Valebridge Media Services (VMS) has announced the shortlist of nominees for the 2023 edition of the Recircle Awards, the event organised to promote and recognise sustainable innovation, production processes, management and services in the tyre retreading and recycling sector.

The shortlist, chosen from a preliminary list of candidates nominated by the public, has once again been compiled by the Recircle Awards Nominations Committee, made up of 14 experts, including respected tyre industry journalists, industry association heads and independent consultants from around the world.

The shortlisted nominees for the 15 award categories open to public vote are as follows:

Best Tread Rubber Supplier

- Dobermann

- Marangoni

- Pre-Q Galgo

- Silvercap

- Vipal Rubber

Best Retreading Equipment Supplier

- Central Marketing

- Italmatic

- Matteuzzi

- TRM

- Vipal Machinery

Best Tyre Recycling Industry Supplier

- Eco Green Equipment

- Eldan Recycling

- Fornnax

- Rubberjet Valley

- Tallants Navarro

Best Tyre Derived Recycled Product

- Ceyes: City Green Panels

- Michelin: Tyres containing rCB

- Rubtec SpA: Rubtec Rubber Bumpers

- Shredded Tire: Miami Echo Construction Blocks

- XTyre Global: Evaporation Inhibitor Floating Panel

Employee of the Year

- Ankita Saikia (Tyromer)

- Bernardita Diaz (SustrendLab)

- Camilla Raffaelli (VM Rubber)

- Fabricio Nedeff (Vipal)

- Ron Elliott (Pre-Q Galgo)

Best Passenger Retreader

- Black Star

- Fedima

- Insa Turbo

- Malatesta Pneumatici

- Radburg

Best OTR Retreader

- Community Tire

- FM Pneus

- Marangoni SpA

- Reifen Wagner

- Renova Peru

Best Truck & Bus Retreader

- Continental

- Insa Turbo

- Marangoni SpA

- Unigoma

- Vaculug

Mechanical Tyre Recycling Award

- Duramos SAS

- E-Cova

- Genan

- Murfitts

- Rembre Tyres

Tyre Devulcanization Award

- DRI Rubber

- EFG Polymers

- GRP Ltd

- Rubber Matters

- Tyromer Inc.

Tyre Pyrolysis Award

- Contec SA

- Ecolomondo Corp

- Kal Tire Chile

- Pyrum Innovations

- Scandinavian Enviro Systems

Best Retreading Accessory and Consumables Supplier

- Italmatic

- Marangoni

- Tech Europe

- Vipal Rubber

- VM Rubber

Best EPR Scheme     

- Circol ELT

- SDAB

- Seginus

- Signus Ecovalor

- Valorpneu

Best Tyre Recycling Research Project

- Blackcycle: The Blackcycle Project

- GEC Compounds: Research into the creation of Genesis Evolution Compounds

- María Esther Fernandez: The Application of Textile Waste from End-of-Use Tyres in the Production of Fibre Cement

- Patricio Muñoz / SustrendLab: The Recovery and Re-use of tyre sawdust in the manufacture of solid tyres for forklifts

- SustrendLab: Research into the extraction of T-Phite from tyres

Best Company Director

- Alexey Gryshchenko (Yashina)

- Hernan Diez Vargas (ANRE)

- Jorge Crespo (Vaculug)

- Matthias Leppert (Marangoni)

- Thomas Sorensson (Scandinavian Enviro Systems)

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In line with previous editions of the Recircle Awards, the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Tyre Recycling Sector will be decided by the Recircle Awards Nominations Committee and announced during the ceremony in Bologna in November. 

David Wilson, the Chairman of the Recircle Awards Nominations Committee and Publisher of Retreading Business y Tyre & Rubber Recycling, wanted to highlight the notable increase in nominations with the 2022 edition, “Since we launch the Recircle Awards, we have delighted with the reception it has received year after year. But this edition has once again, exceeded our expectations. We have received more than 1,100 individual nominations, which is 250 more than last year,” commented Wilson. “It is very satisfying to see the Recircle Awards continuing to establish itself further at an international level in each edition. We will continue to be committed to recognising the efforts of people, institutions and companies who promote the values of the circular economy in our sector. We wish good luck to all the nominees in the final vote,” concluded the Chairman of the Recircle Awards Nominations Committee.

Valebridge Media Services also announced that the voting window is now open for the 2023 edition of the Recircle Awards. The public can now vote for their candidates after registering themselves on the website of the 2023 Recircle Awards: https://recircleawards.com/categories-2023/. The voting system allows for only one vote per person per category. Registered voters from the 2022 edition are encouraged to use their credentials from the previous year to log in and vote. 

Voting in the 2023 Recircle Awards is open until 23:59 GMT on Friday, September the 8th, 2023, with the 2023 Recircle Awards being announced on Thursday the 16th of November 2023 in an awards ceremony which is due to take part within the framework of Futurmotive – Expo and Talks organised by the trade fair Autopromotec in Bologna, Italy.

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Continental addresses the needs of urban commuters with its comprehensive ContiScoot tyre line, a premium option engineered for city riding. The range encompasses over 30 sizes, fitting wheels from 10 to 16 inches and accommodating scooters from 50 cc to 350 cc. This extensive coverage means the tyre suits a broad spectrum of vehicles, from nimble city models to more powerful touring scooters.

The portfolio is designed to fit a wide array of established scooter models frequently navigating city streets and their outskirts. For instance, large-wheel scooters commonly pairing a 120/70-15 front with a 140/70-14 rear, such as the Honda Forza or Yamaha XMAX, are well-covered. Similarly, compact scooters using dimensions like 120/70-12 and 130/70-12, including popular Vespa GTS models, also benefit from the tyre's performance. The ContiScoot further extends its applicability to the growing electric scooter segment, with sizes available for models like the Niu MQi GT.

The intended users are riders who depend on their scooters for daily transportation, whether commuting to work, running errands or exploring urban areas. The diversity of available sizes ensures the tyre meets various riding demands, adapting to the agility required in congested streets as well as the comfort needed for longer commutes. As scooters gain prominence as primary vehicles in metropolitan regions, the demand for reliable, all-weather safety and predictable handling grows correspondingly.

To meet these demands, the ContiScoot integrates several key performance features. Its rubber formulation and tread are engineered for excellent wet grip, contributing to short braking and stability on slick roads. The tyre also delivers high grip immediately from startup, which is particularly reassuring on short urban trips. Its construction promotes agile and neutral handling, facilitating quick direction changes and stable cornering without being twitchy. Designed for real-world conditions, it offers a balanced ride that absorbs poor road surfaces while maintaining precision. Furthermore, the durable compound is optimised for high mileage, adding value for frequent riders.

Reinforcing consumer confidence, the ContiScoot satisfaction guarantee remains available in select countries during 2026. This programme offers a money-back option for riders not fully satisfied with the tyre’s performance, with specific market participation and terms accessible online.

Sagren Nair, Product Manager – Motorcycle Tires, Continental, said “With over 30 sizes available, the ContiScoot is a suitable option for almost every scooter model. Our goal is to make urban mobility safer, more comfortable and more versatile. Scooters combine flexibility with high everyday practicality. This requires tyres that react quickly to changing conditions while providing a safe and agile riding experience. This is exactly what the ContiScoot has been developed for, and we’ve transferred our experience from the motorcycle segment to the scooter sector. The tread compound and profile are designed for a high level of safety in everyday use – especially in rain, cool temperatures and frequent stop-and-go traffic. Our approach is to ensure that scooter riders feel safe at any time of day and in almost any weather. With the comprehensive ContiScoot range, we offer the right basis for this – regardless of whether it's a compact city scooter or a powerful large-wheel scooter.”

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Michelin, through its Indian operations and in association with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), recently marked the completion of two workforce training programmes in Pune with formal convocation events. Project Vahaan and Project EV Shiksha together equipped 65 individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with specialised skills aligned to current industry demands, demonstrating how corporate initiatives can address both social needs and sectoral requirements simultaneously.

The programmes responded to a clear gap in India's mobility landscape. While the transportation sector expands and electric vehicle adoption accelerates, many young people from low-income families cannot access the formal training needed to secure stable employment. Michelin India therefore supported targeted interventions focused on communities where regular work significantly affects household wellbeing.

Under Project Vahaan, 35 candidates completed Level 4 certification training for light and heavy motor vehicle drivers. The curriculum integrated classroom instruction with practical driving sessions, covering traffic regulations, defensive techniques, road safety practices and interpersonal skills development. The objective extended beyond employability to cultivating responsible road users who prioritise safety.

Project EV Shiksha addressed the growing need for electric vehicle technicians through a Level 4 programme completed by 30 candidates. Training encompassed theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice in high-voltage safety protocols, fire prevention, routine maintenance procedures, minor repairs, basic diagnostic support and safe component handling. Workplace readiness skills were also incorporated to facilitate smooth entry into the EV service sector.

The convocation ceremonies brought together representatives from Michelin India, ASDC, training partners and the graduates themselves. Project EV Shiksha participants gathered at MIT Art, Design and Technology University, while Project Vahaan celebrations took place at MIDC Kasarwadi in Chinchwad. Both events featured formal inaugurations, addresses from industry and skilling leaders, certificate presentations and interactions that highlighted the connection between structured training and employment outcomes.

The impact of these initiatives extends beyond the 65 individuals trained. They contribute to workforce readiness in critical sectors, promote road safety awareness, support the transition to green mobility and generate meaningful social change at family and community levels.

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “At Michelin India, we believe the future of mobility will be shaped not only by technology but also by people equipped with the right skills. Through initiatives like Project Vahaan and EV Shiksha, in partnership with ASDC, we are committed to strengthening skill development for young talent and preparing them for the evolving mobility ecosystem. By enabling access to this structured training, we aim to strengthen road safety through better tyre care and maintenance, support the transition to electric mobility and create meaningful livelihood opportunities. Skill development has been a core priority of the government, and we are pleased to support this vision through our initiatives.”

Addressing the occasion, Vinkesh Gulati, Chairperson, ASDC, said, “These initiatives demonstrate how industry-aligned skilling can deliver outcomes beyond training numbers. By integrating safety, employability and future mobility skills, we are enabling youth to build dignified careers while contributing to safer roads and a greener mobility ecosystem.”

Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC, said, “Through Project Vahaan and EV Shiksha, ASDC continues to focus on impact-driven skilling. The combination of certified training, industry relevance and inclusion ensures long-term value for both learners and the mobility sector.”

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Continental has been working closely with the Collard Group in southern England to enhance both the efficiency and safety of its fleet through the ContiLifeCycle concept. The Collard Group, a family-owned business established in 1994, is a key player in construction, recycling and waste management, employing around 450 people. Its fleet of over 150 specialist vehicles operates in tough environments such as quarries and construction sites, often navigating uneven terrain littered with debris like sharp stones and broken glass.

Within two years of implementing Continental’s ContiLifeCycle strategy – particularly the introduction of hot-retreaded premium tyres – the company achieved a 50 percent drop in tyre-related breakdowns. Transport Manager Lee Troddyn highlights the Bandvulc BIG D tyre as especially impactful, noting its robust tread design and stone-ejection capabilities are well-suited to demanding operational conditions. This has led to less unplanned downtime and greater vehicle availability.

The ContiLifeCycle concept focuses on industrial hot retreading, which allows durable tyre casings to be reused for multiple service lives. This approach not only maintains performance levels comparable to new tyres but also supports sustainability by lowering material consumption and reducing the energy typically required to manufacture brand-new tyres. Troddyn confirms that retreaded tyres have played a direct role in the notable decrease in punctures over the past two years.

Beyond the products themselves, the partnership thrives on strong technical support. Troddyn values the expert guidance from Continental’s team, whether through the convenient online portal or personalised advice on tyre selection, wear monitoring and lifespan optimisation. Paul Adams, Continental’s Account Manager, emphasises the company’s pride in supporting a customer committed to safety, reliability and long-term efficiency.

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Michelin has marked a significant advancement in aircraft tyre technology with the introduction of the Air X Sky Light, developed specifically for Dassault Aviation's new Falcon 10X business jet. This tyre is the culmination of extensive research, rigorous testing and a deep industrial partnership between the two companies.

First revealed at the 2023 Paris Air Show, the Air X Sky Light represents a new generation of aircraft tyre engineered to meet the pressing demands of modern aviation. Its core objectives are to reduce weight, increase durability, improve operational efficiency and directly support the industry's decarbonisation efforts. By employing a novel radial construction, the tyre achieves a significant weight reduction of 10 to 20 percent compared to its predecessors while simultaneously extending its service life by an equal margin. This reduction in weight is a critical factor in aviation, leading to lower fuel consumption, decreased CO₂ emissions and reduced operational costs.

The tyre's enhanced performance is derived from an optimised tread footprint and summit geometry, combined with ultra-high-strength materials in the carcass and next-generation hybrid cords. In its design process, Michelin integrates a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment to minimise environmental impact from raw material extraction to the product's end of life. This commitment to a circular economy and responsible performance includes a growing use of renewable and recycled materials, supporting the group's ambition to utilise 100 percent sustainable materials by 2050.

The development of the Air X Sky Light is rooted in a collaborative relationship with Dassault Aviation spanning over four decades, a history that includes equipping aircraft from the Mirage III to the present day. Initial conversations regarding this tyre began in 2019, and since its showcase in 2023, Michelin has engaged in continuous refinement to meet the stringent demands of the aviation sector. These demands include withstanding extreme loads, high speeds and severe mechanical and thermal stresses.

The version created for the Falcon 10X is the first in a planned family of Air X Sky Light tyres, with future sizes intended for the broader commercial aviation market. This expansion will encompass both new aircraft programmes and retrofit options for existing fleets, with each new size undergoing rigorous certification processes. By delivering this breakthrough innovation as a practical, industry-ready solution, Michelin reinforces its five-decade legacy of supporting all sectors of aviation and shaping the future of aerospace.

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