Large companies rated at some level tried to measure the risk factors of their products and resources starting in late 1990’s. They calculated or estimated the most critical parameters and assessed and listed the topics. They listed the predicted strategies to be overcome. One can guess, however, that none of them ever viewed a virus as causing such a pandemic that their predominant risk failed and they had to stop production for long days.

No risk means that there is no sustainability problem. Indeed, the risk concept for each industry should cover all aspects. The risk can be related to the global economy, a pandemic, local disruption, local toxic leaks, or a lack of resources in processes. The energy, the people, the water or the air we breathe can be additional risk factors for sustainability.

The ‘Material Recovery’ and Retreading are two milestones for recycling of waste tyres with increasing rates rather than energy recovery. The ‘Challenge is every tyre is to be recycled after removal’

In the tyre industry, current raw material sources must first be well managed unless alternatives are developed. Delivery channels are generally designed to take place in just-in-time transactions. There is already a good step towards weight loss. The main goal of sustainability is to ‘stay carbon-neutral.’ This is true, but it does not cover everything. The management of a ‘Zero Waste Factory’ is primarily focused. Collecting used tyres is a problem and factories should contribute. The challenge is: “Every tyre has to be recycled after it has been removed.”

One aspect of tyre recycling is retreading, which unfortunately only applies to large tyres like trucks, buses and OTR’s in many countries. However, the volume and mass of the tyres to be handled in small groups is much larger and, unfortunately, energy recovery is primary destination in many countries.

According to ETRMA, the tyre industry in EU countries has dramatically improved the sustainability of tyres at every stage from design to end of life. Weight reduction, voluntary commitment to eliminate PAH-rich oils from tyres, helping the chemical industry assess the risks associated with their products, and the Sustainable Natural Rubber Initiative are just a few of the recent examples of this commitment. According to the EU Landfill and Waste Equipment Directive (EOL), the national governments are obliged to address its recycling for safety, health and environmental purposes.

However, we know that recycling of waste tyres is increasing in Europe, but the rate of retreading is not, and that tyres are still widely used in energy recovery processes. The bright side, however, is that recycling rates in the European Union have globally reached 98% after the United States, where the recycling rate is still close to 80%.

So many technological advancements to serve for long-lasting tires have contributed to the sustainability of the industry

The annual world production of used tyres, which comprises about 1.4 billion units, is estimated at 2.5 billion units in 2032. This means that a mass of almost 100 million tons of old tyres must be recycled every year. The use of recycled materials in industrial products should be encouraged by the governments. This is in fact a great advantage for the world economy and ecology.

In the automotive tyre industry, So many technological advancements have contributed to the sustainability of the industry. The main concern was to have long-lasting tyres on the market. Shorter life means more production and more used tyres. Today, in many product groups, premature tyre failure in service is almost “zero” except sudden air loss and improper use. When looking for sustainable alternative raw materials, therefore, it should be taken into account that the current level of tyre performance should not lag behind.

Anti-block braking systems were initially optional. Wheel Torque Distribution Algorithms were so at the beginning. However, both eliminate a significant safety risk for almost all vehicle groups that have served for long lasting and even worn tyres.

The synthetic rubber polymers in crude oil used in the tyre industry have helped too much for long-lasting tyres. Their “reuse” in recycling and the search for carbon-free alternatives are more important today.

For Sustainability, Carbon Neutral and Longer-Lasting Tyres are needed. There is still a long way to go…

Crump rubber extracted from old tyres is widely used in road construction, sports and leisure in various institutions. Recycling in this respect serves the circular economy. However, it should be possible to use micronised rubber powder in new tyres that also replace oil and rubber-based materials.

If one day airless tyres become popular in the market, they will add durability by using less rubber and being puncture proof. The development of sensors, chips and labels that can be integrated into the tread groove of a tyre and provide access to real-time information on temperature, pressure and roadway configuration will increase the impact of self-inflating tyres. With run-flat tyres, this is a big step towards more “Longer-lasting” tyres.

Various technologies are being explored to take advantage of used tyres, including infrastructure, and to make new tyres. If thermo technology research is successful, carbon black converted from recycled tyres into new tyres will become a reality. The recovered carbon black reduces CO2 emissions during the carbon black recovery process by 81% and prevents deforestation.

Carbon neutral and longer-lasting tyres without compromising on safety are necessary which will take a hard work and a long journey.

Apollo Tyres Ltd has secured a one-season shirt-sleeve sponsorship agreement with AS Monaco, one of French football's most successful clubs, to increase awareness for its premium Vredestein brand.

This partnership will leverage Ligue 1's ranking as the fifth most watched football league in the world to raise awareness of Vredestein's award-winning products among a large audience in France and abroad. On November 22, AS Monaco's home league game against Brest will have the new sleeve branding for the first time. The Vredestein brand will be heavily promoted at Stade Louis-II for the 2024–2025 season, including on player sleeves and LED screens around the field. Exclusive social media initiatives will further help make the brand prominent, reaching a large and interested audience.

Yves Pouliquen, Vice President – Commercial, Europe, Apollo Tyres, said, “This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Vredestein’s presence in one of our key markets. AS Monaco’s rich history and commitment to excellence mirror our focus on performance and innovation. We look forward to building a successful relationship with the club and celebrating its achievements this season.”

Thibaut Chatelard, Marketing and Revenue Director, AS Monaco, said: “We are delighted to welcome Apollo Tyres and its Vredestein brand to the family of AS Monaco partners. This collaboration makes sense in view of the values we share, such as the constant pursuit of performance and excellence. There’s no doubt that this new support will be precious for the rest of our season, which promises to be thrilling.”

Nexen Tire, a leading global tyre manufacturer, has launched the Nexen N´Blue S tyre, adding to its range of summer tyres and providing drivers with advanced safety, energy efficiency and superior driving stability in wet and dry conditions.

Developed using highly dispersed silica and equipped with an optimised structural design, the Nexen N´Blue S tyre provides reduced road noise and improved driving stability. The tyre features an innovative tread compound, formulated with hydrophilic fillers and microstructure-controlled polymers, and provides lower rolling resistance and exceptional dry and wet grip. The tyre also excelled in test results by demonstrating an 11 percent improvement in wet braking distance compared to its predecessor.

Apart from providing excellent performance, the Nexen  N´Blue S also scores high on the sustainability index. The tyre provides an eco-friendly solution for environmentally conscious drivers by minimising fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Nexen N´Blue S summer tyre is available in 58 sizes, which makes it compatible with different types of vehicles.

Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. is all set to expand its investment project in Binh Duong province of Vietnam, with the phase 3 of expansion commencing in early 2025. This was discussed at a recent meeting between Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee (PPC), and Kim Hyun Ho, General Director of Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd.

The meeting was held on 13 November at the Administrative Centre of Binh Duong province, as per an official statement. Apart from the company’s investment till date and the planned investment for phase 3, the two also discussed about the challenges and obstacles regarding procedures and processes to have more land funds to expand the manufacturing plant, along with taking measures to tackle the obstacles. Kim Hyun Ho also conveyed to the PPC Chairman that Kumho Tire Vietnam Co., Ltd. belongs to South Korea's Kumho Tire Group and is currently ranked 10th in the car tyre manufacturing industry.

The company had invested in a tyre manufacturing plant in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park in 2007 with a total initial investment of USD 308 million, which was supplemented by another USD 300 million in 2021. This extended the factory scale to six hectares and increased the production capacity to 12.5 million tyres annually. With the expansion in early 2025, the company will raise its total investment to USD 908 million and increase the factory's production capacity to 17 million tyres annually. The expanded capacity is expected to be operational by early 2026.

Yokohama-ATG, a leading manufacturer of all-terrain and off-the-road tyres, has expanded its Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range of forklift tyres with the launch of white, non-marking tyres.

The Galaxy MFS 101 SDS range consists of puncture-proof SDS tyres with extended wear limits designed for high-intensity working shifts and long durability. These are premium, solid rubber tyres developed for tough demands, a long service life and high driving comfort. The addition of white, non-marking tyres is specifically aimed at clean working environments.

Marked by a 3-stage construction process, the forklift tyres feature reduced heat build-up, effective shock absorption and minimised vibrations. The pattern design guarantees a smooth ride and good steerability thanks to its continuous centre lug and circumferential grooves. Furthermore, the flat walls and wide flat profile offer excellent stability when using a forklift for vertical stacking. The tyres are also equipped with anti-slip steel beads for improved rim fitment

In a case study on a CAT 2.5-tonne forklift that was used for handling heavy pallets on asphalt, the Galaxy MFS 101 SDS outshone the competitors with impressive performance. The tyre delivered an approximate 900 working hours before replacement against competitors’ 500 working hours.