Bridgestone is set to build a pilot demonstration plant for precise pyrolysis of end-of-life tyres at its facility in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The plant, slated to commence operations in 2027, aims to advance horizontal tyre recycling by extracting tyre-derived oil and recovered carbon black from discarded tyres. By demonstrating this technology, Bridgestone seeks to accelerate the adoption of chemical recycling solutions. The project is a key component of the company’s “Sowing New Seeds” initiative under its Mid-Term Business Plan (2024–2026), designed to drive sustainable growth.

The pilot demonstration plant will be located at the Bridgestone Seki Plant in Seki Industrial Park, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2025, with operations expected to commence in September 2027. Once operational, the facility will have the capacity to process approximately 7,500 tonnes of end-of-life tyres per year.

Since 2022, Bridgestone has been developing chemical recycling solutions to support a circular economy. In 2023, the company installed a test unit at its Bridgestone Innovation Park (BIP) in Kodaira City, Tokyo, to refine the process of obtaining tyre-derived oil and recovered carbon black via precise pyrolysis. The oil is further processed to produce chemical compounds such as butadiene, a critical raw material for synthetic rubber, enabling the possibility of reintroducing both oil and carbon black into tyre manufacturing.

The new pilot plant will integrate the technological foundations established at BIP, scaling up operations for the mass production of tyre-derived oil and recovered carbon black through stable and continuous processes. Bridgestone also aims to deepen its expertise in chemical recycling by advancing plant operational knowledge and talent development in the field.

The initiative has been selected by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as part of the "Development of Chemical Manufacturing Technology from Used Tyres" under its "Green Innovation Fund Project." It is also a collaborative effort with ENEOS Corporation. The recovered carbon black produced at the plant will contribute to the development of eco Carbon Black (eCB), which offers rubber reinforcement properties comparable to virgin carbon black derived from petroleum and coal. This research forms part of a separate NEDO-backed project on carbon recycling from polymer products, conducted in partnership with Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd.

Bridgestone continues to advance its EVERTIRE INITIATIVE, a commercialisation effort focused on recycling tyres into rubber and other raw materials through strategic partnerships. The company’s commitment to environmental sustainability aligns with its broader "Bridgestone E8 Commitment," which prioritises ecological preservation and the transition to carbon-neutral mobility.

Under its long-term vision, Bridgestone is integrating sustainability across its value chain, from production and sales to usage and renewal of tyres. The company is positioning itself as a key player in achieving carbon neutrality, fostering a circular economy, and promoting environmental stewardship.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

El Hadj Larbi Industrie (SHLI) has announced significant progress on its state-of-the-art tyre manufacturing facility in Tafraoui's El Hamoul industrial zone, marking a transformative development for Algeria's industrial sector. This DZD-50-billion project represents one of the nation's most substantial private investments, strategically aligned with Algeria's economic diversification goals. The complex aims to dramatically reduce the country's tyre import dependency while supporting the burgeoning domestic automotive industry that has attracted global manufacturers.

Partnering with China's Doublestar Tires, SHLI is implementing cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies throughout the facility. The production process will feature full automation, advanced robotics and AI-powered quality control systems to ensure international-standard output. This technological edge positions the complex to compete in both domestic and export markets across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Initial operations will focus on producing seven million tyres annually, including one million truck tyres to serve Algeria's critical logistics sector. The long-term vision includes expanding to 22 million units through additional nationwide production facilities, potentially covering most domestic demand while generating export revenue.

Despite facing geological challenges from the site's clay-rich marshland, the project promises substantial socioeconomic benefits. It is expected to create over 2,000 direct jobs and thousands more in supporting industries. The facility's first phase is on track to begin operations within the coming years.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Dutch Grand Prix at the iconic TT Circuit Assen marks the return of Pirelli’s Moto2 tyre comparison between the standard SC0 soft rear compound and the development E0125, which was first introduced at Silverstone and later tested at Aragón. For this round, riders will have access to both rear options in soft compound – the conventional SC0 and the experimental E0125 – paired with either the soft SC1 or medium SC2 front tyres. Each rider will receive eight units of the rear tyres and eight of the front SC1, while the SC2 front will be limited to six. As per regulations, competitors may use a maximum of 17 tyres across the weekend, with a breakdown of eight front and nine rear.

The E0125 development tyre, which was universally adopted by riders at both Silverstone and Aragón, represents an evolution of the standard soft compound. While it retains the same tread compound, it incorporates a revised structure designed to enhance stability and deliver more consistent performance over full race distance. This adjustment aims to improve handling and endurance, particularly under the demanding conditions of Assen’s fast, flowing layout.

Meanwhile, Moto3 riders will continue with the established tyre allocations from previous rounds, receiving eight units each of the soft SC1 and medium SC2 compounds for both front and rear. The same 17-tyre limit applies, ensuring parity in usage across the field. Pirelli’s ongoing development in Moto2 highlights their commitment to refining performance, while Moto3 maintains a stable specification to suit the lightweight class’s unique demands. The Dutch GP will serve as another critical evaluation point for the E0125 as Pirelli gathers data for potential future adoption.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Continental has introduced the Archetype, a new limited-edition road tyre developed in collaboration with UAE Team Emirates – XRG. This tyre will debut at the 112th Tour de France, starting in Lille next week.

The Archetype boasts a 30-mm width, weighing 35 grammes less than the Grand Prix 5000 S TR, and features an ultra-supple carcass for enhanced responsiveness and comfort. At its core lies Continental’s renowned BlackChili compound, which minimises rolling resistance while delivering exceptional grip. The tyre also incorporates LazerGrip, a micro-profile shoulder design for secure high-speed cornering, and Active Comfort Technology to dampen road vibrations for a smoother ride. Fully tubeless-ready and hookless-compatible, the Archetype is optimised for modern race setups, from Grand Tours to time trials.

As an official licensed product for the 2025 Tour de France, it combines cutting-edge engineering with elite performance. This limited-edition tyre reflects Continental’s commitment to innovation and speed, tailored for professional cyclists and high-performance enthusiasts alike.

Hannah Ferle, Road Product Manager at Continental, said, “We were asked by UAE Team Emirates – XRG to build a tyre that could deliver even faster performance in a 30-mm width. That’s a bold challenge – so we went back to the fundamentals. The result is the Archetype: a tyre that distils our decades of racing expertise into a pure, purpose-built product. It’s minimal, fast and made for those who live to compete.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

On 18 June, the prestigious 22nd ‘World Brand Conference and Release Ceremony of China's 500 Most Valuable Brands’ was held in Beijing, organised by the World Brand Lab. Demonstrating its industry leadership, Doublestar achieved an impressive brand valuation of CNY 116.208 billion (approximately USD 16.21 billion), securing the 93rd position overall and maintaining its position as the highest-ranked Chinese tyre brand for yet another year.

This recognition underscores Doublestar's strong market presence and consumer trust, built on decades of innovation and quality craftsmanship. Moving forward, the company has committed to strengthening its brand influence through continuous technological advancement and sustainable development. By focusing on research and production of safer, smarter and more environmentally friendly tyre solutions, Doublestar aims to not only meet evolving market demands but also drive the high-quality growth of China's tyre industry.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!