Hankook Tire has announced the renewal of its partnership as the official sponsor of the Ballon d’Or for the 2025 ceremony. This continued alliance sees the premium tyre manufacturer once again supporting one of the most esteemed honours in world football, an award that recognises the finest individual talent in the sport over the previous season. The prestigious event is set to be held on 22 September 2025 at the iconic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Established in 1956 by the magazine France Football, the Ballon d’Or has transformed from an award exclusively for European players into the definitive global benchmark for footballing excellence. Hankook’s involvement for a second consecutive year is a strategic component of its international marketing outreach. The sponsorship grants the company prominent brand placement at the ceremony, most notably along the renowned red carpet and within key press areas, facilitating a significant exchange of brand equity between the two entities.

Furthermore, the partnership will be amplified through a coordinated digital campaign across both UEFA’s and Hankook’s global communication channels. These initiatives are designed to foster a stronger emotional connection with football supporters around the world, enhancing brand loyalty and engagement. This commitment to the Ballon d’Or is a clear reflection of Hankook’s broader sponsoring philosophy, which prioritises high-impact, internationally recognised sports properties. This strategy is evident in the company’s diverse portfolio, which includes top-tier partnerships with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the FIA World Rally Championship, the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Conference League and the renowned German football club, Borussia Dortmund. Through these alliances, Hankook consistently positions its brand at the pinnacle of international sporting competition.

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “We are proud to continue our partnership as sponsors of the Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious awards in global sport. The Ballon d’Or has shaped football history and holds international appeal far beyond the sporting world. Our partnership underlines our shared commitment to innovation and peak performance – values that we have in common with international football.”

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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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In a strategic move to bolster its slurry handling capabilities, Metso has reached an agreement to acquire privately-owned Australian firm Q&R Industrial Hoses. The target company specialises in manufacturing critical rubber components, including pinch valve sleeves, industrial hoses and various rubber linings.

This acquisition represents a direct enhancement of Metso's comprehensive portfolio, following its earlier purchase of Jindex Pty Ltd. It underscores the company's commitment to delivering fully integrated, end-to-end solutions and services for its global mining customers. The transaction is anticipated to be finalised in the fourth quarter of 2025.

While the involved parties have chosen not to disclose the financial terms, the deal is not expected to have a significant impact on Metso's financial standing. This acquisition is a key component of Metso's broader initiative to localise its supply chain near essential mining regions, expanding its global network of manufacturing and service centres dedicated to providing complete slurry handling systems.

Christian Trulsson, Director, Valves and Hoses, Metso, said, “We have had a long relationship with Q&R, which has served Metso as a critical rubber parts manufacturing partner. Slurry hoses and pinch valve sleeves manufacturing are now being brought in-house, which will improve both our product range and customer service capability throughout the value chain. We can offer even more robust and reliable slurry handling solutions tailored to the needs of the mining and minerals sectors. We warmly welcome our new colleagues to Metso.”

Brett Robinson, General Manager and owner of Q&R Industrial Hoses, said, “Joining forces with Metso marks an exciting new chapter for Q&R Industrial Hoses. Our expertise in speciality swivel hoses will complement Metso’s slurry handling solutions. We are delighted to become part of the Metso family and look forward to working together to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions to the mining and minerals sectors.”

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In response to a recent reduction in the national Goods and Services Tax (GST), Bridgestone India has announced it will lower prices across its entire range of tyres. The new pricing, effective from 22 September 2025, will apply to all passenger and commercial vehicle products, including premium and specialty tyres. This decision ensures end-consumers will directly receive the benefit of the government's tax cut.

This proactive move is presented as a reflection of the company's foundational commitment to transparency and to fostering trust, principles it has upheld throughout its 29-year history in India. Bridgestone emphasises its alignment with national priorities, citing its ongoing investments in innovation, safety and sustainable mobility solutions. The company reiterates that its core mission remains delivering superior quality, durability and safety in its products.

Furthermore, this customer-centric initiative is designed to strengthen its valued relationships with end-users while also supporting its extensive nationwide network of dealers and distributors, thereby contributing to a more resilient and efficient mobility ecosystem for the country.

Rajarshi Moitra, Deputy Managing Director, Bridgestone India, said, “This decision by the Government reflects a forward-looking approach to strengthening the automotive ecosystem and we thank the Honourable Prime Minister and the Government for the same. Bridgestone India is proud to pass on the benefit of the GST reduction to our customers, supporting not just affordability but also encouraging sustainable and safer mobility practices.”

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Linglong Tire, a major Chinese tyre manufacturer, is investing USD 800 million to build a new advanced tyre plant in Kenya. The facility will be situated in the Mombasa Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kilifi County's Mariakani area. This significant project is anticipated to generate more than 1,500 direct local jobs and substantially strengthen regional value chains, marking a pivotal step in enhancing Kenya's profile as an emerging global manufacturing hub.

The official announcement came during the Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms – Kenya Investment Forum 2025. At this event, held at Vipingo Ridge, Kenyan President William Ruto witnessed the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Linglong Group and the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry. President Ruto reiterated his administration's firm commitment to establishing Kenya not just as Africa's leading investment destination but as a competitive player on the world stage.

This development finalises high-level discussions that began earlier in the year between President Ruto and Linglong's Chairman, Wang Feng. The national government has pledged its full support, promising a package of attractive incentives designed to secure investor confidence and ensure the project's success. Beyond immediate employment, the government highlights that the factory will serve as a catalyst for Kenya's broader industrialisation goals, with Special Economic Zones acting as powerful engines for economic growth and continental investment.

President Ruto said, “I was honoured to sign the agreement alongside Mr. Feng Wang, Vice Chair of Linglong Group and President & Chair of Linglong Tyres. As Kenya, and as Africa, we must cast aside the smallness of vision. We must raise our ambition to rival the very best in the world within our lifetime. This landmark project will create jobs, attract new skills, and establish Kenya as a trusted destination for world-class investments.”

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