Pirelli has successfully completed its initial on-track test of prototype MotoGP tyres, marking a significant milestone in its preparations to become the championship’s exclusive supplier starting in 2027. The test took place at the Misano World Circuit, where conditions were predominantly sunny and dry, with track temperatures ranging from 25°C to 43°C. Development riders from all five competing manufacturers – Augusto Fernandez for Yamaha, Dani Pedrosa for KTM, Takaaki Nakagami for Honda, Lorenzo Savadori for Aprilia and Michele Pirro for Ducati – were present to provide initial performance feedback.

The primary objective of this session was to gather crucial data to guide the ongoing development and finalisation of both front and rear tyre characteristics. Pirelli coordinated the test’s run plan and parameters in close consultation with the manufacturers. Each test team was provided with seven sets of tyres, featuring two distinct front and three rear specifications, all conforming to the current MotoGP 17-inch rim sizes. To simulate the anticipated conditions of the 2027 season, which will introduce new 850 cc engines, the tests were conducted using modified current-season motorcycles. These bikes had their ride-height devices deactivated, were in some cases detuned and received specific aerodynamic adjustments to better align with the future machinery's expected performance profile.

All Pirelli MotoGP tyres will be manufactured at the company’s facility in Breuberg, Germany. This choice underscores a core philosophy of leveraging existing technologies and production processes to ensure project sustainability, uphold product quality and facilitate the transfer of racing-derived innovations to its road-going motorcycle tyres.

Furthermore, Pirelli’s new five-year agreement with Dorna extends beyond the premier class. The company will continue as the sole tyre supplier for the Moto2 and Moto3 World Championships through 2031 and will also remain the official supplier for the entire Road to MotoGP programme. This includes the FIM JuniorGP World Championship, the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, the Northern Talent Cup, the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the FIM MiniGP World Series. This comprehensive involvement solidifies Pirelli’s unprecedented position as the first tyre manufacturer to supply every class within the MotoGP World Championship and its most prestigious feeder series, highlighting a deep commitment to nurturing talent and promoting accessibility across the sport.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli's Motorcycle Racing Director, said, "The Misano test was the first step in our return to the World Championship, and we are very satisfied with both the excellent working relationship that has been struck up between our engineers and all the teams and riders of the Test Teams and the tyre performance. The test took place according to the run plan, which also included a Sprint race simulation, and the first feedback received is very encouraging – this test has generated a lot of data to be analysed in order to continue our development work of Pirelli MotoGP tyres. The most appreciated features are definitely grip, warm-up speed and confidence. We have decided to approach MotoGP with the same philosophy that has always distinguished us in motorcycle racing: the tyres will have to be dedicated exclusively to the premier class, because this is what the regulations require. We also want to exploit the technologies and processes consolidated over years of production with the triple objective of making our participation in this championship a virtuous example of sustainability in motorsport, offering a quality and homogeneous construction of the product and, last but not least, transferring more directly the technologies and know-how that we will develop in MotoGP to tyres intended for road use for the benefit of motorcyclists all around the world.”

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ZC Rubber, in collaboration with its UK distributor City 1st Tyres, introduced its newest WESTLAKE off-the-road tyre portfolio at Hillhead 2026. The event, recognised as the largest exhibition for the quarrying, construction and recycling sectors within UK, served as the primary venue for this product showcase.

The three-day exhibition attracted approximately 600 exhibitors and nearly 20,000 attendees, creating a significant hub for industry professionals to evaluate cutting-edge equipment and technological advancements for challenging off-road environments. The collaborative exhibit drew considerable interest from original equipment manufacturer users, service providers and clientele representing UK, Ireland and broader European markets.

Attendees directed their focus towards ZC Rubber’s heavy-duty solutions engineered for rigid and articulated dump trucks, wheeled loaders and excavators, telescopic loaders,and quarry-specific vehicles. The company presented five distinct tyre models under the WESTLAKE brand, each tailored for specific operational demands. The CB745 L5 for wheeled loaders features a non-directional tread and robust carcass to boost load capacity and resist punctures, while the CB785 E4 for rigid dump trucks incorporates deep treads, reinforced sidewalls and high-tensile steel for stability and cut protection.

Additional models included the CB792 E3/L3, designed with a multi-edged block for superior traction on soft, muddy terrain, and the CB740 E4/L4 for articulated dump trucks, which boasts a tread depth exceeding standard specifications to enhance grip and durability. The CB763 E4, specifically developed for 60-tonne articulated trucks, offers exceptional flotation and wear resistance through its deep tread and unique compound formulation. This strategic participation at Hillhead 2026 reaffirmed ZC Rubber’s dedication to the global OTR market, supporting heavy industries with durable products engineered for extreme working conditions.

John Ruddy, European OTR Tyre Sales Director of ZC Rubber, said, “Selecting the right OTR tyre is essential for improving equipment productivity and reducing downtime. Through our WESTLAKE OTR product portfolio, we are committed to providing application-specific tyre solutions that help customers improve efficiency, durability and overall operating value.”

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Eurogrip Tyres, a prominent two- and three-wheeler tyre brand under TVS Srichakra Ltd., recently orchestrated a strategic trade engagement initiative in Mumbai. The event served as a platform to underscore the brand’s distinct European engineering heritage and to showcase its newly introduced, Europe-inspired product lineup, reinforcing its commitment to advanced mobility solutions.

Silvio Montanari, the Head of Design and R&D based in Milan, steered the session, offering a comprehensive overview of the company's foundational product development strategies. He elaborated on emerging tyre technologies and the robust engineering frameworks that underpin Eurogrip’s international portfolio while also updating trade partners on the pivotal innovations poised to define future tyre generations and address shifting rider demographics.

Concurrently, Eurogrip is executing an aggressive expansion of its distribution and retail footprint nationwide. This growth strategy ensures that its diverse range, encompassing radial, adventure, touring and commuter tyres, is now readily accessible to consumers across every region of India, thereby solidifying its market presence.

T K Ravi, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Eurogrip Tyres, said, "Today, Eurogrip is recognised globally as a specialist in 2‑wheeler tyres, and our premium range has found strong acceptance among biking communities in India and abroad. It is a privilege to bring our Milan team to India to demonstrate the engineering and technology behind our products. This engagement gives our trade partners the technical insights and market updates they need to better serve customers and riders, and they pave the way for a wider roll‑out of our Europe‑benchmarked products in India.”

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Cabot Corporation has officially released its 2026 Sustainability Report, which details the company’s environmental, social and governance performance throughout the 2025 calendar year. The document serves as a comprehensive account of the organisation’s measurable outcomes, culminating in the final assessment of its previous five-year sustainability strategy.

By the conclusion of 2025, the speciality chemicals firm had successfully achieved 14 of its 15 original sustainability targets established in 2020. Eleven of these objectives were completed ahead of the projected timeline, effectively fulfilling the company’s ambition to embed sustainable practices more deeply into its operational framework and corporate systems.

Looking forward, Cabot has transitioned to its newly established 2030 Sustainability Goals, which concentrate on six priority areas deemed most significant to its business model. Early progress includes a collaborative effort with the International Carbon Black Association to create a standardised lifecycle assessment methodology for furnace carbon black. The company intends to develop a certified internal tool for tracking product carbon footprints across its entire portfolio. Additionally, an initiative at the Franklin, Louisiana, facility has converted synthetic gypsum into a cement ingredient, slashing site landfill waste by 87 percent and contributing to a 70 percent global reduction in non-hazardous waste disposal.

The 2026 report has been prepared in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and supports Cabot’s ongoing participation in the United Nations Global Compact. These disclosures mark a significant step in the company's continuing journey toward greater transparency and industrial responsibility.

Sean Keohane, President and CEO, said, “Sustainability is embedded in how we operate and underpins our purpose of creating materials that improve daily life and enable a more sustainable future. I am immensely proud of the unwavering commitment of our teams across the globe as we close out our 2025 Sustainability Goals while making headway on our next key priorities, delivering meaningful impact today and for future generations. As we advance in our efforts, we remain focused on strengthening the integration between our sustainability agenda and our Creating for Tomorrow strategy, ensuring sustainability remains a catalyst for value creation and differentiation.”

Jennifer Chittick, Senior Vice President, Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) and Government Affairs, and Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “As we conclude our 2025 Sustainability Goals, we are entering the next chapter of our sustainability journey with momentum and clear direction. Building on our strong foundation of safety, innovation and operational excellence, we are making measurable progress towards our targeted 2030 Sustainability Goals through initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint and strengthen our overall impact across our value chain. Through collaboration, process optimisation and strategic investments in technology, I am confident that we will continue to advance our commitments and deliver long-term results for our stakeholders worldwide.”

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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, spearheaded an environmental education initiative at Lampari School-Lyceum on 8 May 2026. The programme targeted seventh through ninth-grade students, focusing on the interconnected themes of sustainable development, transportation and energy consumption under the theme ‘A Sustainable Future: Environment, Transportation and Energy’.

The session moved beyond traditional lectures, employing interactive presentations and hands-on activities to engage the young audience. Core topics covered included resource efficiency, waste management strategies and the significance of renewable energy sources, alongside an exploration of individual environmental responsibility. A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to the Extended Producer Responsibility system, clarifying its mechanisms and vital function in safeguarding the environment.

The event’s interactive nature was underscored by a series of educational games and team challenges that saw enthusiastic participation from the students. To mark their involvement and completion of the programme, each participant received certificates and symbolic gifts, recognising their engagement with the material.

Established in 2022, Tegeta Green Planet stands as a pioneering authorised organisation in Georgia, operating under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture’s EPR framework. The entity manages the complete lifecycle of used tyres, oils and batteries, adhering to circular economy principles. This school visit forms part of an ongoing series of educational meetings designed to cultivate an environmentally conscious generation and instil a culture of stewardship, which both organisations consider essential for long-term ecological sustainability.

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