For over a decade, Continental has served as the exclusive tyre supplier to Cemex in the UK, providing comprehensive solutions for the building materials leader's entire fleet. This partnership, initiated in 2011, began when Cemex selected retreaded tyres from Continental’s Bandvulc brand and became an early adopter of the ContiConnect digital monitoring system. Cemex, founded in 1906 and a major supplier of concrete, asphalt and aggregates, operates an extensive UK network of quarries and plants serviced by a large fleet of cement vehicles, dump trucks, trailers and ships.

The demanding environments at Cemex sites, featuring sharp rocks and uneven terrain, previously made tyre-related vehicle breakdowns a significant operational hurdle. By equipping the fleet with Continental’s premium new and retreaded tyres, the company has substantially enhanced vehicle safety, reduced downtime and improved overall fleet efficiency. According to Carl Milton, Cement Logistics Manager – UK at Cemex, this open-book relationship has yielded continuous benefits, from lowering driving costs to increasing vehicle durability and performance.

A cornerstone of this collaboration is the ContiConnect tyre pressure monitoring system. Sensors in the tyres provide real-time data on inflation and temperature, transmitting this information to cab displays and a web-based platform for fleet management. Nigel Ponton, UK Fleet Engineering Manager at Cemex, notes that the system does more than monitor deflation; it analyses heat transfer to predict imminent brake or wheel bearing failures, enabling proactive maintenance. Email alerts from the platform allow both the transport team and tyre providers to address issues in advance, supported by additional checks from Yard Reader stations at Cemex plants.

The partnership has deepened through joint innovation and testing. Milton highlights that the two companies have worked closely to optimise tyre designs for Cemex’s unique operational environments, achieving the best possible fuel economy. Cemex is frequently invited to trial new tyre models, providing feedback that directly contributes to the refinement and development of Continental’s product range. Pina Wallace of Continental concludes that this cooperative relationship is a perfect example of mutual success, where tailored solutions meet specific customer demands while invaluable feedback enhances product offerings. This synergy underscores Continental’s customer-centric approach and the tangible, shared value born from a deeply collaborative alliance.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!