Smithers, a renowned provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services, has announced that its proving ground at Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas, has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation.

Operated on behalf of Discount Tyre, the facility’s accredited scope currently covers wet grip testing and tyre buffing, with plans to expand accreditation to include rolling resistance and pass-by-noise testing. The site boasts diverse paved and off-road test surfaces for comprehensive tyre performance validation. Additionally, it complies with UNECE Regulation No. 117 for Wet Grip and Pass-by Noise standards. This accreditation underscores Smithers' commitment to delivering high-quality testing services in the tyre industry.

Sean Connolly, Director of Test Track Operations at Smithers Winter Test Centre/Pearsall Test Track, said, “The tyre industry is currently focused on a variety of sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the rate of tread wear to extend the life of the tyre. Understanding tyre performance at varying levels of tread wear is critical for tyre manufacturers looking to get the most out of their designs.”

Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division, North America, said, “We’re incredibly proud that our existing processes and procedures meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation. Accurate data, on time, is central of the Smithers promise on a global scale, and we strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations with exceptional service as well.”

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Tana Oy has officially named CRJ Services as its authorised distributor for the complete range of TANA machines across the United Kingdom and Ireland, a strategic move designed to deepen its footprint in these crucial markets. This newly formed exclusive partnership ensures that customers throughout the region will gain access to Tana’s intelligent waste processing solutions, now backed by CRJ’s well-established reputation for technical proficiency and dependable after-sales care.

With a history spanning more than 25 years, CRJ has evolved into a premier provider of waste processing equipment throughout the UK and Ireland. Operating from its headquarters in Cheshire, the company has built its standing on a foundation of quality machine hire, sales and comprehensive aftermarket support, complemented by tailored advice, training and full-service solutions for the recycling, waste management and forestry sectors. Their approach is defined by a dedication to reliability and innovation, emphasising close collaboration with clients to address operational challenges through customised strategies that boost efficiency and promote sustainable practices.

Internationally recognised for its high-performance machinery and digital tools like TanaConnect, Tana Oy brings over five decades of experience in the solid waste management industry. Its portfolio features mobile shredders, landfill compactors and screening equipment, all underpinned by a strong legacy of reliability and a continued mission to enable efficient, sustainable waste processing around the world. This legacy of technological advancement now joins forces with CRJ’s deep-rooted expertise in the field.

By combining Tana’s cutting-edge technology with CRJ’s extensive knowledge of waste processing solutions, customers stand to benefit from systems that are not only more tailored and efficient but also ready for future demands. This collaboration bolsters the availability of integrated technologies spanning material handling, screening and volume reduction. Ultimately, this appointment underscores Tana’s ongoing commitment to partnering with experienced distributors to deliver superior machinery and lifecycle support, ensuring clients achieve peak performance and sustained long-term value.

Jari Mennala, CEO, Tana Oy, said, “We are pleased to partner with CRJ, who have built a strong reputation in the waste and recycling sector through their customer centricity, technical expertise and extensive service capabilities. We look forward to working together to bring Tana’s intelligent waste processing solutions to more operators across the region.”

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Kimi Antonelli secured his second Formula 1 victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, a triumph shaped by a pivotal strategic gamble involving Pirelli’s tyre compounds. While most of the grid initiated their race on the Medium C2 rubber, Antonelli’s campaign was defined by impeccable timing. A poor getaway initially dropped the Mercedes driver down the order, but he was perfectly positioned to capitalise on a mid-race Safety Car, making his pit stop at the ideal moment to vault back into the lead. He held off Oscar Piastri in second and Charles Leclerc in third, converting the opportunity into a commanding win.

The early stages of the race at Suzuka were marked by significant turbulence behind the frontrunners. Piastri and Leclerc both enjoyed blistering starts off the line, with the McLaren driver surging past Antonelli to seize an immediate lead that he held comfortably through the first stint. Although Piastri’s scheduled pit stop was executed cleanly, the deployment of a Safety Car shortly thereafter proved decisive. Antonelli, who had yet to make his mandatory stop, was gifted a free pit lane entry under the neutralised conditions, allowing him to inherit track position that he would not surrender for the remainder of the afternoon.

Under overcast skies and cooler temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius, the strategic picture largely aligned with pre-race expectations. The majority of the field committed to a one-stop strategy, starting on the Medium C2 compound before switching to the Hard C1 for the final stint. The only exception was Valtteri Bottas, who inverted the approach by starting on the Hards and moving to the Mediums. Once racing resumed, Antonelli demonstrated he was the fastest driver on track, immediately carving out a decisive gap over the chasing pack to secure his victory.

Behind the leader, a fierce multi-car battle unfolded for the remaining podium positions. Piastri emerged at the head of that fight to claim second, while Leclerc secured third after a brilliant wheel-to-wheel duel with George Russell, who ultimately finished fourth. Lewis Hamilton also capitalised on the Safety Car by pitting immediately, mirroring the race-winning strategy. With this result, Antonelli made history as the youngest driver and first teenager to lead the Formula 1 World Championship, now holding 72 points, ahead of Russell with 63 and Leclerc with 49.

Dario Marrafuschi, Pirelli Motorsport Director, said, “The quickest strategy on paper was essentially the one adopted by all the drivers in the race, with Valtteri Bottas the only driver to do something different. No team evidently considered it worthwhile to take a risk on the Soft compound, either at the start or in the final stages, despite it remaining a viable option thanks to the low degradation recorded in the preceding days. Albon’s use of the C3 was clearly not driven by strategic considerations, given the high number of pit lane visits he made. During the Grand Prix, the compounds did not restrict the cars’ race pace.

“The safety car triggered by Bearman’s off-track moment certainly benefited those who had not attempted the undercut, including race winner Kimi Antonelli. Without the neutralisation, we still believe that the pit stop would have taken place in the laps immediately thereafter. Pirelli’s Japanese trip will not end today, as on Tuesday and Wednesday we have scheduled two days of testing at Suzuka for the development of next season’s dry-weather tyres. Assisting us on track, with one car each, will be the Red Bull and Racing Bulls teams.”

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Georgian company Tegeta Motors, through its environmental arm Tegeta Green Planet, recently spearheaded a major cleanup effort by removing roughly 2,000 illegally discarded tyres from a former landfill near the settlement of Giorgitsminda, Georgia. The operation addressed years of unchecked dumping that had endangered local soil, water and community health.

Despite the challenging terrain, the contaminated site was fully cleared within days using the company’s own resources and in strict adherence to safety protocols. All collected tyres are now set to undergo recycling in line with technical regulations, transforming a longstanding environmental hazard into a manageable waste stream.

This initiative reflects the broader mission of Tegeta Green Planet, which operates under the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR). Beyond simply remediating a single location, the organisation aims to raise public awareness about the severe consequences of uncontrolled automotive waste disposal, ensuring that collection, transport and recycling are carried out lawfully.

The company has a history of such actions, having previously organised similar cleanups in Tbilisi and Bakuriani. With roughly 45 collection points across Georgia, Tegeta Green Planet encourages responsible disposal through its recycling initiative. Authorised in 2022 to manage the national EPR scheme for waste tyres, the organisation has since attracted nearly 350 manufacturers to its collective compliance system.

Shalva Akhvlediani, Director, Tegeta Green Planet, said, "We are delighted that, as part of a joint initiative between Tegeta Motors and Tegeta Green Planet, we have implemented another large-scale project and cleared the contaminated area of car tyres. Such activities significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment, especially considering that the collected waste is recycled in full compliance with technical regulations. We have carried out similar projects many times before. Last year alone, Tegeta Green Planet collected and recycled more than 6,000 tonnes of automotive waste – tyres, batteries and used oil. We are proud that these figures are growing every year, and in this way, we are contributing to the development of a circular economy and environmental protection in our country. We ask our citizens to report any areas contaminated with automotive waste to us. This can be done via the Tegeta Green Planet website or the Tegeta app, and we will respond accordingly.”

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) has expanded its network with the addition of Granuband, a Dutch leader in high-quality tyre recycling, as its newest partner. As a prominent manufacturer of rubber granules, Granuband strengthens AZuR’s mission to advance a sustainable circular economy for tires across Europe through its expertise in material recovery.

Established in 1991, Granuband specialises in the mechanical recycling of end-of-life tyres using state-of-the-art facilities to produce premium rubber granules and powders. These materials are exported globally for use in sports surfaces, infrastructure projects, industrial goods and various technical applications, showcasing the versatility of recycled rubber.

Beyond manufacturing, Granuband plays a critical role in the collection and logistics of used tyres, traditionally focusing on passenger car tyres in the Benelux region. In recent years, the company has expanded its operations to include truck, agricultural and other specialised tyre categories, driven by a longstanding commitment to innovation in technology, logistics and new applications.

Since 2024, Granuband has operated under Circtec, an international firm specialising in advanced tyre pyrolysis. This integration merges Granuband’s mechanical recycling strengths with Circtec’s chemical recovery technology, creating a comprehensive system that recovers nearly all tyre components. Together, they aim to boost recycling rates, optimise raw material use, cut CO₂ emissions and develop new recyclable materials. Granuband’s addition to AZuR notably reinforces the mechanical recycling pillar, a vital component of the circular economy.

Network coordinator Christina Guth said, “With Granuband, we are expanding our network to include an important player in the mechanical recycling of used tyres. High-quality rubber granules are key to closing the material cycle and reducing dependence on primary raw materials.”

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