Bridgestone has entered a new market segment with the introduction of its inaugural tyre designed specifically for motorhomes, the Duravis Camper All Season. This product marks the company’s first foray into catering to recreational vehicles, offering a solution that balances year-round versatility with the structural demands of motorhome travel. Engineered for safety, durability and long-term peace of mind, the tyre is built to handle heavy loads while remaining compatible with electric vehicles.

Performance across changing weather conditions is a central feature. The tyre achieves the highest possible EU label A-grade rating for wet grip while also delivering excellent dry braking performance. Its winter capability is certified through the 3PMSF and M+S markings, ensuring reliable traction in snow. These characteristics are supported by technical elements such as a silica-enriched compound for wet conditions, shoulder slots that efficiently channel water away and a directional V-shaped tread pattern that aids mobility on snow-covered roads. Dry braking performance is similarly enhanced through refined pattern stiffness.

Constructed to manage significant weight, the tyre incorporates a reinforced carcass to promote longevity, alongside an optimised tread design suited for extended stationary periods common to motorhome use. Its sidewall bears the CP marking, confirming it is specifically engineered for the unique demands of camping vehicles. Wear is evenly distributed thanks to balanced contact pressure and high pattern stiffness, contributing to cost savings over time. A sidewall protector rib offers additional defence against curb impacts.

Rolling resistance is rated B on the EU label for impressive energy efficiency, while cabin comfort benefits from a best-in-class A-grade rating for exterior noise. The tyre’s integrated capabilities, including its EV-readiness, are enabled by Bridgestone’s ENLITEN technology platform. Developed at the company’s Italian research and development centre, the Duravis Camper All Season is scheduled for release in June 2026 across four sizes in 15- and 16-inch rim diameters, tailored to meet growing demand across the European market.

Stefano Sanchini, Vice President – Consumer Replacement, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “From solo travellers to families, camper users seek safety and unhindered mobility on the road above all else – whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. The Duravis Camper All Season is built around these needs enabling drivers to live memorable adventures across the seasons. By combining durability and mileage capabilities, the Duravis range is known for innovations tailored to motorhomes. It gives camper users the confidence to journey further, whenever and wherever they choose.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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