Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has unveiled a demonstration tyre comprising 90 percent sustainable materials. This demonstration tyre has passed all applicable regulatory testing as well as Goodyear’s internal testing.

Bringing a 90 percent sustainable-material tyre to market will require further collaboration with the company’s supply base to identify the scale necessary for these innovative materials to produce that specific tyre at high volumes.

Goodyear claims that this demonstration tyre also tested to have lower rolling resistance when compared to the reference tyre made with traditional materials. Lower rolling resistance means the demonstration tyre has the potential to offer better fuel savings and carbon footprint reduction.

The tyre company states that the 90 percent sustainable-material demonstration tyre includes 17 featured ingredients across 12 different components, including –

• Carbon black, which is included in tyres for compound reinforcement and to help increase their life, has traditionally been made by burning various types of petroleum products. The demonstration tyre features four different types of carbon black that are produced from methane, carbon dioxide, plant-based oil and end-of-life tyre pyrolysis oil feedstocks. These carbon black technologies target reduced carbon emissions, circularity and the use of bio-based carbons, while still delivering on performance.

• As per Goodyear, the use of soybean oil in this demonstration tyre helps keep the tyre’s rubber compound pliable in changing temperatures. Soybean oil is a bio-based resource that helps reduce Goodyear’s use of petroleum-based products. The tyre manufacturing company claims that while nearly 100 percent of soy protein is used in food/animal feed applications, a significant surplus of oil is left over and available for use in industrial applications.

• Silica is an ingredient often used in tyres to help improve grip and reduce fuel consumption. According to Goodyear, the demonstration tyre includes a high-quality silica produced from rice husk waste residue (RHA silica), a by-product of rice processing that is often discarded and put into landfills.

• Resins are used to help improve and enhance tyre traction performance. In the demonstration tyre, Goodyear states that traditional petroleum-based resins are replaced with bio-renewable pine tree resins.

• Bead wire and steel cords provide reinforcement in the structure of a radial tyre. The tyre manufacturer claims that the demonstration tyre uses bead wire and steel cord from steel with high recycled content, which is produced using the electric arc furnace (EAF) process. The utilisation of the EAF process allows for steel to be produced with reduced energy use and higher recycled content. The EAF process has the potential for lower greenhouse gas emissions in comparison with steel produced using a blast furnace.

• Goodyear claims that ISCC certified mass balance polymers from bio and bio-circular feedstock are also included in this tyre.

In addition, after announcing the capability to demonstrate a 70 percent sustainable-material tyre in January 2022, Goodyear, working with its supply base, plans to sell a tyre with up to 70 percent sustainable-material content in 2023. With the introduction of a tyre with up to 70 percent sustainable-material content, the company claims that it is demonstrating tangible commitment with in-market solutions to building a better future. The tyre manufacturing company states that consumers interested in purchasing this tyre can register for updates at Goodyear.com/SustainableMaterialTire.

“We continue to make progress towards our goal of introducing the first 100 percent sustainable-material tyre in the industry by 2030,” said Chris Helsel, Senior Vice-President, Global Operations and Chief Technology Officer at Goodyear. “The past year was a pivotal one toward achieving this goal. We researched new technologies, identified opportunities for further collaboration and utilised our team’s tenacity to not only demonstrate our capabilities to produce a 90 percent sustainable-material tyre, but to also produce a tyre with up to 70 percent sustainable-material content this year. Our team continues to showcase its innovation and commitment to building a better future.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Apollo Tyres, one of the leading tyre makers in the country, has extended its strategic partnership with Manchester United Football Club, one of the world’s most iconic football teams, for an additional three years.

The partners stated that the renewal of the enduring partnership highlights a mutual commitment to excellence, innovation and shared values. This 12-year alliance has been instrumental in connecting both entities with millions of passionate fans globally, yielding highly engaging campaigns and delivering significant value, both in the realm of sport and business.

Since its inception, the partnership Apollo Tyres' stated has propelled its brand equity, leveraging Manchester United's unparalleled global visibility and deep emotional connection with its loyal fanbase. This association has not only bolstered Apollo Tyres' reputation and amplified consumer trust but also solidified its standing as a premier tyre manufacturer.

The renewal follows the recent visit of Manchester United's first-team players, Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot and Harry Maguire, to Mumbai. Their visit marked the official launch and commencement of activities for the fifth season of the ‘United We Play’ programme, providing an opportunity for direct engagement with fans in India.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and MD, Apollo Tyres, said, “We are thrilled to continue our association with Manchester United, a club that embodies passion, performance and global reach. Our partnership has been instrumental in amplifying our brand equity by aligning with a club that represents passion and perseverance. Together we will strive to create even more exciting experiences for fans, leverage new opportunities in digital and on-ground engagement, and strengthen our brand presence across key markets. We are also excited to expand our impact through a grassroots football initiative that aims to nurture young talent and promote access to the sport at the community level.”

Omar Berrada, CEO, Manchester United, added, “We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Apollo Tyres, a valued and long-standing member of the Manchester United family. During our 12-year relationship, we’ve not only created impactful global campaigns but also delivered meaningful initiatives at the grassroots level, from youth development to sustainable infrastructure.”

“As we move into this next chapter, we look forward to continuing on our shared legacy -- driving further engagement with our fans around the world and creating lasting value both on and off the pitch,” added Berrada.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nokian Tyres plc has been awarded the prestigious Key Flag symbol by the Association for Finnish Work for its flagship Hakkapeliitta winter tyres and Hakka summer tyres.

The Key Flag, a nationally recognised emblem, is granted to products manufactured or services produced in Finland that contain a minimum of 50% domestic content based on break-even cost.

“We are proud of our Finnish heritage and our northern knowhow which is represented in our premium Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta and Nokian Tyres Hakka products,” said Ville Nikkola, Head of Sales, Finland at Nokian Tyres. “The Key Flag symbol is a sign of Finnish work and very well known among consumers. We are extremely happy to be able to present it next to our tyres manufactured in Finland for Nordic drivers.”

The Hakkapeliitta winter tyres and Hakka summer tyres are both developed and produced at Nokian Tyres’ factory in Nokia, Finland. The company’s global research and development centre is also located at the site, and both products undergo rigorous testing in Finland, including winter trials at the Ivalo test facility in Lapland.

This recognition is the latest in a series of Finnish quality accolades for the company. Nokian Tyres has previously received the Key Flag for its heavy machinery tyres, wheels, and retreading materials. Additionally, its truck and bus tyres carry the Design from Finland label, underlining their Finnish design pedigree.

Founded in 1898, Nokian Tyres began manufacturing tyres in 1932. The company introduced the world’s first winter tyre in 1934, followed by the first Hakkapeliitta-branded passenger car winter tyre in 1936. Since then, the brand has become a hallmark of Nordic winter driving.

“The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta winter tyres, as well as the Nokian Tyres Hakka summer tyres,, are designed to withstand the challenges of their northern home: the harsh winters with ice and snow as well as the summer months from the first sub-zero mornings of the spring to the heavy rainfalls of autumn,” Nikkola added.

Nokian Tyres emphasised that both product lines are still made in the same factory in Nokia as their early predecessors. Over the decades, the plant has been modernised and now runs on electricity sourced entirely from CO2-free sources. Most of the steam used in the facility also comes from CO2-free fuels. Since 2015, the factory has sent no waste from tyre production to landfill.

The company has further strengthened its sustainability credentials by obtaining the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS for the Nokia passenger car tyre plant. The certification enables the integration of sustainable raw materials into tyre production at the facility.

“The Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta winter tyres are already a legend of Nordic winter roads and are, just like the Nokian Tyres Hakka summer tyres, still made within the same factory walls in Nokia as their predecessors in the 1930s,” Nikkola concluded.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire is gearing up to electrify the 2024/2025 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as the series returns to Jakarta on 21 June for Round 12 of Season 11.

After a one-year absence, the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit (JIEC) will once again host the high-speed spectacle, set against the vibrant backdrop of Ancol’s shoreline. The 2.37-km track, celebrated since its debut in Season 8, blends high-speed straights, sweeping turns and a technical final section – inspired by the rhythmic flow of Java’s traditional Kuda Lumping dance. The challenging layout, combined with Jakarta’s intense tropical heat, will test drivers’ skill, endurance and tyre strategy to the limit. Powering every team will be Hankook’s GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre, purpose-built for Formula E’s cutting-edge electric race cars. Its advanced tread design and specialised rubber compound ensure superior grip, stability and heat resistance – key to handling Jakarta’s demanding conditions.

Sustainability remains a core focus, with the tyre incorporating 35 percent eco-friendly materials, including natural rubber and recycled fibres. Designed for extended durability, each tyre is fully recovered post-race and processed through Hankook’s recycling programme, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to reducing motorsport’s environmental footprint while pushing the boundaries of electric racing performance.

Maximilian Günther, the DS Penske driver and winner of 2023 Gulavit Jakarta E-Prix (Race 10), and most recently, the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix (Race 3) and 2025 Hankook Shanghai E-Prix (Race 10), said, “Jakarta delivers a unique blend of technical complexity and extreme climate. It’s a true proving ground for drivers and tire management. The enhanced grip of the GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre allows us to push harder through technical sectors without sacrificing traction. We’ve already observed gains during simulator sessions, and we’re optimistic about translating that into on-track performance.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has signed a Mizuho Eco Finance (Mizuho Environmentally Conscious Finance) loan agreement with Mizuho Bank, Ltd. on 17 June, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainable growth and decarbonisation.

This environmentally conscious financing programme supports companies transitioning to a decarbonised society by evaluating their climate-related initiatives and disclosures. Yokohama Rubber qualified for the loan after achieving high scores in Mizuho Bank’s environmental assessment, which examines corporate efforts in emissions transparency, greenhouse gas reduction and long-term sustainability goals.

The company has committed to reducing CO₂ emissions by 40 percent by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. These targets, along with Yokohama Rubber’s focus on emissions reduction across its supply chain, contributed to its strong evaluation. Under its sustainability slogan, ‘Caring for the Future’, the company integrates social responsibility into its business strategy, aiming to create shared value by addressing global environmental challenges.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!