Prometeon Tyre Group, a leading company in the development, production and marketing of tyres for the commercial, agricultural and OTR sectors, has launched its first Prometeon-branded Serie 02 tyres in Europe and Turkey, marking the product brand's debut in these regions. This continues the global expansion that began with the Serie 02 line in Egypt. The transition will be gradual, with the new R02 line for regional applications available from October.

The launch introduces the R02 Proway and R02 Proway M1 lines. The M1 variant is specifically engineered for challenging markets like Turkey, where severe temperatures and demanding conditions require tyres with enhanced compounds and reinforced structures. Conversely, the European line is calibrated to deliver an optimal balance of mileage, durability and sustainability for cost-conscious fleets.

Available in sizes 315/70, 315/80 and 295/80, the R02 line benefits from an advanced technological package. This technology was honed through an intensive development programme involving over 6,000 tyres tested across 200 million kilometres in all conditions, refined further by continuous partner feedback.

The new Prometeon Serie 02 tyres show a marked improvement over the previous generation, boasting a 15 percent increase in both mileage and durability, plus a 20 percent gain in sustainability and retreadability. This makes the line an ideal partner for fleets aiming to lower operating costs and prioritise environmental responsibility.

Production will be based at the Group’s modernised Izmit factory in Turkey, a strategic site that also houses a key Research and Development Centre. This facility, the largest of its kind in Turkey, has a massive annual production capacity and a strong export focus. Prometeon has invested over EUR 185 million in the plant, which upholds strong sustainability credentials, holding both ISO 50001 energy certification and ISCC Plus certification for its use of bio-based and circular materials.

Roberto Righi, CEO, Prometeon Tyre Group, said, “The launching of the Prometeon-branded Serie 02 line marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of our company, and this event represents a crucial milestone on the way to launching our brand. In the coming years, the Group will undertake significant investments in both the industrial and commercial areas, with a clear objective: to offer products and services that are increasingly effective in responding to customer needs, according to a full-fledged ‘business partnership’ approach based on mutual trust and respect.”

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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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