Pirelli has solidified its position as the premier all-season tyre manufacturer after being named the Best All Season Manufacturer of the Year by two authoritative German bodies: the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AvD) and the renowned publication, Auto Bild. This dual accolade is a direct result of the outstanding performance of the company's flagship SF3 range in rigorous 2025 comparative tests.

The Cinturato All Season SF3 for passenger cars and the Scorpion All Season SF3 for SUVs both achieved top honours in their respective categories in the AvD tests. Evaluations highlighted their exceptional balance, consistent safety across diverse conditions and overall driving comfort. The Cinturato model distinguished itself through superior braking on both dry and wet roads, responsive handling and strong resistance to aquaplaning. Its capabilities were further validated when AutoBild awarded it first place in a comprehensive test of 30 all-season tyres, praising its versatile and reliable nature. The magazine noted its exemplary, well-rounded performance, finding no weaknesses across wet, dry and snowy conditions. Similarly, the Scorpion All Season SF3, which shares its core technology with the Cinturato, set a new benchmark for SUVs by excelling in traction, safety on all surfaces and braking performance.

These recent victories build upon a legacy of technical achievement for Pirelli’s all-season range. The development of these tyres leverages advanced virtual modelling, next-generation compound materials, and innovative adaptive tread patterns featuring 3D sipes. This sophisticated engineering ensures consistent grip and safety throughout the tyre’s entire lifespan. The technological prowess of the Cinturato All Season SF3 is formally recognised with a European Label ‘A’ rating for wet braking and a TÜV SÜD Performance Mark certification. It has also been honoured by Dekra for its cumulative braking performance across different surfaces. Designed as an evolution for SUVs, the Scorpion All Season SF3 also boasts an ‘A’ wet grip rating and impressive Dekra test results.

Both the Cinturato and Scorpion All Season SF3 product lines are available in a wide array of sizes and include specific versions engineered for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. These specialised tyres incorporate Pirelli’s Elect and Noise Cancelling System technologies to meet the unique demands of silent-running cars. Furthermore, every tyre in the range carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, certifying its reliability and safety in winter conditions, thereby providing drivers with year-round confidence.

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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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