The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has released its members’ replacement tyre sales data for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, showing a recovery in consumer tyres while truck tyres remained weak.

“The fourth quarter of 2024 shows a positive evolution compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 in all product lines, mainly due to weak performance in Q4 2023,” said Adam McCarthy, ETRMA’s Secretary General.

After an eight percent decline in consumer tyres and a 17 percent drop in truck tyres in 2023, the consumer segment showed improvement in 2024, driven by demand for all-season tyres, while truck tyre volumes remained slightly negative, McCarthy said.

Sales in both categories remain below pre-pandemic levels, down 3.5% for consumer tyres and 10.3 percent for truck tyres compared to 2019, according to ETRMA. The truck tyre market continues to be impacted by rising non-pool volumes despite anti-dumping duties, while agricultural tyre sales were supported by rainy weather conditions, McCarthy said.

Synthomer has opened its China Innovation Centre (CIC) in Shanghai, expanding its research and development capabilities in the world’s largest chemicals market.

The 2,000-square-metre facility will focus on developing specialised polymers and innovative ingredients for adhesives, coatings, construction, health and protection, renewable energy, and electric vehicles, the company said in a statement. The centre houses more than 10 R&D laboratories and will employ scientists, technicians, and technical service managers.

“As we continue to invest in our organic growth capabilities and geographical and customer reach, the opening of our China Innovation Centre is an important strategic milestone,” said Michael Willome, Synthomer’s Chief Executive Officer. “This new facility enhances our innovation capabilities, allows us to more closely partner with our customers and strengthens our presence in the globally important Chinese market where we see exciting growth opportunities.”

The CIC is part of Synthomer’s network of five innovation centres and seven technical centres worldwide. It is located in the Shanghai International Chemical New Materials Innovation Centre within the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park, a hub for China’s chemical industry.

Zeon Corp’s synthetic rubber unit posted higher profits despite falling shipments, as Japan’s largest synthetic rubber manufacturer successfully passed on rising raw material costs to customers.

Operating profit at the elastomer business climbed 17 percent to USD 19.5 million in the quarter ending 31 December, even as sales volumes fell 12% year-on-year, the Tokyo-based company said in a statement. Revenue rose 5% to USD 371.4 million.

The results highlight chemical manufacturers’ growing ability to maintain margins despite volatile raw material costs, even at the expense of volumes. Asian butadiene prices averaged USD 1,306 per metric tonne in the quarter, up 28% from a year earlier.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Q3 synthetic rubber sales volume dropped 12% year-on-year
• Specialty rubber shipments declined due to maintenance
• General-purpose rubber volumes also decreased
• Full-year elastomer operating profit forecast raised to ¥9.5 billion

Zeon conducted planned maintenance at its Tokuyama and Takaoka plants during the quarter, contributing to the volume decline. The company absorbed its rubber joint venture, ZS Elastomer Co., in October as part of a reorganisation to improve efficiency.

The chemical manufacturer raised its full-year operating profit forecast for the elastomer segment by 5% to ¥9.5 billion, citing continued strong pricing and expected demand recovery in the fourth quarter.

Bridgestone Corporation has announced a new motorsports management structure, set to take effect on 1 March 2025, marking a significant step in its long-term commitment to sustainable global motorsports. This restructuring follows the 60th anniversary of Bridgestone’s motorsports activities and aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals.

For the first time, Bridgestone will establish a dedicated Motorsports Organisation under the Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The new structure is designed to strengthen the company’s motorsports initiatives, as it moves into the next phase of growth. With sustainability at the core of its strategy, Bridgestone aims to accelerate its environmental initiatives, including its role as the sole tire supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship from the 2026-2027 season.

The creation of the Motorsports Organisation will focus on motorsports tire development and technology. Hiroshi Imai, a seasoned expert with extensive experience in motorsports, will be appointed as the Head of the new organisation. Imai’s background includes key roles in Formula 1 tyre development and operations at McLaren Racing Ltd., where he significantly contributed to the company’s motorsports engineering efforts.

Bridgestone’s ultimate aim is to further its mission of becoming a "Sustainable Solution Company" by using motorsports as a platform for innovation, particularly in the development of its ENLITEN technology. The company’s vision also includes advancing carbon neutrality and creating a circular economy across its entire value chain.

The new management structure reflects Bridgestone’s ongoing dedication to both the sport of motorsports and its broader corporate objectives, ensuring that sustainable practices and technological innovation continue to drive its efforts.

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has released two comprehensive reports that explore the evolving challenges and opportunities for the tyre industry, both in Australia and globally. The reports, Exploring Global Influences on the Tyre Industry: Chemicals of Concern, Microplastics and Design (in collaboration with CSIRO) and Implications of the Transition to EVs for End-of-Life Tyre Recovery (produced with industry stakeholders), offer crucial insights into the future of the tyre industry.

Among the key findings, global trends highlight that Australia risks falling behind international standards unless proactive action is taken on emerging issues such as tyre wear emissions and harmful chemicals. The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is identified as a significant factor that could accelerate tyre wear due to their increased weight and torque. This could, in turn, increase the volume of tyres reaching their end-of-life sooner than expected.

Further, the reports underline the need for innovation in recycling infrastructure to keep pace with the rise of advanced materials in new tyres. These advancements, particularly driven by the growth of EVs, present challenges that will require adapted recycling methods to ensure sustainable resource recovery.

The reports also highlight substantial opportunities for collaboration, urging Australian stakeholders to align with global sustainability frameworks to drive progress in tyre resource recovery. The findings are designed to inform tyre manufacturers, recyclers, automotive stakeholders, and policymakers, encouraging them to explore innovative solutions and contribute to the adoption of circular economy practices in the tyre sector.