Banner image caption: Europäische Fachpressekonferenz, v.l.n.r.: Dr. Ralf Deckers (Bereichsleiter Research Experts, IFH Köln GmbH), Ingo Riedeberger (Director THE TIRE COLOGNE), Maximiliane Sarwas (Moderatorin), Gerald Böse (Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung Koelnmesse GmbH), Stephan Helm (Vorsitzender BRV), Motorworld Köln

The German Tyre Retail and Vulcanisation Trade Association (BRV) and Koelnmesse has announced that the Tire Cologne 2021 will be a hybrid trade fair. It will be held in the classic trade format as well as in the digital format called the ‘TTC@home’. According to Koelnmesse, a global leader for Digital Media, Entertainment and Mobility segments, the two parallel formats would ensure that the industry participants from around the world, whether exhibitors or trade visitors, can exchange ideas live in Cologne or digitally via a platform developed specifically for this purpose.

Desperate conditions demand discerning measures
The event organisers have revealed that the trade fairs will be carried out safely and successfully while keeping all the safety measures in place. The stand
areas are limited to a maximum of 150 sq.m. Additional capacities are offered by the ‘Lead Café’ – consultation rooms that can be used flexibly. Koelnmesse has developed a host of measures under the ‘#BSAFE4BUSINESS’ in accordance with the provisions of the corona protection ordinance of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and in close coordination with the authorities in Cologne. These measures work together seamlessly and regulate interaction at the trade fair.

The digital platform developed by Koelnmesse, on which the TTC@home digital trade fair components are realised, is already currently being used successfully at DMEXCO, the largest trade fair for digital marketing & advertising in Europe that concluded today. ‘Digital’ exhibitors can present their products as photo and text information within the exhibitor showrooms and increase the attention their company attracts by embedding video content. Content on products and companies can be presented in digital panels or conferences to a circle of interested parties and in greater depth via special networking functions in chats or digital meetings. In addition to a large number of additional tools, TTC@home also supports new visitor target groups and is at the same time the basis for a sustainable community platform that will continue to exist beyond The Tire Cologne 2021. All the exhibitors will receive a digital basic package at no charge. TTC@home thus also makes an important contribution to the digitalisation of the tyre industry.

Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse, (pictured above) said, "One thing is certain; trade fairs will remain indispensable. Only here can direct personal encounters for the maintenance of existing contacts and the initiation of new business opportunities be assured with precision and certainty. We are more than prepared to carry out trade fairs safely and successfully for all participants, and to thus provide the so urgently needed impulses for the further development of the industries.”

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP), a voluntary CEO-driven initiative representing 10 of the world’s largest tyre manufacturers, has released its annual key performance indicators report. Titled ‘Sustainability Driven: Key Performance Indicators for TIP Members 2021–2025’, the publication tracks member progress between 2021 and 2025 against 16 environmental, social and governance measures. These indicators span seven pathways within TIP’s Sector SDG Roadmap, which outlines the tyre industry’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Decarbonisation efforts showed notable gains, with emissions intensity falling 4.9 percent since 2024 and 29.2 percent since 2021, while renewable electricity procurement rose to 60.5 percent, up 6.5 percent year-on-year. Water efficiency also improved, as total withdrawals dropped 5.7 percent from 2024 to 2025 and withdrawals from water-stressed areas fell 10.9 percent over the same period. Since 2021, these figures represent reductions of 18.4 percent and 35.2 percent, respectively. On responsible natural rubber sourcing, all members continued reporting their procurement efforts to the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) and 90 percent independently implemented responsible sourcing policies across all tyre production materials. The share of members holding validated science-based targets climbed to 90 percent from 80 percent in 2024.

The report further highlights TIP’s work strengthening the evidence base on tyre and road wear particles (TRWP). In 2025, TIP funded five new research projects and supported eight scientific paper publications, double the previous year’s total. By 2025, 36 TIP-supported TRWP research publications existed alongside 796 citations of TIP-supported research, a 14 percent increase from 2024. Grants totalling USD 2 million were committed through TIP’s first Open Call for Projects, a global initiative accelerating independent research. TIP also hosted its second Tire Emissions Research Conference with partner MIT in September 2025, with a third edition scheduled for Cambridge in December 2026.

Regarding tyre circularity, the report notes several developments, including publication of the ELT Toolkit 2.0, the Interactive ELT Data Map and ongoing PCR development work, all supporting stakeholders across the tyre value chain. TIP’s KPI reporting offers policymakers, regulators, industry partners and other stakeholders a transparent view of sector-level sustainability trends, priorities and areas requiring continued collaboration.

Dr How Yong Ng, Adjunct Professor at the National University of Singapore and a member of TIP’s Assurance Group, said, “Transparency and collaboration are at the heart of TIP’s efforts to foster sustainability innovation in the tyre sector. This KPI report demonstrates how TIP members are translating their commitments into measurable results and driving meaningful advancement across the tyre value chain. TIP has been monitoring progress against the SDGs for a decade, and it is encouraging to see how far members have come.”

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Pirelli is all set to conclude its tenure as the Official Tyre Supplier to the FIM Superbike World Championship at the Pirelli Spanish Round in Jerez de la Frontera. This weekend’s event not only wraps up a 2026 season dominated by Nicolò Bulega and Ducati but also ends a 23-season partnership that began in 2004. The journey has been marked by technological innovation, continuous development, close collaboration with teams and manufacturers and numerous sporting milestones.

For the Andalusian circuit, whose low-abrasion asphalt suits softer compounds, Pirelli has confirmed the softest rear options, already used at Estoril. WorldSBK riders will have the supersoft SCX and soft SC0 for practice, qualifying and races. The SCX, introduced last year as the E0126 development tyre, proved highly effective, helping Bulega claim all three race wins. The SC0 offers a valid alternative in cooler temperatures. The extrasoft SCQ, Pirelli’s softest tyre, will also be available for qualifying and potentially Sunday morning’s Superpole Race.

At the front, the soft SC1 and medium SC2 are both competitive at Jerez, as demonstrated in 2025 when Bulega took pole with the SC1 and won both full-length races with the SC2, while using the E0672 soft development tyre in the Superpole Race. Wet conditions will be covered by DIABLO Wet intermediate and DIABLO Rain tyres for both front and rear. For the WorldSSP finale, rear choices are the SCX supersoft and SC0 soft, with SC1 soft and SC2 medium at the front.

The Pirelli Spanish Round will decide the last two titles. In the debut FIM World Sportbike Championship, Spaniard David Salvador (Kawasaki) leads compatriot and fellow Kawasaki rider Xavi Artigas by 12 points, with two races and 50 points remaining. In the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship, Maria Herrera holds a 44-point advantage over fellow Spaniard Beatriz Neila. Both categories use Pirelli DIABLO Superbike tyres with the SC1 compound front and rear.

Giorgio Barbier, Pirelli Motorcycle Racing Director, said, “The Pirelli Spanish Round will mark the final chapter in the long journey that began in 2004, when Pirelli joined the FIM Superbike World Championship as Official Tyre Supplier. Over the years, we have built a partnership that has seen us become not just a supplier but an active and strategic partner, contributing to the growth and development of the Championship. Before saying our final goodbyes, however, we still have one last round ahead of us, which we want to approach with the same determination and the aim of bringing a particularly positive season to the best possible conclusion. The results achieved, with new records set at virtually every circuit and in a wide variety of conditions, have gone hand in hand with intensive development work, carried out alongside the teams right up to the final race. For this last event, we have chosen to retain the softest rear options, the extrasoft SCQ and supersoft SCX, which have been used throughout much of the season. The extensive data collected over the years at Jerez, both during races and in testing, confirms that these are the most effective options for tackling a circuit characterised by low-abrasion asphalt.”

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Sailun Group made its first substantial appearance at BAUMA CONEXPO INDIA 2026, which opened on September 15 in India. The company attended the event with its MAXAM brand and a selection of core products, holding detailed talks with construction equipment manufacturers, industry customers and partners from around the world. These discussions focused on emerging trends and new opportunities shaping the sector.

Recognised as one of the most influential construction equipment trade shows in India and South Asia, the exhibition spans construction machinery, mining equipment, off-highway vehicles and related value-chain industries. It provides a key platform for global companies to present innovations, connect with industry resources and build regional partnerships. For Sailun, the event marked a significant step in strengthening brand presence and advancing localized development in the Indian market.

The company displayed a broad range of tread patterns, including the MS401, MS308, MSV01 and MS701+, suited to mining, infrastructure development, construction and material transportation. These products are designed for varied equipment configurations and operating demands, reflecting Sailun’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its OTR tyre portfolio and address complex conditions.

Sailun’s booth drew numerous OEMs, distributors, contractors and industry customers. Teams discussed product performance, equipment compatibility, application scenarios and specific requirements while exploring market development, product supply and long-term cooperation. The professional portfolio and solutions for demanding conditions earned strong recognition, raising market awareness of Sailun and MAXAM.

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Gislotica, a manufacturer of machinery for the tyre industry, has joined APIB as a supplier member, strengthening its links with the rubber sector and expanding its engagement with industry participants.

The company also took part in an APIB panel recently, providing an opportunity to exchange views with professionals and businesses across the sector.

Membership of APIB is intended to help Gislotica build relationships with manufacturers, suppliers and other industry partners, while sharing knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Gislotica considers collaboration across the industry essential to driving innovation, developing technological solutions and supporting growth. The company plans to continue developing machinery solutions that address the needs and challenges of its partners.

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