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.
Tyres Europe Quarterly Update Highlights China-To-ASEAN Shift
- By TT News
- May 13, 2026
Tyres Europe has released its latest quarterly market update, prepared by the independent intelligence firm Astutus Research, which tracks tyre industry trends, mobility patterns and recovery and recycling efforts. The report provides fresh data on import shifts and used tyre generation across the EU27 plus United Kingdom.
Passenger car and light truck tyre imports into the region dropped by nearly 22 percent in January and February of 2026, a sharp reversal from the 26 percent increase seen in the first quarter of 2025. The total volume fell by 5.6 million units, driven largely by an 8.7-million-unit decline in Chinese shipments, which cut China’s market share from 74 to 52 percent. An ongoing European Union anti‑dumping investigation, with the potential for backdated duties, had encouraged heavy pre‑buying of Chinese tyres in 2025, peaking that September before accelerating into 2026. In response, ASEAN‑origin tyres, many from Chinese‑owned factories, tripled their share to 21 percent, led by Thailand and Vietnam, while Cambodia added nearly half a million units from a near‑zero base.
Truck and bus tyre imports from non‑European markets rose 24 percent over the same period. Thailand and Vietnam together increased shipments by 39 percent, lifting their combined share above 63 percent. Meanwhile, China’s position weakened as its volumes stagnated, and India emerged as the fourth largest source with a share exceeding five percent, pushing Egypt to fifth place ahead of Korea.
On sustainability, preliminary estimates from Astutus Research indicate that Europe generated approximately 4.4 million tonnes of used tyres in 2025, a figure essentially unchanged from the previous year. This overall stability hides divergent regional trends, with faster growth in Southern European markets such as Spain, Portugal and Greece, while larger Northern markets including the United Kingdom, Germany and France showed little or no increase. Replacement tyres account for more than 90 percent of used tyre tonnage, with the remainder coming from end‑of‑life vehicles.
Of the 4.4 million tonnes generated, around 0.6 million tonnes were reused as part‑worn tyres or retreaded. The term used tyres refers to all tyres removed from vehicles, while end‑of‑life tyres exclude those reused or retreaded. A decline in retreading has increased the share classified as end‑of‑life tyres, adding to volumes that require recovery or recycling.
Maxxis Wins Honda Excellence In Quality And Delivery Award For 2025
- By TT News
- May 13, 2026
Maxxis’ automotive division has earned the Excellence in Quality and Delivery Award from Honda for 2025. This recognition was presented during a ceremony held on 22 April in Columbus, Ohio, where Honda honoured 37 suppliers out of a total pool of more than 700 mass production parts providers across North America.
Maxxis supplies spare tyres for several Honda and Acura models, including the Honda Accord and Acura Integra assembled at Honda’s Maryville plant, as well as the Honda Civic Si produced at the Honda of Canada facility in Alliston, Ontario. The award highlights Maxxis’ consistent performance in meeting stringent quality standards and delivery schedules, reinforcing the division’s role as a trusted partner within Honda’s North American production network.
Andy Lee, Maxxis International – USA President, said, “On behalf of everyone at Maxxis, I want to thank Honda for this tremendous honour. We’re very pleased to have met their high standards for excellence. All of us at Maxxis are very grateful for this recognition and are equally grateful for our partnership with Honda. I also want to thank our automotive OE division for their hard work and dedication, which made this award possible.”
Paul Dentinger, Senior Vice President of the Purchasing & Supply Chain Center at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC, said, “As we focus our automobile business on maximising hybrid and gas-powered models, Honda continues to invest in our North American supplier network, collaborating with our supplier partners to turn innovative technology into value for our customers. In this rapidly changing business environment, we must work closely with our suppliers to find new ways to improve cost competitiveness, speed up development time and enhance product appeal that ensures Honda is the brand of choice for customers. Congratulations to all of our award-winning service parts and mass production suppliers who earned this distinguished honour.”
Wacker Finalises Social Plan For 1,600 German Job Cuts Under PACE Programme
- By TT News
- May 13, 2026
German chemical group Wacker is moving forward aggressively with its PACE programme, a global initiative to cut costs and improve efficiency that was launched in October 2025. The overarching goal is to permanently secure the company’s competitive standing by slashing annual expenses by more than EUR 300 million, a target that has already been announced alongside plans for worldwide workforce reductions.
A key development in Germany involves a new agreement between management and employee representatives to handle the planned loss of roughly 1,600 jobs through socially responsible means. Instead of forced dismissals, the company will rely on voluntary measures such as attractive phased early retirement and severance packages. To create the financial breathing room for this approach, all German employees will accept a temporary solidarity contribution until 2028, taking the form of a four percent cut to both their hours and pay. All structural changes under the PACE umbrella are expected to be finalised by the end of 2027.
The distribution of job reductions will see the heaviest impact at the Burghausen site, Wacker’s largest globally, where 1,300 positions will be eliminated. The Nünchritz facility will lose 200 jobs, the Munich headquarters will reduce its headcount by 60 and a collective 50 positions will be cut from other Wacker locations across Germany. The implementation plan, which includes consolidating production facilities, adjusting shift system flexibility and shifting roles to international service hubs, has been fully agreed upon by both employer and employee representatives.
Christian Hartel, CEO, WACKER, said, "With the agreement we have now concluded, we have reached an important milestone in driving forward the necessary transformation in Germany and strengthening our competitiveness. We have already implemented numerous measures at our international sites that make us more flexible, more efficient and faster. Now, the implementation phase will start in Germany as well.”
Angela Wörl, Personnel Director, WACKER, said, "Together with the employee representatives, we have come up with good solutions to implement the necessary structural measures in Germany not only quickly, but, above all, in a socially responsible manner. This will strengthen the position of our German sites in the face of international competition and lay the foundation for future profitable growth."
Bridgestone Ceases Manufacturing Operations At Hsinchu Plant
- By TT News
- May 13, 2026
Bridgestone Taiwan Co., Ltd. (Bridgestone) has completed a major business transformation, having ceased manufacturing operations at its Hsinchu plant on 11 May 2026 and concluded all related production activities. The decision was based on adjustments to its global operational strategy and long-term market development considerations. Under this plan, Bridgestone continues to deepen its presence in the Taiwan market, having transitioned into a sales and service-focused business model.
The company, which has operated in Taiwan since 1982, stated that the Hsinchu facility has played a key role in supporting the Bridgestone Group’s operations and product supply over the years, building a solid foundation for the brand locally. Bridgestone pledged to follow local regulations in providing affected employees with comprehensive support, including career transition services and other assistance measures.
Going forward, Bridgestone will strengthen its sales and service capabilities by enhancing channel development, refining sales systems and deepening collaboration with local distributors. The company also plans to broaden its product portfolio to meet diverse market demands and improve overall service levels. Guided by its mission of serving society with superior quality, Bridgestone aims to leverage its global manufacturing network to ensure stable supply and greater product competitiveness in Taiwan.
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