What may change and what may not

It is impossible to predict in advance which changes will stick, and how much and to what extent our lives will change, but it is safe to say that the changes that will persist are those that make our lives safer, healthier, and more efficient.

Mask wearing may be the most visible change that persists, and not just cheap surgical masks or bandanas. In many big, design-conscious cities the mask is already becoming more a fashion statement, a new feature of the personal decoration of city life that permeates these places. Masks may become walking billboards for commercial ads or political statements. Masks, visors and facial protection will be integrated into the uniforms of public workers, delivery people, police, firefighters, and security guards.

All public places – schools, theaters, shopping malls offices and mass transit will be reconfigured for physical distancing. Restaurants, cafes and gymnasiums, those that survive the pandemic, will have fewer patrons, as their tables and equipment will have been designed for physical distancing. Attendees of at large venues, such as sports venues, may continue to be subjected to have their temperatures checked.

The way we worked by going to the “office” has changed and many will continue working from home. This means reduced need for large office buildings. Still, growing urbanisation will continue. In the past, urbanisation has overcome the devastating Black Plagues, cholera and even the recent Spanish Flu which killed as many as 50 million people worldwide between 1918 and 1920. Each and every time, the economic power of cities — their ability to foster innovation and productivity by pulling together the talent of workers — has been more than enough to offset the destructive power of infectious disease. However, the current digital era may achieve similar outcomes without people clustered together in an urban setting.

On an individual consumer level, more shopping will move to online transactions with courier services delivering goods – so, brick-and-mortar shopping venues will see reduced business.

The pandemic has had a swift and severe impact on the globally integrated automotive industry and has placed intense pressure on an industry already coping with a downshift in global demand as well as the cost of shifting towards electrification. So, look for a changed industry with increased merger & acquisition activity.  

So, change is here to stay, and businesses need to pay special attention to signals being sent by consumers’ changing behavior. 

Anyway, when the pandemic and all its related crises finally ebb and we are on the road to recovery in a few months or a couple of years from now, we will have the opportunity to look back and see what has changed!

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Discount Tire is launching complimentary tyre safety inspections across its network of more than 1,275 US locations in observance of National Tire Safety Week, scheduled from 29 June through 4 July 2026. The initiative comes just ahead of the busy Independence Day travel period, aiming to equip motorists with essential vehicle care before summer road trips.

Citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper inflation can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 11 cents per gallon and add nearly 5,000 miles to a tire’s usable life. To support safe driving, the company advises monthly pressure checks, particularly before extended journeys, since temperature fluctuations affect PSI levels and can compromise handling or cause irregular wear. A simple penny test – with Lincoln’s head fully visible indicating worn tread – along with rotations every 6,000 miles and verification of the tyre’s age via its DOT sidewall number, are among the key recommendations. Drivers seeking personalised options can utilise the Treadwell tool for tailored selections.

In partnership with the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, Discount Tire reinforces its year-round educational commitment, offering free tread, pressure and rotation services at both Discount Tire and America’s Tire stores. For those needing replacements, an instant savings promotion of up to USD 80 on select tyres and wheels runs from 30 June to 9 July. Appointments are available for all complimentary checks throughout the year.

Tom Williams, Chief Experience Officer, Discount Tire, said, "With household budgets under increasing pressure from rising costs, maintaining your tires is a practical way to save money while prioritizing safety,". "Whether families are traveling to a local event or embarking on a road trip to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, our technicians are committed to helping them prepare for safe, reliable journeys."

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Tegeta Green Planet attended the closing ceremony and teachers' award presentation for the ‘Education for a Green Future’ project, hosted by the Environmental Information and Education Center under Georgia's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture as part of World Environment Day observances. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company conferred its own special awards upon three educators during the event.

The project aims to support preschool and primary school teachers who integrate environmental and agricultural educational resources into their teaching, making meaningful contributions to raising ecological awareness among children and young people. Nearly 150 educators participated in this year's competition, presenting diverse, creative and results-oriented environmental education projects.

Tegeta Green Planet has operated since 2022 as one of Georgia's first authorised Extended Producer Responsibility organisations, managing waste streams including used tyres, waste oils and batteries through collection, transportation and recycling in accordance with circular economy principles. The company recognised Ketevan Tskhvariashvili from Kakabeti Public Kindergarten No. 2, Darina Malatsidze from Mikeltskaro Public School and Sopio Gvelesiani from Kutaisi Public School No. 40.

Laptops were awarded to the winning educators as incentives. Supporting initiatives that strengthen environmental education and promote sustainable development values remains a key priority for the company. The long-running ‘Education for a Green Future’ project has consistently integrated environmental topics into schooling, uniting innovative teachers and proving that education serves as a fundamental foundation for environmental progress.

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Birla Carbon is reinforcing its dedication to South America’s evolving tyre and rubber sectors by merging worldwide innovation with localised production, technical proficiency and customer service. With a well-established history in Brazil and extensive experience across the continent, the company is strategically positioned to assist manufacturers in navigating present market challenges while simultaneously planning for future industry demands.

This fusion of regional insight and global research capabilities will be prominently featured at Expobor 2026. The event is scheduled from 23 to 25 June at São Paulo’s Expo Center Norte, where the corporation will occupy Booth 19004, offering attendees a direct look at its latest advancements.

As a dominant force in global carbon black production, Birla Carbon serves diverse sectors that depend on this critical material, ranging from tyres and rubber goods to specialty applications. Leveraging its regional production sites, a vast international research network and a comprehensive product lineup – which includes BC grades, Raven and Conductex blacks, Continua SCM and Nanocyl nanotubes – the firm ensures products are customised for local needs without compromising the consistency and excellence expected worldwide.

With rising customer emphasis on performance, dependable supply chains and ecological responsibility, Birla Carbon is advancing solutions like Continua SCM to facilitate the shift towards circular economies. This sustainable material can partially replace traditional carbon black in numerous industrial uses, aiding clients in meeting their environmental targets. By combining local roots with global reach and a strong sustainability ethos, the company remains a pillar for the long-term resilience and competitiveness of South America’s rubber industries, and its team at Expobor will be available to discuss these innovations further.

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AZuR participated as a cooperation partner for the tyre material flow at the conference ‘NRW can do DPP!’ held on 16 June 2026 at the Bottrop campus of Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences. Approximately 150 participants from industry, academia, associations and politics convened to exchange knowledge and discuss implementation strategies for the Digital Product Passport.

The strategic significance of the Digital Product Passport for North Rhine-Westphalia was underscored by Susanne Hagenkort-Rieger from the state's Ministry of Economic Affairs. She articulated that the circular economy has become a pivotal competitive factor for regional value creation and resource sovereignty, with digitalisation serving as the essential catalyst for unlocking efficiency potential.

European Commission Policy Officer Franziska Zibold detailed the DPP's role within the broader EU sustainability strategy and forthcoming regulatory obligations via live video. Thomas L Rödding of the CEN-CENELEC standardisation committee subsequently emphasised that standardised data structures and interoperable systems are fundamental to successful implementation.

Yorick Lowin of the German Federal Association of Tire Dealers presented the DPP's application in the tyre circular economy. Tyres were identified as an ideal use case due to their material complexity and diverse recycling streams. The digital passport can optimise used tyre sorting, streamline retreadable casing selection and support recycling by making manufacturer and production data accessible.

Lowin also raised concerns regarding data sovereignty and integration challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises, calling for neutral platforms accessible to all market players. For AZuR, the conference reaffirmed the DPP's importance for prolonging tyre lifecycles, enhancing recycling transparency and driving resource efficiency and climate protection across Europe.

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