Goodyear is collaborating with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve  for the 15th year in a row to hold its yearly Christmas toy drive in support of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The public is encouraged to participate at the company’s blimp bases in Ohio, Florida and California. These events offer a unique incentive for donors: an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look inside the iconic Goodyear Blimp’s hangar.

The initiative supports the core mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, established in 1947, which gathers new, unwrapped toys each October through December to distribute as Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children within the local community. The collective impact of this long-term partnership has been significant, resulting in the donation of more than 275,000 toys and raising over USD 765,000 for the programme over the past 15 years.

The event schedule is as follows. At the Ohio base, located at 841 Wingfoot Lake Rd., Mogadore, the drive-through donation will be held from 5th December to 7th December between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily. The Florida base at 1500 NE 5th Ave, Pompano Beach, will host an open house on 7th December from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., requiring online registration for tours. The California base, situated at 19200 S Main St, Carson, will accept donations on 5th December from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on 6th December from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with tour spots available through online registration.

For supporters who cannot attend in person, all three Goodyear Airship Bases will accept new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations sent directly to their mailing addresses. Comprehensive details on how to contribute are available on the official Goodyear Blimp website and its Facebook page.

Laura Duda, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, Goodyear, said, "All of us at Team Goodyear are excited to celebrate our 15th year of partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the Toys for Tots Program, especially during the Goodyear Blimp's 100th anniversary year. Sharing the magic of these iconic blimps while giving back to the community during the holiday season is an opportunity we cherish as an organisation.”

Retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, said, "We're honoured to mark another milestone with Goodyear returning for their 15th consecutive year as a National Corporate Sponsor of the Marine Toys for Tots Program. Our organisation proudly continues its 78th year of bringing hope, joy and the magic of Christmas to children in need across the nation. Goodyear's dedication to serving communities mirrors the core values the Marine Corps has championed for nearly 80 years through Toys for Tots. Thanks to their ongoing partnership and generosity, we'll reach countless underserved children and help make their holiday wishes come true.”

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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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