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.

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Tegeta Green Planet opened the Light Vehicle Diagnostics course at Tegeta Academy with a presentation for attendees aged 17 to 33. Beyond their chosen vocational field, participants learned about automotive waste management and environmental responsibility.

Shalva Akhvlediani, the organisation’s director, outlined its activities and goals while emphasising Extended Producer Responsibility. The session examined how the automotive sector connects to environmental duty and why used tyres, waste oils and automotive batteries must be collected and managed properly.

Tyre management and RECSOL featured prominently. Attendees traced a used tyre’s path from collection to recycling and learned how waste becomes a source of new resources. RECSOL, Tegeta’s tyre recycling plant, is a significant infrastructure project in used tyre recycling, processing tyres into materials for various uses and supporting circular economy principles.

A core aim is a system where waste is not an endpoint but the starting point for new resources, which requires infrastructure alongside greater public awareness and information on proper disposal. For participants, the meeting linked professional education with environmental awareness, stressing that future automotive professionals should understand this responsibility early.

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Tyres Europe, alongside ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) and CLEPA (the European Association of Automotive Suppliers), has dispatched a joint communication to EU decision-makers concerning the possible broadening of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to cover downstream goods. The move comes as trilogue discussions approach.

Tyre producers form part of an automotive value chain already bearing carbon-related expenses for steel and aluminium manufactured within Europe. The proposed expansion would draw additional products into the mechanism’s remit before the existing framework has demonstrated its effectiveness. Resulting costs and administrative requirements would land on downstream manufacturers, tyre makers included, with signatories cautioning that a conceptually sound regulatory effort could become an operational and financial strain.

Endorsing the mechanism’s aims, the signatories nonetheless urge a proportionate scope that shields the entire value chain from carbon leakage while preventing that risk from being pushed further downstream. They advocate extending the mechanism only where a material carbon-leakage danger is evidenced, and request that policymakers ease compliance demands, including via more fitting default values mirroring real production routes.

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NEXEN TIRE has extended its partnership with Zalgiris, reinforcing its commitment to basketball in Europe, particularly across the Baltic region. The renewal builds on a relationship that began in 2024 and reflects the company’s broader strategy of linking its brand to performance, innovation and mobility.

The tyre maker has pursued sports partnerships as a way to connect with fans, sharing in the passion and excitement of supporting favourite teams during major matches and memorable moments. It also values the teamwork, dedication and collective achievement that define team sports, using such ties to build authentic connections and deepen engagement in key European markets. Its collaboration with clubs including Zalgiris and FC Bayern München forms part of this approach.

Under the extended agreement, NEXEN TIRE will gain greater visibility among sports fans in the region. The partnership offers branding opportunities at Zalgirio Arena, such as synchronised on-screen advertising and promotion on LED stands near the court, in a position visible on television during EuroLeague and LKL home games.

The arrangement also includes a hospitality programme allowing NEXEN TIRE to welcome guests and business partners at Zalgiris home fixtures. Through the strengthened alliance, the company aims to share its passion with more fans while raising brand awareness across the region.

Ricky Lee, Managing Director, NEXEN TIRE Poland, said, “Our cooperation with Zalgiris has developed positively since 2024, and we are pleased to extend and strengthen this partnership. Basketball has a particularly strong following in the Baltic region, making Zalgiris an important partner as we continue to grow our presence and engage with fans. We look forward to supporting the team throughout the season and doing our best to create positive experiences for both the players and their passionate fans.”

Paulius Jankunas, President, Zalgiris, said, “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with NEXEN TIRE and build on the partnership we started two years ago. NEXEN TIRE brings extensive experience in sports marketing, and we are proud to work together on creating meaningful projects and experiences for our fans. We look forward to another successful period of cooperation and to welcoming NEXEN TIRE’s guests and partners to our games and events.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has widened its tyre portfolio through the addition of four new lines under the Multi-Mile Tyres banner. Serving as a value step-up brand, Multi-Mile gives dealers a strong mix of broader product coverage and improved consumer advantages crafted to drive better retail margins, helping retailers offer greater value while lifting profitability. With this expansion, the portfolio now reaches over 85 percent of the vehicle market, offering dealers more ways to satisfy customer demand.

Among the additions are tyres built for rugged and mud terrain use, boasting self-cleaning treads that push out mud and stones alongside dependable traction both on and off the road. Also joining the range are commercial and C-metric speciality tyres tailored to heavy-duty regional and long-haul trucks, together with all-weather tyres that hold the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe snow rating and are made for high mileage and consistent year-round use.

A prominent name in the replacement tyre segment, Multi-Mile carries cutting-edge touring, high-performance and broad-line tyres suited to passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. Meanwhile, the upgraded Mile After Mile Protection Plan warranty now delivers broader coverage, adding three-year roadside assistance, a three-year road hazard protection plan and a 60-day ride guarantee on top of its extensive treadwear warranties.

Rachel Tibor, Chief Marketing Officer, TBC Wholesale, said, “For more than 70 years, Multi-Mile products have offered cost-efficient, reliable and durable tyre options that enhance safety and performance. With this expanded portfolio, Multi-Mile strengthens its position as a value step-up brand, giving dealers more opportunities to meet evolving consumer needs while offering a product mix designed to support stronger retail margins. We’re continuing our longstanding tradition of supplying the right products at the right time for every type of vehicle and application.”

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