In a keynote address at the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) annual conference in Warwickshire, environmental campaigner Georgia Elliott-Smith issued a compelling call for the UK government to collaborate with the industry to enact urgent regulatory reforms. The CEO of Fighting Dirty emphasised that such partnership is essential for realising a genuine circular economy and effectively addressing the climate crisis. She specifically endorsed TRA's five-step Road to Reform, published this summer, as a practical and necessary framework for action.

Elliott-Smith highlighted the critical juncture facing the tyre recycling industry and the unexpected but powerful alliance between her environmental group and the TRA. This partnership, she explained, is united by a shared objective: to overhaul the current regulations governing British end-of-life tyres (ELTs) and transform waste into valuable resources. She stressed that acknowledging the reality of the climate crisis and the limited window for reversal demands an immediate shift from discussion to tangible action, where robust regulation and its strict enforcement are the primary levers for change.

Looking forward, Elliott-Smith articulated a vision where regulatory reform must catalyse the creation of substantial new industries that represent permanent solutions, not merely transitional ones. She expressed deep concern over ‘false solutions’ that might emerge under the banner of a circular economy but ultimately perpetuate pollution. For a truly green industrial future, she argued, new systems must be designed to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants, not create new forms of environmental harm.

Furthermore, Elliott-Smith reaffirmed her organisation's commitment to holding regulators accountable through legal means. “Fighting Dirty will continue to initiate legal challenges when we see inaction by regulators, that’s why we initiated court proceedings against the Environment Agency in February, proceedings that led to the EA admitting that there was a failure to understand their responsibilities and regulate. Enhanced verification procedures are a positive step in the right direction, but we wait to see that they deliver the promised change – our legal action is only paused. Policy leadership can create the industry design solution of the future – what is possible in the tyre industry to move it to that new vision, that moves through transitory solutions to genuine solutions for the industry of the future. We all have to be troublemakers, to be a nuisance for a cause,” she said.

Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General, TRA, said, “Today saw the largest gathering of TRA members and industry players in a year. There is a sense of possibility and optimism with a refocus on reform following the Waste Minister’s comments in Spring, but we still wait for that rhetoric to become a reality. Operational clarity for our members will come from the right decisions on regulatory reform being implemented. This must happen if we are to secure domestic capability and the long-term success of British used tyre processors. We all want to see reforms that stop malpractice and corner-cutting, which does so much damage to the environment and undermines legitimate operators.

“As Georgia set out today, there is currently a big gap between the stated objective of Britain having a circular economy and what is happening in practice. We welcome the Environment Agency’s contributions to discussions today – we again encourage them (and DEFRA) to invite industry through their door so we can speak to them and help bring meaningful reform about. Partnership and cooperation are the quickest and most effective route down the road to reform that the Minister initiated nearly six months ago.”

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Hankook Tire is supplying its Ventus F200 racing tyre to the HWA EVO.R sedan, competing in the 2026 Nürburgring 24 Hours, taking place from 14 to 17 May in Germany. Serving as the Official Technology Partner of HWA AG, Hankook is providing technical assistance throughout the race weekend with the Ventus F200 fitted to the HWA EVO.R in the open SP-X class for high-performance tuned vehicles. The racing slick is engineered for dry conditions and aims to deliver stable performance under extreme endurance racing demands.

Recognised globally in motorsport, the Ventus F200 incorporates advanced compound technologies that enhance driving performance and achieve roughly a 10 percent weight reduction over its predecessor. The tyre offers strong grip, high-speed stability and precise handling under demanding race conditions. HWA AG, founded by former Mercedes-AMG Co‑Founder Hans Werner Aufrecht, is a noted global motorsport engineering company specialising in high‑performance vehicle development.

This collaboration expands an existing strategic partnership, following Hankook’s original equipment tyre supply for the limited‑production HWA EVO last year. Hankook currently provides several ultra‑high‑performance OE products for that model, including the Ventus evo Z, Ventus evo and Winter i*cept evo3. Moving forward, Hankook plans to strengthen its premium brand competitiveness by deepening cooperation with HWA AG in both OE and motorsport sectors.

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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has secured a place on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class (DJ BIC) Korea Index for three years running, marking consistent recognition from the S&P Global benchmark for corporate sustainability. This index, released by a major global financial information provider, is known as a highly trusted gauge of ESG performance. Membership is limited to the top 30 percent of companies per industry, drawn from the two hundred largest listed firms in South Korea by market value.

In a related achievement, the company also appeared in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for the second straight year. The latest assessment reviewed over 9,200 businesses across 59 industries worldwide, and HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS earned a Yearbook Member designation by placing within the top fifteen percent of its global industry.

To drive these results, the firm has built an ESG framework on four pillars: Zero Fatality for safety, Zero Emission for carbon reduction, Zero Waste for circular resource use and Zero Impact for stakeholder accountability. Senior management directly oversees a Sustainability Management Committee and specialised subcommittees, ensuring that ESG strategies are implemented across the entire organisation to boost corporate value.

Jim Jindal Lim, CEO, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS, said, “Our inclusion in DJ BIC Korea for three consecutive years and our second consecutive listing in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook demonstrate that HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has consistently implemented meaningful changes for sustainable management. We will continue strengthening our response to climate change and enhancing our corporate social responsibility.”

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Dr Suttipong Angthong, Secretary-General of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC), attended the TRA & TLA Dinner 2026 on 8 May 2026. The high-profile gathering was jointly organised by the Thai Rubber Association (TRA) and the Thai Latex Association (TLA) at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders from across the rubber and latex sectors to foster professional relationships and examine the shifting dynamics of the global natural rubber market.

The event served as a critical platform for Dr Angthong to engage in high-level discussions on market sustainability, trade relations and technological advancement. Particular attention was given to the long-term viability of rubber production, improving synergy between producers and exporters and the growing role of latex processing in the modern economy. His presence highlighted the ANRPC’s dedication to supporting member countries through close cooperation with national associations.

Thailand continues to hold a foundational position in the global natural rubber industry. The partnership between the TRA and TLA acts as a key driver of both innovation and regional stability, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts to navigate the evolving market landscape.

Dr Angthong said, "Events like the TRA & TLA Dinner are essential for maintaining the pulse of the industry. It is through these partnerships that we ensure the natural rubber sector remains resilient and forward-looking."

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Continental is preparing to appear at this year’s TOC Europe with a combined offering of advanced tyres and digital management tools. The company’s presence at the event will emphasise its drive to make port logistics both high-performing and resource-conscious.

The exhibition lineup is built around the theme ‘Driven by Excellence’, featuring the ContiConnect digital tyre platform alongside the new DockMaster Radial tyre. The latter is a purpose-built product for harsh port environments, including automated guided vehicles, reach stackers and heavy forklifts. A company representative has explained that every solution is tailored directly to real customer needs in port operations, blending tyre engineering with data services to enable more energy-efficient and digitally managed workflows.

TOC Europe 2026 will run from 19 to 21 May at the Hamburg exhibition grounds. Continental will receive visitors in Hall B6 at Booth B44, where the focus will fall on operational safety, sustainability and efficiency gains.

ContiConnect plays a central role in cutting tyre management costs and streamlining fleet operations. Properly managed tyre pressure can lower fuel use by up to two percent, while continuous monitoring extends tyre life by as much as 20 percent, simultaneously reducing carbon emissions and operating expenses. The system comes in two forms. ContiConnect Lite is a mobile, app-based entry tool requiring no extra infrastructure, whereas ContiConnect Pro delivers real-time data, automated reports and system integration for large fleets.

The DockMaster Radial tyre stands out for its durable, efficient and robust design. A large footprint and maximised tread volume prolong service life, while the radial build lowers heat buildup over long travel distances. Its rolling resistance is lower than that of bias-ply tyres, improving energy efficiency. An integrated sensor tracks both temperature and inflation pressure, while a specialised rubber compound resists cuts, abrasion and cracking. This makes the tyre especially suitable for intense applications with extended operating ranges and punishing ground surfaces.

Beyond products, Continental offers a data-led tyre consulting service to lower total ownership costs and improve resource use. Experts analyse operational data including distance, speed and active cycle time to advise on vehicle deployment, route planning and tyre selection. Detailed usage studies help match the right tyre to each application, reducing premature failures, extending tyre life and delivering clear efficiency improvements for port operators.

Federico Jiménez, Head of Business Development and Product Management for Continental’s Commercial Specialty Tires, said, “We consistently align our solutions with the requirements of our customers in port operations. With our combination of innovative tyre technology and data-driven services, we enable more energy-efficient, digital, and therefore more efficient operations.”

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