Continental Receives ISCC PLUS Certifications For All European Tyre Plants

Continental Receives ISCC PLUS Certifications For All European Tyre Plants

Continental Tires has achieved a major sustainability milestone with all its European tyre production facilities now certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. The certification extends to plants in Lousado (Portugal), Puchov (Slovakia), Korbach (Germany), Sarreguemines (France), Otrokovice (Czech Republic) and Timișoara (Romania), along with the supporting Industria Textil do Ave textile plant in Portugal. The company's Hefei facility in China has also earned this recognition, expanding Continental's sustainable manufacturing network globally.

The ISCC PLUS certification verifies Continental's compliance with rigorous traceability and documentation requirements for renewable and recycled materials used in tyre production. This system enables the company to track sustainable inputs throughout the manufacturing process using the mass balance approach, which allows gradual incorporation of eco-friendly materials while maintaining existing production systems. Continental is currently increasing its use of certified materials, including bio-based synthetic rubbers and circular-process carbon black, as part of its strategy to include over 40 percent sustainable materials in tyres by 2030.

As a globally recognised standard established in 2010, ISCC certification promotes climate-friendly, deforestation-free supply chains across multiple industries. It covers sustainable biomass, recycled materials and renewable resources, providing a framework for transparent, responsible sourcing. For Continental, this achievement represents both a validation of current sustainability efforts and a foundation for future innovations in eco-conscious tyre manufacturing. The company's growing network of certified facilities demonstrates its commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality and performance standards across its global operations.

Jorge Almeida, head of Sustainability for Continental Tires, said, “The ISCC PLUS certification of all our European tyre plants is an important milestone and a strong signal for a more sustainable industry in Europe. But we're not stopping there. Our plants in other regions will follow step by step, like our Hefei plant, which is already certified. We have a strong ambition to make our tyre production more sustainable worldwide across our entire supply chain.”

Vaculug Launches ZEXY Range At 2025 Road Transport Expo

Vaculug Launches ZEXY Range At 2025 Road Transport Expo

Vaculug, Europe’s largest independent retreader producing high-quality OTR and truck retread tyres for fleets across the UK and Europe, has launched the ZEXY Range, a bold new line of versatile tyres designed for performance and durability, at the 2025 Road Transport Expo (RTX) last week.

Engineered to tackle every road condition, the ZEXY Range promises unmatched reliability for drivers seeking top-tier performance. Whether for long-haul journeys or urban commutes, the collection offers a tyre suited to every need.

More details about the ZEXY Range are available on the company’s official website.

Michelin Unveils High-Performance X Multi Z2 Tyre For Demanding Fleets

Michelin Unveils High-Performance X Multi Z2 Tyre  For Demanding Fleets

Michelin has introduced its new X Multi Z2 all-position tyre in sizes 11R22.5 and 295/75R22.5, engineered for food logistics, urban delivery and transit operations. This regional tyre delivers durability and reliable traction in harsh weather, helping fleets maintain efficiency without increasing costs.

SmartWay-verified and 3PMSF-rated, the X Multi Z2 offers 20 percent more mileage and 17 percent lower rolling resistance than its predecessor, the XZE2. These gains come from Michelin’s Regenion technology, which enhances tread efficiency for long-lasting traction. The tyre also features Powercoil technology for improved casing durability, ensuring dependable performance throughout its lifespan. Designed for cost-conscious fleets, the X Multi Z2 balances performance and economy for mission-critical operations.

Pierluigi Cumo, VP – B2B Marketing, Michelin North America, Inc, said, “In the high-stakes world of delivery and logistics, your schedule is only as reliable as your tyres. The Michelin X Multi Z2 tyre is designed to help regional fleets achieve promised deliveries. Urban mobility and logistics thrive on precision, and Michelin X Multi Z2 tyres are the foundation that can keep fleets moving when every minute matters. Michelin's track record speaks for itself delivering on its promise of unmatched quality and endurance in every product it creates. When performance is non-negotiable and reliability is essential, Michelin stands as the benchmark of quality the world drives on.”

Forvia And Michelin Provide Clarifications Regarding The Future Of Symbio

Forvia And Michelin Provide Clarifications Regarding The Future Of Symbio

Forvia and Michelin, co-shareholders of Symbio together with Stellantis, have provided several crucial explanations in the wake of a press release dated 15 July 2025 regarding Symbio's future.

In May, Stellantis notified Michelin and Forvia that it will cease its hydrogen-related operations by 2026. Stellantis, a co-shareholder and Symbio's largest client, has long aimed to influence the hydrogen mobility market for light commercial vehicles, so this sudden change comes as a surprise, according to Michelin’s 16 July statement, because about 80 percent of Symbio's anticipated manufacturing volume comes from Stellantis' orders alone.

Based on Stellantis' stated needs for the next eight years, Symbio has scaled its recruiting, investments and development plan during the last two years. All shareholders, including Stellantis's own teams, have verified the technology and functionality of Symbio's systems. More recently, Symbio was ready to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells for Stellantis vehicles that qualified for this programme as part of the French government's call for proposals, which was released in April 2025.

The statement further said that Symbio will suffer permanent operational and financial repercussions as a result of Stellantis' choice, adding that Forvia and Michelin are especially worried about how it would affect Symbio's 50 employees overseas and its 590 employees in France. Forvia and Michelin are in frequent communication with the government in this regard.

Michelin Acknowledges Partial Court Ruling On Antitrust Probe

Michelin Acknowledges Partial Court Ruling On Antitrust Probe

The European Court of First Instance partially annulled the European Commission's decision regarding searches conducted in January 2024 as part of an antitrust probe into possible cartel activity in the tire industry. Michelin acknowledged the 9 July 2025 ruling, expressing satisfaction with the outcome. The company stated it would not appeal the decision but remains committed to defending its position as the investigation continues into other periods flagged by the Commission.

This development suggests procedural or jurisdictional flaws in the initial raids, though the broader inquiry persists. Michelin's response indicates cautious cooperation while maintaining its stance on compliance and legal rights. The case highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the automotive sector, with potential implications for competition enforcement practices.