Therefore, transitioning to a green economy has sound economic and social justification. For governments, this transition would involve levelling the playing field for greener products by replacing harmful subsidies, reforming policies and redirecting public investment among others. In the private sector, this transition would involve responding to these policy reforms and incentives through increased financing and investment, skill building and innovation capacities to realise the opportunities arising from a green economy.

Automobile industry is one of the key sectors for economic growth, where sustainability is critical to ensure access to clean and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Particularly for the rubber industry, which is largely perceived as non-environmentally friendly, it is imperative to work towards adapting the green economy; largely through development of green technology and introduction of green manufacturing practices including resource decoupling - using less land, water, energy and materials to maintain economic growth and to reduce environmental impact.

Technology innovation remains a key priority. Some of the trends for automotive and tyre industries include, sustainable tyre through introduction of green material technology with further improvement in fuel efficiency (Rolling Resistance) Safety (Dry and Wet Traction), Durability (mileage) and Comfort (Noise, Vibration, Ride & Handling). Besides above, obtaining rubber material from biomass and recyclable avenues, greater use of modelling in performance prediction and tyre design, change in tyre design to tall and thin tires, especially to suit electric vehicles are of paramount importance towards the making of a green economy. In addition, technologies that include real time simulation, virtual proving ground, self-inflation technology, electrified rubber, sensor-based tyres for health assessment and fleet management can help save fuel, reduce operating cost including increased tyre life.

Use of simulation and predictive technology - Finite Element Analysis (FEA), service life prediction, etc. – are expected to contribute towards determining the reliability aspect of tyres. With the advent of high-end software, FEA tools are now extensively used for prediction of structural durability, aquaplaning, heat generation, process simulation and Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH). Advanced research is underway to understand the microscopic behaviour of polymer-filler interaction using new generation simulation techniques. This in turn would help to develop ultra-high-performance tyres with reduced hysteresis, improved safety and durability.

In line with the automobile industry, tyre Industry is also looking into possibilities of implementing smart manufacturing practices, which include Big Data-driven quality control, robot assisted production, self-driving logistics vehicles, production line simulation, smart supply network, predictive maintenance, machine as a service, self-organising production, additive manufacturing of complex parts and augmented work among others.

As vehicles directly impact the environment (air quality, noise levels etc.,) and tyres are integral to its functioning, a collaborative effort is required to bring about a change of thinking and a change of culture on pursuing green economy in the rubber industry.

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has launched a new seasonal campaign warning British drivers that spring rainfall poses a hidden danger often overlooked after the harsh winter months. The initiative, named ‘Drip Drip Drop – ‘Little’ April Showers’, focuses on the rising threat of aquaplaning as more vehicles return to roads that remain treacherously slick from sudden downpours.

National data shows that poor tyre maintenance is a leading cause of fatal incidents, with three quarters of car tyre defects linked to neglect. Research further reveals that at 70 miles per hour (approximately 112 kmph), worn tyres add 27 metres to the standard wet stopping distance, an increase of nearly 30 percent compared to the Highway Code baseline.

Incorrect tyre pressure compounds the problem significantly. Underinflated tyres struggle to channel water away, overheat more quickly and extend braking distances, while overinflated tyres reduce the tyre’s contact patch and compromise grip. Spring’s fluctuating morning and evening temperatures make pressure changes especially common during April.

Even tyres above the legal minimum tread depth can fail in heavy rain. Continental Tyres’ research found that at 50 miles per hour, tyres with 1.6 mm of tread required 6.9 metres longer to stop than new tyres with 8 mm tread, whereas those with 3 mm added 2.7 metres. Light rain after dry spells mixes with oil and debris, creating conditions where worn or incorrectly inflated tyres lose all steering and braking control.

With bank holidays, leisure travel and outdoor activities increasing during longer daylight hours, TyreSafe urges motorists not to assume the worst weather has passed. April showers arrive without warning, and the combination of winter road grime and sudden rainfall can turn a routine journey into a dangerous aquaplaning event within seconds. TyreSafe urges road users to embrace the simple ACT protocol: regular checks of air pressure, condition and tread depth.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “April showers might sound harmless, but when they hit busy roads and combine with worn or incorrectly inflated tyres, the consequences can be devastating. Aquaplaning can happen in seconds and without warning. The research is clear – poor tyre maintenance dramatically increases stopping distances in wet conditions. That’s why we’re urging road users to ACT: check your Air pressure, inspect the Condition and monitor your Tread. A few minutes of checks could prevent a lifetime of consequences.”

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Mitas has officially entered a three-year agreement with the National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA), marking a significant commitment to one of North America’s most extreme motorsports. The partnership, set to run from 2026 through 2028, designates Mitas as the Official Agriculture Tire sponsor of the championship and Title Sponsor of the Mitas National Finals Pull-Off.

Tractor pulling represents a severe test of both raw power and engineering precision. Competitors pilot highly modified machines to drag a heavy sled down a dirt track, with resistance increasing incrementally until only the strongest and best-prepared vehicles remain. Success depends entirely on transferring massive horsepower to the ground under extreme conditions, where tire grip and consistency frequently determine the winner. The NTPA season includes over 60 events across United States, running from spring through early fall, with deep roots in the Midwest. As an official partner, Mitas will gain prominent visibility on and off the track while actively supporting the growth of the sport.

Central to this collaboration is the Mitas PowerPull tyre, a product specifically engineered for tractor pulling to convert raw engine output into winning performance. Designed to manage extreme torque and deliver maximum grip, the PowerPull functions as a slick tyre that permits teams to cut custom tread patterns based on track conditions and individual race strategy, providing a measurable competitive advantage.

The season will conclude with the Mitas National Finals Pull-Off, the championship’s premier event where the year’s top competitors vie for national titles. Scheduled for 18 and 19 September 2026, in Urbana, Ohio, the finals serve as the ultimate showcase of performance, innovation and passion. As title sponsor, Mitas deepens its connection to the pulling community by attaching its name to this marquee competition.

Roberta D’Agnano, Global Marketing Director Mitas at Yokohama TWS, said, “The collaboration with NTPA connects Mitas to two worlds where performance truly matters: tough daily work in the field and the most extreme competitive environments. Tractor pulling is the ultimate expression of what farmers face every day – delivering power to the ground, staying consistent under pressure and performing when limits are pushed.

“Performance isn’t just about winning on the track – it’s about delivering results when it counts most, whether in competition or on the farm. In tractor pulling, every component is tested to the extreme, just as it is in real agricultural operations. That’s why we feel a strong connection with this community. The NTPA community embodies passion, resilience and a nonstop drive to push boundaries; values that are core to the Mitas brand. We’re excited to be part of this world, learning from these extreme conditions and turning that knowledge into tyres that perform where it matters most for farmers and pullers alike.”

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Maxxis has officially unveiled the next generation of its widely used MaxxTerra rubber compound, engineered to deliver marked improvements in both durability and traction for performance mountain bike tyres. Responding to rider concerns about rising costs and the desire for longer-lasting equipment, the brand has focused on extending tyre lifespan without compromising the rolling efficiency that its products are known for.

Following extensive laboratory development, Maxxis engineers have achieved a reported 30 percent gain in tread wear and durability compared to the original MaxxTerra, alongside a 15 percent increase in traction. Crucially, these enhancements come without any sacrifice in rolling resistance, ensuring consistent performance from the first ride through many subsequent outings, thereby reducing the frequency of tyre changes and maximising trail time.

The updated compound is being introduced across the full range of Maxxis trail tyres in phases, with the first phase available immediately. The new generation is identifiable by packaging marked with a New MaxxTerra graphic, while the tyre’s tech badge now simply reads MaxxTerra, replacing the previous designation of 3C MaxxTerra.

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Tana is poised to deliver a compelling presence at IFAT 2026, scheduled for 4–7 May, where the central invitation for attendees is to Feel the Energy through live displays of high-performance machinery, recent innovations and advanced digital tools. This year’s exhibition focuses on how intelligent technology and powerful waste processing equipment can work together to achieve both efficiency and operational excellence.

Visitors can experience the TANA Hammerhead, a mobile shredder engineered for demanding waste environments with a focus on maximising uptime and productivity. On the first day of the show, Tana will also unveil an exciting new product, representing a major leap in waste management technology through innovative engineering and practical operational benefits. Live demonstrations of the TANA Shark shredder will take place daily at 10:30, 12:00, 14:30, and 16:00 at the stand of German distributor VENETO Schwenter GmbH (FS.911/1).

Another highlight is the Tana Wingman, a live digital operator assistant that improves visibility, safety and efficiency. It provides real-time machine data and a live hopper camera view on a tablet interface without needing cloud services or internet, keeping all data secure on site. This system enhances situational awareness during loading and feeding, helping operators react quickly to blockages or irregular material flow while reducing the need to leave the operating area.

Tana is also piloting an AI-driven proof of concept called the TanaConnect Smart Assistant, developed with spogen.ai, which enables hands-free, voice-activated interaction for operators and service teams. This assistant offers intuitive, context-aware access to machine information, reducing time spent searching manuals. At Stand 227 in Hall B5, Tana welcomes IFAT attendees to an interactive space where experts are available to discuss how these solutions can improve productivity and workflows, offering a firsthand look at the future of waste management technology.

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