Our company VIPO a.s, the manufacturer of automatic bead winding machines, recommends performing at least the following tasks before starting production:

# Inspection of key machine functions ( e.g. TCU, extruder with automatic head locking that ensures the achievement of a stable head pressure and fast start-up)

# Visual inspection of the line – correct guidance of the material

# Control of input materials (rubber compound, wire)

# Check for visual damage

# Check tooling and check compliance with the selected recipe

# Security control

# Check alarms

# Dry test – motion control, robot control, manual mode

After starting the machine, we recommend checking and measuring the first product, as well as a visual inspection of the entire line. A prerequisite for the correct and fast start of production is the correct termination of production, such as cleaning of tools, correct shutdown of the machine, replacement of filters, observance of preventive and possibly also predictive maintenance. It is obvious that the mistake of neglecting the recommended procedures also leads to the emergence of critical situations in terms of safety, as well as to limit the functionality of the entire equipment.

Is there a way to speed up the start of production after a shutdown and ensure that the risk of a shutdown is minimised?

There is a possibility of the usage of ’experimental’ or ‘experience’ way to do it.  The conventional methods do not bring correct result for all time.

The Smart Maintenance Module software developed by VIPO a.s. integrates all recommended procedures of the manufacturer in the form of so-called checklists in digital form, available on mobile phones, tablets, or HMI, and at the same time integrates preventive maintenance together with mechanical, electrical and other accompanying documentation in one place. This system offers proper machine start up after shutdown without any forgotten step. The data are saved in the system for future verification and analysis if necessary.

In case of deployment of Advanced Condition Monitoring, by collecting data from PLCs and additional implementation of technical diagnostics (vibration diagnostics, multicriteria diagnostics etc.),wWe can use predictive maintenance within deep neural networks within the portfolio of production equipment in the tyre industry.

To eliminate human error, VIPO a.s. developed a unique product focused on automatic mould identification and subsequent validation with a recipe. The automatic form identification is intended to avoid crashing the machine in case of tooling change. Each form segment is equipped with 2D code (QR or bar code) which is connected to the form. Tooling validation ensures correct production based on needed article. Verification is done with machine initialisation. The production is not allowed in case the recipe and mounted form does not fit together. This system ensures production of improper components and additionally protects equipment from any collision or crash.      

For the purposes of remote technical support, VIPO a.s. provides its customers with the Augmented Assistance tool, thanks to which VIPO a.s. is able to provide the customer with adequate support almost immediately using a head-mounted tablet. VIPO a.s. at the same time is a proud system integrator of TeamViewer, as well as PTC and ICONICS system integrator network. (TT)

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Tegeta Green Planet and Shine Energy, both affiliated with Tegeta Holding, have launched a joint educational initiative to raise environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility among young people. The project addresses modern challenges such as environmental protection and sustainable development.

Company representatives are visiting schools across Tbilisi to hold informational meetings, presentations and workshops. The programme begins with presentations, followed by interactive games and activities designed to help students retain the information. At the end of each session, participants receive symbolic gifts and prizes as motivation.

Tegeta Green Planet focuses on teaching students the principles of specific waste management, including how to properly handle used tyres, batteries and oils. The sessions explain why proper waste management is essential for environmental protection and how it connects to the circular economy. Meanwhile, Shine Energy educates young people on the importance of energy, its everyday use and why developing renewable and sustainable energy resources is crucial.

The initiative is not limited to schools. In the near future, both organisations will expand their efforts to universities, aiming to broaden awareness about environmental protection, waste management and energy efficiency. The ultimate goal is to foster environmentally responsible attitudes among the younger generation, helping build a more sustainable and conscious society.

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Zeon has been recognised as a Supplier Engagement Leader in the 2025 Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA) conducted by CDP, a United Kingdom-based international environmental nonprofit organisation. This achievement represents the first time the company has received the highest possible rating in this assessment.

The evaluation measures how corporations address climate change within their supply chains, focusing on responses to the CDP Climate Change Questionnaire across five critical areas. These include governance, emissions targets, Scope 3 emissions management, risk management and overall supplier engagement strategies.

Zeon earned the top rating for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through supplier collaboration, a group-wide initiative, alongside continuous dialogue maintained via procurement activities. Guided by its philosophy of contributing to planetary preservation and human prosperity, Zeon remains committed to sustainable management. The company reaffirmed that it will continue working with suppliers and other stakeholders to tackle climate change and meet societal expectations.

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German chemical group WACKER has announced a price increase of up to 15 percent for its resins, dispersions and dispersible polymer powders produced at its European and US facilities. The adjustment takes effect on 1 June 2026, or as existing customer contracts permit. The move is designed to allow the company’s Polymers division to maintain high product quality, deliver technological innovations and provide superior customer service and technical support. It will also support investments aimed at securing future growth in key markets.

Rising costs for raw materials and logistics have forced the pricing measure, with the Polymers division being particularly affected. The recent conflict in the Middle East has caused significant disruptions across global commodity markets. As a direct result, prices for energy, raw materials and transportation have climbed sharply.

Despite the increase, WACKER remains focused on sustaining its commitment to customer support and long-term capability. The company underscored that the adjustment is necessary to continue meeting market demands while ensuring operational stability and future-oriented development across its focus markets.

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Pirelli North America has launched its first closed-loop circular recycling initiative, marking a significant step in the company’s broader strategy to increase recycled and bio‑based content in its tyre production. The project has received the Tire Recycling Foundation’s Value Chain Collaboration Award.

The programme recovers scrap tyres generated during Pirelli’s own North American manufacturing process. These materials are sent to Bolder Industries, which applies ISCC PLUS‑certified pyrolysis technology to produce BolderBlack recovered carbon black. Pirelli then reintroduces this material into new tyre production at its North American facilities, partially replacing virgin carbon black. The effort is part of a wider Pirelli plan to expand such industrial ecosystems across the group’s production network, aiming to valorise waste by reintegrating recovered materials into tyre manufacturing.

Beyond the award, the initiative reflects Pirelli’s broader circularity approach, which includes ongoing work to boost recycled and bio‑based material usage. The company targets over 80 percent bio‑based and recycled content in its best‑performing products and forty percent in total production by 2030.

Claudio Zanardo, CEO, Pirelli North America, said, "The Rome plant is one of the most technologically advanced manufacturing facilities in Pirelli. This initiative reflects an approach focused on increasing the use of recovered materials within existing production processes. It is part of a broader effort to gradually integrate raw materials derived from recycled resources into our products while maintaining consistency in performance and quality."

Tony Wibbeler, CEO, Bolder Industries, said, "Our collaboration demonstrates that a traceable, mass-balance approach to tyre-to-tyre circularity is not only achievable, but it's ready to scale inside a premium manufacturing environment, meeting real performance and certification requirements at every step. This is the kind of progress the industry has been working toward for many years."

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