Titan International has introduced two new product lines under the Goodyear Farm Tire brand, named Goodyear Softrac Pro and Goodyear Softrac Smooth. Designed as complementary front and rear fitments, the tyre lines aim to enhance performance across a range of landscaping equipment, including both commercial and residential zero-turn mowers. The launch follows Titan’s recent expansion of its Goodyear licensing rights into additional product segments, which was announced last year.

The Softrac Pro line features a forward-thinking tread profile and refined contour intended to work harmoniously with the terrain, offering a smoother ride, better slope stability and improved turf protection. Engineered for both professionals and homeowners, the tyre provides long-lasting durability and dependable traction without compromising ground quality. Key technical attributes include a proprietary ozone-resistant tread compound for extended tyre life, a meticulously engineered tread pattern that reduces turf damage and a multi-angle lug design for excellent hillside traction.

Current Softrac Pro sizes range from 20x10.00-8NHS to 26x12.00-12NHS, covering the most popular rear fitments for commercial and residential zero-turn mowers, with additional sizes planned for front engine riders and compact tractors. Meanwhile, the Softrac Smooth line is built as a front fitment for high-precision commercial mowers, engineered to deliver precise handling and clean cutting lines under heavy workloads. Available sizes include 11x4.00-5, 13x5.00-6 and 13x6.50-6, covering key front wheel mower fitments.

Both Softrac Pro and Softrac Smooth lines have undergone rigorous testing by multiple original equipment manufacturers, reinforcing Titan’s focus on application-specific solutions. Working together as front and rear systems, the tyres support a full range of commercial mower configurations, including zero-turn, stand-on and low-profile models, helping manufacturers and dealers equip fleets with a top-tier brand while boosting overall performance.

Peter Kortes, Outdoor Power Equipment Product Manager – Titan Specialty Division, said, “For years, turf tyres have looked largely the same, and recent aggressive designs have swung too far without considering everyday functionality. We set out to create a tread that strikes the perfect balance, modern and bold, yet still turf‑friendly and practical for any user. The result delivers standout style with the optimal performance customers expect from their equipment.”

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Kuraray America, Inc. marked National STEM Day on 8 November by spotlighting a community educational event that brought together 15 of its volunteers and students from the Houston Japanese Supplementary School at San Jacinto College for a day of hands-on exploration and discovery.

Participants engaged in activities illustrating how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) converge in chemical manufacturing. Experiments with superabsorbent polymer beads explored chemistry and material properties, while a tour of the college’s facilities introduced industrial equipment. Students also learned about water filtration and distillation processes and how mathematical concepts underpin scientific and engineering applications.

One student showed particular interest in the distillation tower, linking the experience to the Kuraray Group’s contributions to everyday life and its mission of achieving for people and the planet what no one else can. The event also benefited KAI volunteers, who shared technical knowledge, exchanged perspectives and learned alongside potential future scientists and engineers.

Kuraray America thanked Reiko Fuwa and Tomohiro Tani for coordinating the visit, Hans Vandommele for sharing his expertise and all 15 KAI volunteers. The company also expressed appreciation to San Jacinto College for facility access and to the Houston Japanese Supplementary School students for their curiosity, enthusiasm and thoughtful questions.

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Liberty Tire Recycling attended the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held from 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The automotive aftermarket event, one of the industry's largest, drew over 160,000 attendees from the automotive, tyre and transportation sectors to review new products, technologies and business opportunities.

The Lakin Tire brand, a consistent SEMA exhibitor, once again used the show to reinforce industry relationships and present Liberty's tyre collection, recycling and sustainable resource management capabilities. Personnel from Grade/Used Tires, Commercial Truck Tires, Metals, Recycling and Collection, together with corporate and regional leadership, met customers, suppliers and industry professionals from around the world.

The booth received existing and prospective customers from numerous tyre and automotive segments during the week. Costco Wholesale Corporate Office, United Tires and UTU Wholesale were among the organisations that stopped by to examine Liberty Tire's products, services and nationwide reach. The company viewed the event as an effective forum for monitoring emerging market trends and demonstrating its position in recycling and sustainability, alongside its focus on innovation, workforce development and circular economy principles.

A memorable moment came when a high school shop teacher and students, attending through a special educator programme, toured the booth to learn about tyre recycling and industry operations. Liberty team members provided industry insights, outlined career pathways and acknowledged educators' contribution to developing future skilled trades professionals, supplying tyre inflation gauges for classroom use.

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Laufenn, Hankook's associate brand, earned a ‘Good’ ratingwith an overall score of 2.2 for its G Fit 4S in the Auto Bild Allrad all-season SUV tyre test published on 8 October 2026 (issue 41). The tyre competed credibly against 11 rivals from established premium marques, finishing competitively in a 12-strong field.

Wet handling proved a particular strength, with the G Fit 4S collecting the second-highest rating shared with other models. Aquaplaning resistance also impressed, as the tyre held its line until stability began to fade at roughly 100 kmph (62 mph). In snow, it recorded the third-shortest braking distance, matching two other contenders.

Testing spanned snow, wet and dry disciplines, each weighted equally in the final ranking, with a third-generation MINI Countryman serving as the test vehicle. Snow assessments were carried out in New Zealand, while European venues hosted the wet and dry evaluations. The jury's conclusion underscored Laufenn's value-focused positioning, finding the G Fit 4S a solid option for cost-conscious buyers.

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Tyres Europe has underscored that tyres qualify as fully recyclable under ISO 22628:2002 and UN Regulation No. 133, describing the established methodology as a robust foundation for assessing tyre recyclability. The organisation recently set out its position on the matter.

The distinction between recyclability and actual recycling rates is central to the group's argument. Recyclability refers to the technical potential of a product and its materials to be recycled, while the real rate hinges on treatment capacity and demand for secondary raw materials. Regulatory frameworks should therefore separate the two concepts clearly and align with an internationally recognised standard.

Tyres consist of rubber compounds, chemical additives and reinforcing textile and steel cords, and at end of life they are separated into rubber, textile and steel fractions, all of which existing mechanical or chemical routes can recycle. Mechanical processing yields rubber granules and powders usable as secondary raw materials across many applications, recovered textiles can be further processed and valorised, and cleaned recovered steel can re-enter metal recycling and steelmaking.

Tyres Europe pledged continued cooperation with policymakers and value-chain partners to strengthen circularity and maximise recovery of valuable tyre materials in Europe, with the full paper available on its website.

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