Comerio Ercole is set to make a significant impact on the global stage in 2026 with its participation in two major industry exhibitions. The company will showcase its latest advancements at both Chinaplas 2026 and Tire Technology Expo 2026, highlighting a comprehensive portfolio designed to enhance precision, productivity and sustainability in polymer processing.

At Tire Technology Expo, Comerio Ercole will present integrated systems tailored for the tyre industry, focusing on high-performance rubber calendering and digital intelligence. A flagship solution is the TRIPLE 4-roll calendering unit. Its innovative "S" configuration provides remarkable flexibility by enabling the processing of both textile and steel cord, as well as the production of rubber sheeting, all within a single line. The system’s capability for simultaneous lamination ensures high precision and product stability while minimising defects. Downtime is a critical factor in tyre production, and the patented FASTEEL system directly addresses this. By automating the steel cord change process, it dramatically reduces changeover time from hours to minutes, allowing the line to continue running during preparation and thereby maximising plant availability and operator safety. Following the calendering process, the SUPERCUT system guarantees clean, precise transversal cuts for both steel and textile-reinforced rubber, integrating guillotine and high-speed rotary blades to minimise waste and streamline downstream winding.

Simultaneously, at Chinaplas 2026, taking place in Hall 2.1 at Stand C85, the company will place a strong emphasis on its patented HYDROPLUS concept for PVC and plastic calendering. This technology suite is engineered to deliver micrometric precision and robust process stability through advanced hydraulic controls. Central to this is HYDROGAP, a system that achieves exceptional thickness uniformity with high-resolution gap positioning. Complementing this are HYDROSAFE, which ensures rapid roll separation for ultimate protection, and HYDROTHERM, a feature that intelligently compensates for thermal expansion to maintain precise gap settings during fluctuating operational temperatures.

Beyond mechanical innovation, the company is driving digital transformation with its CELEMETRY and MINERV-AI platforms. CELEMETRY focuses on sustainability by converting production data into actionable insights for environmental reporting and energy optimisation. MINERV-AI captures and standardises operational expertise through artificial intelligence, supporting more effective maintenance protocols, training procedures and overall operational consistency. Through these combined efforts at both exhibitions, Comerio Ercole is demonstrating a holistic approach to advancing the plastics, rubber and tyre industries.

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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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