As the title sponsor of the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), Bridgestone Corporation introduced a new standard in sustainable motorsport by equipping teams with tyres composed of over 65 percent recycled and renewable materials. This initiative, centred on the company's ENLITEN technology, represented a comprehensive evolution of its sustainability efforts across the entire tyre lifecycle, from material sourcing to end-of-life recycling. The performance of these tyres was proven on the track, with victorious teams in both the Challenger and Cruiser classes utilising them.

The advanced materials were developed through strategic partnerships. In collaboration with ENEOS Corporation, Bridgestone employed precise pyrolysis technology to recover carbon black from end-of-life tyres, which was then used in BWSC tyres for the first time. Similarly, recycled steel was produced from scrap tyres and processed into bead wire with partners Sanyo Special Steel and Nippon Steel, marking another debut application for the race.

Beyond materials, the ENLITEN technology was fundamental to the tyre design, enabling crucial performance characteristics for solar vehicles such as ultra-low rolling resistance, reduced weight and superior wear resistance. This engineering allowed the tyres to withstand the event's 3,000-kilometre extreme conditions while maximising vehicle efficiency. The incorporation of Teijin Aramid's new Twaron Next material further enhanced the product's circular content.

Bridgestone also addressed the environmental impact of logistics by partnering with DHL and its GoGreen Plus solution. The shipment of tyres to Australia utilised sustainable marine fuel, achieving up to an 85 percent reduction in well-to-wake CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the enhanced durability of the tyres meant each team required significantly fewer sets, reducing the total number supplied. After the event, a partnership with Australian company RubberGem will ensure the used tyres are recycled into high-quality rubber flooring.

This victory marks the third consecutive win in the Challenger class and the fourth in the Cruiser class for teams on Bridgestone tyres. By supporting this premier innovation challenge, Bridgestone reinforces its commitment to accelerating sustainable mobility and nurturing the next generation of engineers.

Challenger Class winner Elias Wawoe, Brunel Solar Team (Delft University of Technology), said, “The last time we won the BWSC was eight years ago, and since then, we have been working towards becoming world champion again. The Bridgestone tyres performed exceptionally well, especially in terms of wear resistance, supporting our journey to victory. The BWSC tyres were a great example of accelerating sustainability in the tyres; through the event, these efforts were showcased. What we try to show is the combination of innovation and striving for a sustainable future.”

Cruiser Class winner Kelvin To, VTC Solar Car Team (Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education), said, “We have been working on the BWSC for more than 10 years, and winning this competition means a lot to us. Our students from engineering and design put classroom skills into the real-life 3,000-km project of the BWSC. We take part to showcase the latest technology in renewable energy and be part of the force that drives into a sustainable future. Bridgestone tyres were very reliable—no punctures over sand, pebbles and potholes—and they helped us save a lot of energy throughout the trip.”

Bridgestone E8 Commitment Award winner Joel Pitts, Iron Lions Solar Car Team (Greenville High School), said, “We are truly humbled to receive the Bridgestone E8 Commitment Award. Our students and teachers set a goal to build a world class solar car that would qualify and compete in the Challenger Class. This recognition affirms our commitment and drive to become world-class solar teams.”

Hiroshi Imai, Vice President and Senior Officer – Global Motorsports, Bridgestone Corporation, said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the teams, team staff, families, organisers and the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the BWSC. It was truly inspiring to witness the passion of everyone involved come together to create such a remarkable event. We are proud that our tyres equipped with ENLITEN technology supported not only the winning teams but many others throughout the challenge. As both a tyre supplier and the title sponsor, Bridgestone remains committed to supporting the realization of sustainable mobility and the development of future engineers and leaders through the BWSC. With passion, we continue to challenge the limits together with the teams and aim to apply the innovations born in this ‘mobile laboratory’ to future sustainable global motorsports activities.”

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Maxxis Rubber India has been presented with an Appreciation Award from the Ahmedabad Rural Police in recognition of its support during VIP movements. The accolade was conferred by Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat, acknowledged for his role in fostering community safety and collaboration through his leadership.

Guided by its core principles of respect, care and appreciation, the company emphasises its commitment to quality, service and trust alongside cooperation with authorities. Expressing gratitude to the police department for acknowledging its efforts, Maxxis stated that the honour reinforces its dedication to integrity and public safety partnerships, motivating the organisation to continue contributing with the same unwavering commitment and a focus on building stronger, more resilient communities every single day forward together.

“At Maxxis, our core values – respect, care and appreciation – drive us beyond business. Whether ensuring 100 percent quality, service, trust in our products or standing alongside authorities for public safety, we believe strong partnerships build stronger communities. We sincerely thank the Police Department-Ahmedabad Rural Police for acknowledging our ‘unwavering support’ and ‘invaluable cooperation’. This honour motivates us to continue contributing with the same commitment and integrity,” the company acknowledged in a social media post.

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The organisers of the International Rubber Conference 2026 have opened exhibitor applications for the accompanying Rubber & Elastomer Technical Exhibition, with discounted early-bird rates available until 30 April 2026.

The conference will take place from 2 to 6 November at the Aichi International Exhibition Center (Aichi Sky Expo), bringing together global scientists, engineers and industry stakeholders working across rubber and elastomer technologies.

Exhibitors submitting applications by the April deadline will benefit from reduced participation fees. The final deadline for regular applications is 15 July 2026.

Held alongside the conference from 3 to 6 November, the exhibition is expected to attract more than 4,500 visitors and is regarded as one of the leading international platforms for showcasing advances in rubber science, materials engineering and industrial applications.

IRC 2026 marks the sixth edition hosted in Japan, following previous conferences in Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Yokohama and Kitakyushu. Under the theme “Future Rubber Technology toward Sustainability”, the event aims to address evolving industry demands, particularly as Asia accounts for a growing share of global rubber production and consumption.

Organisers said the event will provide a platform not only for established players but also for emerging engineers and researchers to engage with international experts, fostering collaboration and technological advancement across the sector.

Applications and further details are available via the official conference website.

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Tegeta Green Planet, in partnership with the Wasteless specific waste management association, hosted the Georgia Rubberized Asphalt Summit (GRAS) 2026 in Tbilisi. This international conference was designed as a platform for exchanging global knowledge on sustainable road infrastructure and rubber-modified asphalt technologies, bringing together industry leaders and international experts to examine both the challenges and opportunities within the sector. A dedicated panel discussion formed a central part of the event, fostering in-depth dialogue among participants.

Despite being widely adopted in United States, Portugal, Spain and across Europe for over six decades, rubber-modified asphalt remains unused in Georgia. This technology offers significant advantages over conventional pavement, including a service life of 8 to 10 years, superior resistance to water damage, reduced noise pollution and a substantial decrease in environmental harm caused by automotive waste. The summit’s organisers aim to address this gap by promoting responsible waste management and raising public awareness about the dangers of unprocessed refuse.

More than a forum for knowledge exchange, the summit served as a call to action, underscoring Georgia’s potential to become a regional frontrunner in sustainable infrastructure. Tegeta Green Planet, a subsidiary of Tegeta Holding established in 2022, was among the first companies in the country authorised by the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture to recycle used tyres, oils and batteries under extended producer responsibility principles. The organisation operates by collecting specified waste types, managing their transport and recycling and ultimately processing these materials in line with circular economy models, thereby supporting the nation’s shift towards innovative green initiatives.

Ekaterina Kavtaradze, CEO, Tegeta Holding, said, “For Tegeta Holding, sustainable development is one of the most important principles of our operations, which is reflected in concrete solutions. I am delighted that Georgia has had the opportunity to host such a large-scale event. GRAS 2026 demonstrates that the circular economy can become a real economic priority in Georgia as well, bringing significant benefits to the country, as waste is transformed into a resource, creating economic advantages and reducing the negative impact on the environment.”

Shalva Akhvlediani, Director, Tegeta Green Planet, said, “Georgia is at a stage where infrastructure decisions can shape the economic and environmental outcomes of the next generation. This summit provides us with a unique opportunity to learn from the world’s leading countries and implement these lessons at the local level. Overall, the circular economy is the way forward: it allows us to transform waste, such as used tyres, into a useful resource, ensuring economic stability, environmental protection and sustainable development.”

Giorgi Guliashvili, Chairman, Wasteless, “Our goal is to implement a fully circular model in Georgia – from waste collection to recycling and the effective use of recycled materials. Starting this autumn, Georgia will launch its first high-tech tyre recycling plant, which will process used tyres collected throughout the country. Using recycled rubber in asphalt is a clear answer to the question of how the resulting raw materials are utilised. As a result of the plant’s launch, we estimate that we will produce up to 12–15 thousand tonnes of rubber crumb per year, which will allow us to use this material locally to build more durable and environmentally friendly roads. This will bring significant benefits to both the environment and the economy.”

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Sailun recently welcomed trade and media representatives from across the Nordic region to the Sailun Polar Drive 2026 event, where the focus was on hands-on testing of the new Alpine Evo2, Arctic 2 and studded Ice Blazer Spike winter tyres. Held under severe winter conditions, the gathering was designed to let participants experience the full capabilities of this new range through direct driving experiences rather than passive demonstrations.

Situated in Munio, Finland, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, the location offered consistently harsh weather that served as the ultimate proving ground. Around 120 guests, including journalists, original equipment representatives and retail partners from the Baltics and Nordic countries, put the tyres to the test across a variety of challenging surfaces. From loose snow and slush to polished ice and wet pavement, the Alpine Evo2, Arctic 2 and Ice Blazer Spike each had the opportunity to showcase their specialised winter performance.

The event took advantage of temperatures fluctuating between -20 and +5 degrees Celsius, creating the mix of snow, ice and wet roads typical of Nordic winters. Testing took place on a frozen river track straddling the Finnish-Swedish border, featuring dedicated sections for handling, acceleration, braking and drifting. The remote Munio area, known for its pristine natural environment, also reflected Sailun’s commitment to sustainability, which includes reducing energy use and emissions during manufacturing and developing fuel-efficient tyres. A fleet of Audi A3, Audi A6 e-tron and Audi Q6 e-tron vehicles allowed participants to assess not only performance but also comfort, low noise and energy efficiency.

Beyond the driving sessions, the programme included an in-depth workshop covering tyre technology, the new winter product lineup and Sailun’s broader brand direction. Attendees also had ample opportunity to engage directly with members of Sailun’s management team throughout the event.

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