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.

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”