistently operate with correct tyre pressure, the system prevents gradual pressure loss and the vehicle breakdowns that can result from flat tyres. This enhances operational reliability for the company's approximately 80,000 weekly trips, making the daily work of its 578 drivers easier and more predictable. This reliability is especially critical for electric buses, where maintaining optimal range is a key operational concern. The transition to an electric fleet at AarBus, initiated by a political decision from the Aarhus city administration, underscores the company's commitment to its environmental certification and corporate philosophy. Through this comprehensive partnership, Continental's tyre solutions are helping to ensure that the AarBus fleet is not only environmentally friendly but also reliably and safely on the road, driving the future of sustainable public transport.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kuraray America, Inc. marked National STEM Day on 8 November by spotlighting a community educational event that brought together 15 of its volunteers and students from the Houston Japanese Supplementary School at San Jacinto College for a day of hands-on exploration and discovery.

Participants engaged in activities illustrating how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) converge in chemical manufacturing. Experiments with superabsorbent polymer beads explored chemistry and material properties, while a tour of the college’s facilities introduced industrial equipment. Students also learned about water filtration and distillation processes and how mathematical concepts underpin scientific and engineering applications.

One student showed particular interest in the distillation tower, linking the experience to the Kuraray Group’s contributions to everyday life and its mission of achieving for people and the planet what no one else can. The event also benefited KAI volunteers, who shared technical knowledge, exchanged perspectives and learned alongside potential future scientists and engineers.

Kuraray America thanked Reiko Fuwa and Tomohiro Tani for coordinating the visit, Hans Vandommele for sharing his expertise and all 15 KAI volunteers. The company also expressed appreciation to San Jacinto College for facility access and to the Houston Japanese Supplementary School students for their curiosity, enthusiasm and thoughtful questions.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Liberty Tire Recycling attended the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held from 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The automotive aftermarket event, one of the industry's largest, drew over 160,000 attendees from the automotive, tyre and transportation sectors to review new products, technologies and business opportunities.

The Lakin Tire brand, a consistent SEMA exhibitor, once again used the show to reinforce industry relationships and present Liberty's tyre collection, recycling and sustainable resource management capabilities. Personnel from Grade/Used Tires, Commercial Truck Tires, Metals, Recycling and Collection, together with corporate and regional leadership, met customers, suppliers and industry professionals from around the world.

The booth received existing and prospective customers from numerous tyre and automotive segments during the week. Costco Wholesale Corporate Office, United Tires and UTU Wholesale were among the organisations that stopped by to examine Liberty Tire's products, services and nationwide reach. The company viewed the event as an effective forum for monitoring emerging market trends and demonstrating its position in recycling and sustainability, alongside its focus on innovation, workforce development and circular economy principles.

A memorable moment came when a high school shop teacher and students, attending through a special educator programme, toured the booth to learn about tyre recycling and industry operations. Liberty team members provided industry insights, outlined career pathways and acknowledged educators' contribution to developing future skilled trades professionals, supplying tyre inflation gauges for classroom use.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Laufenn, Hankook's associate brand, earned a ‘Good’ ratingwith an overall score of 2.2 for its G Fit 4S in the Auto Bild Allrad all-season SUV tyre test published on 8 October 2026 (issue 41). The tyre competed credibly against 11 rivals from established premium marques, finishing competitively in a 12-strong field.

Wet handling proved a particular strength, with the G Fit 4S collecting the second-highest rating shared with other models. Aquaplaning resistance also impressed, as the tyre held its line until stability began to fade at roughly 100 kmph (62 mph). In snow, it recorded the third-shortest braking distance, matching two other contenders.

Testing spanned snow, wet and dry disciplines, each weighted equally in the final ranking, with a third-generation MINI Countryman serving as the test vehicle. Snow assessments were carried out in New Zealand, while European venues hosted the wet and dry evaluations. The jury's conclusion underscored Laufenn's value-focused positioning, finding the G Fit 4S a solid option for cost-conscious buyers.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tyres Europe has underscored that tyres qualify as fully recyclable under ISO 22628:2002 and UN Regulation No. 133, describing the established methodology as a robust foundation for assessing tyre recyclability. The organisation recently set out its position on the matter.

The distinction between recyclability and actual recycling rates is central to the group's argument. Recyclability refers to the technical potential of a product and its materials to be recycled, while the real rate hinges on treatment capacity and demand for secondary raw materials. Regulatory frameworks should therefore separate the two concepts clearly and align with an internationally recognised standard.

Tyres consist of rubber compounds, chemical additives and reinforcing textile and steel cords, and at end of life they are separated into rubber, textile and steel fractions, all of which existing mechanical or chemical routes can recycle. Mechanical processing yields rubber granules and powders usable as secondary raw materials across many applications, recovered textiles can be further processed and valorised, and cleaned recovered steel can re-enter metal recycling and steelmaking.

Tyres Europe pledged continued cooperation with policymakers and value-chain partners to strengthen circularity and maximise recovery of valuable tyre materials in Europe, with the full paper available on its website.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!