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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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has appointed Dr Willie Peijnenburg to its external Assurance Group (AG), an independent advisory committee that guides the organisation's research programs.

Dr Peijnenburg serves as Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Biodiversity at Leiden University in the Netherlands and works as a Senior Researcher at the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).

His academic work covers environmental risk assessment, ecotoxicology, predictive modelling and the behaviour of emerging contaminants in ecosystems. He joins five other independent members on the committee.

"Questions around environmental emissions, chemical safety and the sustainability of mobility systems are becoming increasingly important. I was drawn to TIP’s Assurance Group by the opportunity to contribute to conversations that have real-world relevance. I look forward to working with fellow Assurance Group members to support robust, transparent science and evidence-based decision-making." said Dr Peijnenburg.

The organisation also announced the departure of committee members Dr John Spengler of the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and Dr Iseult Lynch of the University of Birmingham, noting their contributions to the research oversight body.

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Axens, a global process technology leader in refining, petrochemicals and circular economy applications, has been chosen by a US-based investor and project developer to supply a Process Design Package for a hydroprocessing unit. This unit is engineered to process 100 percent tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO), marking a significant step in alternative feedstock upgrading.

The broader project encompasses a local end-of-life tyre valorisation facility that integrates pyrolysis technology alongside the TPO-upgrading hydroprocessing unit. The operation will yield low-sulphur fuel for the domestic market, capped at a maximum sulfur content of 500 ppm. Currently in the FEED phase, the project anticipates a Final Investment Decision in 2027. Axens tailored the design package to meet specific product quality targets and site conditions, drawing on its hydroprocessing expertise and catalyst portfolio to enhance operational performance and product quality.

The developer's selection of Axens hinged on the company's extensive experience with hydroprocessing and upgrading projects involving alternative feedstocks. Axens' track record includes over 300 proven hydroprocessing references globally, covering applications such as Distillate Hydrotreating (Prime-D), Waste Lube Recycling (Revivoil) and Waste Plastic Pyrolysis Oil Hydroprocessing (Rewind Mix). The client particularly valued Axens' capacity to tackle TPO processing challenges and impurity management, alongside its proven project delivery capabilities as an experienced technology licensor.

The initiative delivers economic advantages while addressing a mounting waste management issue. By converting end-of-life tyres into valuable products, it fosters more resource-efficient value chains and supports local economic objectives through the production of transportation fuels.

Jean-Luc Nocca, Executive Vice-President Commercial Business Division, said, "This project highlights the growing interest in converting end-of-life tyres into valuable transportation fuels through robust and reliable upgrading technologies. We are proud to support our client with a tailored process design package that builds on Axens’ proven ability to address the specific challenges associated with tyre pyrolysis oil. This selection reinforces the versatility of our technologies in enabling circular economy solutions while delivering products that meet market and environmental requirements."

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Wallace Instruments has launched Wallace Instruments West Africa, a new Abidjan-based entity extending the UK materials testing equipment maker’s support for natural rubber producers across the region. The operation places servicing, calibration, spare parts and technical expertise closer to an established West African customer base that depends on Wallace instruments for plasticity, PRI and viscosity testing. The move is intended to shorten turnaround times and foster lasting local relationships.

Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa’s foremost natural rubber producer, ranks among the world’s leading exporters of technically specified rubber (TSR), supplying tyre and rubber product manufacturers globally, including the Americas. Properly maintained and calibrated instruments generate consistent, traceable results at source, strengthening confidence in shipment quality throughout the supply chain.

The Abidjan facility will feature a laboratory and training centre where customers can observe Wallace equipment in action and receive hands-on testing and technical guidance. Technicians trained by Wallace will use OEM calibration kits for fully compliant work, while customs-cleared spare parts stocks will cut lead times. An exclusive local partner will also provide servicing and calibration for other plantation and processing equipment across West Africa.

Chris Norval, Managing Director, Wallace Instruments, said, "Our aim is to bring trusted, traceable quality measurement closer to natural rubber production. Establishing Wallace Instruments West Africa helps our customers maintain reliable testing and strengthen quality control while giving the wider supply chain greater assurance in the test data. We're excited to be building our team locally and look forward to growing with the region."

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A new Bridgestone report released ahead of Tyre Safety Month 2026 reveals a troubling gap between UK motorists’ stated safety priorities and their actual tyre maintenance habits. While two-thirds of drivers rate safety as extremely important when replacing tyres, nearly half only think about their tyres once a year, and almost a third continue driving on them until an MOT failure forces action.

The manufacturer’s survey of 2,000 motorists found that 47 percent check their tyres only when an MOT is due, while 31 percent wait until being told their car will fail. One in five drivers admits to buying potentially deadly part-worn products despite being warned of the risks. Three in five motorists never check their tyres at all, even though 87 percent claim to know how to do so.

These findings arrive alongside TyreSafe estimates that 6.1 million tyres on UK roads are illegal or dangerously worn at any given time, typically because tread depth falls below the 1.6 mm legal limit. Department for Transport figures show that people killed or seriously injured in collisions involving illegal, defective or underinflated tyres rose from 169 in 2024 to 201 in 2025.

Bridgestone has conducted thousands of complimentary tyre checks across the UK over the past year and runs its Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero campaign, which offers drivers practical guidance on tread depth, pressure and tyre condition. The company also advocates mandatory tyre replacement as a penalty for driving on illegal tyres, a stance supported by 30 percent of survey respondents.

Helen Roe, Senior Manager for Brand, Events, Product and Digital Marketing, described the research as a timely reminder of the need to educate motorists. She noted that while drivers recognise tyre safety as the most important purchase factor, life-saving checks still are not happening, possibly because tyres remain an afterthought or because drivers lack confidence in performing them. She emphasised that tyres are the only contact points with the road and that part-worn products carry unknown histories and potential damage.

Bridgestone urges drivers to check pressures monthly when tyres are cold, inspect surfaces for lumps, bulges, cuts and cracks and verify tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm using a gauge or the 20p test. Motorists uncertain about their tyres should seek a qualified professional, with many garages offering free checks. The company says its community campaigns, educational resources and retailer partnerships aim to make correct safety decisions easier and to highlight how essential well-maintained tyres are to preventing accidents and saving lives.

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