Photo: Winners of TRAC’s 2025 Industry Leaderships Awards. Left to right: Carol Hochu (TRAC), Tony Mougios (Groupe Touchette), Jon Visaisouk (for Sam Visaisouk; Tyromer Inc.), Neil Bansal (Liberty Tire), Barry Yutronkie (Michelin / TRAC), Dr. Behdad Khamesee (Toyo Tire), Chris Figel (Chair of the Board, TRAC).

The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) recently honoured industry leaders for their exceptional contributions to the tire and rubber sector during its annual awards ceremony on 4 June 2025 in Mississauga. The event, held after TRAC's Annual General Meeting at the Alt Hotel Toronto Airport, celebrated excellence across four key categories: Leader of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Sustainability and Young Leader. These awards recognise the visionaries and innovators driving progress in tire manufacturing, recycling, and sustainable practices.

Neil Balson of Liberty Tire Recycling received the prestigious Leader of the Year award for his transformative impact on Canada's tyre recycling industry. As Vice President overseeing Canadian operations, Balson has demonstrated remarkable leadership in developing innovative solutions for end-of-life tyre management. His work has been particularly impactful in addressing the challenges of recycling ultra-large mining tyres, where he pioneered processes that reduce their carbon footprint by 80 percent. Beyond technical innovations, Balson has played a crucial role in shaping national policies and fostering international collaborations, establishing himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of business and environmental sustainability.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards honoured three industry veterans whose collective contributions span decades of service. Pamela Scarrow of Bridgestone Canada was recognised for her 25 years of legal leadership and her instrumental role in TRAC's governance as both board member and former chair. The late Sam Visaisouk, former CEO of Tyromer Inc, was honoured posthumously for commercialising groundbreaking devulcanisation technology that revolutionised tyre recycling globally. Barry Yutronkie received recognition for his 30-year career at Michelin and subsequent leadership at TRAC, where he helped harmonise technical standards across North America. Together, these recipients represent the dedication and expertise that have shaped Canada's tire industry.

From left: Phillip Diogenes of Bridgestone Canada Inc. accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pam Scarrow with Chris Figel (Chair of the Board, TRAC).

TRAC's Sustainability Awards highlighted two leaders advancing environmental responsibility in the sector. Dr Behdad Khamesee of Toyo Tire Canada was celebrated for applying his materials science expertise to develop sustainable tyre technologies and influence industry-wide best practices through various technical committees. Tony Mougios of Groupe Touchette was recognised for developing comprehensive ESG strategies, including the company's inaugural sustainability report that established measurable environmental targets.

The Young Leader Award went to Chris Singleton of Niagara Battery & Tire, who at 37 took over the family business following his father's passing and immediately implemented transformative changes. Singleton modernized operations through digital inventory systems, enhanced employee benefits, and expanded mobile services – all while maintaining the company's 68-year legacy as a community staple.

Carol Hochu, President and CEO, TRAC, said, “The Canadian tire and rubber industry brims with innovation and dedication; and this year’s award winners embody the very best of our industry. We’re thrilled to honour seven remarkable individuals whose leadership, ingenuity and commitment to sustainability have set a high bar for excellence, and shape and inspire the future of our sector.”

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Continental has introduced a special-edition tyre set for the 2026 Tour de France, merging its two most advanced road offerings into a single commemorative package. The release pairs the aerodynamically focused Aero 111 with the endurance-tested Grand Prix 5000 S TR, both dressed in translucent sidewalls and exclusive race insignia that distinguish them from standard production models.

Available only as a bundled pair, the front tyre measures 29 mm while the rear comes in at 30 mm, a configuration aimed at optimising both steering precision and rolling efficiency. This marks the debut of the Aero 111 in a transparent finish, giving riders a visually distinctive option without compromising the tread technology that reduces drag and harnesses crosswind energy for forward momentum.

The front tyre's specialised pattern has already proven effective in competitive settings, including early-season classics, by working in tandem with modern wheel profiles to maintain speed under variable wind conditions. Paired with the Grand Prix 5000 S TR, known for its balance of low resistance and dependable traction, the combination addresses the full spectrum of race-day demands. Both tyres share Continental's BlackChili rubber compound and Vectran reinforcement, supporting tubeless setups as well as hookless rims.

Several professional squads across the men's and women's pelotons, including UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Movistar, Bahrain-Victorious, Decathlon CMA CGM, Groupama-FDJ United and Uno-X Mobility, are slated to use the limited-edition tyres during this year's Tour de France and its female counterpart. Weighing 265 grammes for the front and 305 grammes for the rear, the package delivers a race-ready system that merges aesthetic distinction with field-proven performance characteristics.

Hannah Ferle, Road Product Manager, Continental Tires, said, "With this year's Tour de France Limited Edition, we wanted to bring together two products that represent the very best of Continental road performance. The Aero 111 continues to demonstrate how much untapped performance exists within the tyre itself, while the Grand Prix 5000 S TR remains the benchmark for speed, grip and reliability. Together, they create a unique package worthy of cycling's biggest race."

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Bridgestone Golf has unveiled the latest iteration of its premier ball franchise, the e6 SOFT TREADLINE, which now features the innovative 360 Align Tech. As the longest-running and best-selling series in the company’s history, this new model draws inspiration from the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent tyre, applying tread-like technology to the golf ball’s design. The launch reinforces the brand’s commitment to blending automotive engineering insights with golf performance.

The new e6 SOFT TREADLINE maintains the core engineering that has defined its predecessors, including a large, soft and fast core with gradational compression to maximise ball speed and distance. Its seamless Surlyn cover ensures durability and responsive feedback, while advanced aerodynamic patterns promote stability during flight. This combination produces a high launch with low spin off the tee, alongside reliable short-game feel and control around the greens.

Central to the new design is the 360 Align Tech, a full-coverage alignment aid that wraps entirely around the ball. This feature assists golfers in putting precision, visualising roll, squaring the putter face and aiming with greater confidence while also supporting a repeatable pre-shot routine. The tread pattern provides a visible reference from any angle, helping players achieve cleaner setup visuals and improved target awareness.

Available now as a limited-edition two-piece model, the Bridgestone e6 SOFT TREADLINE is priced at USD 23.99 per dozen. Golfers seeking guidance on the ideal ball for their game can utilise the online Golf Ball Selection Guide available on the company’s official website.

Adam Rehberg, Senior Marketing Manager of golf balls at Bridgestone Golf, said, “Our research showed golfers are increasingly looking for more advanced visual alignment technology both on the tee and on the greens, and the 360-degree TREADLINE pattern is designed to deliver a highly effective solution in both environments. By integrating design inspiration from the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Ascent tyre, we were able to create a performance-driven alignment system with a unique connection to the broader Bridgestone brand.”

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Tegeta Green Planet has launched a significant educational initiative across the Borjomi region of Georgia, designed to cultivate environmental stewardship among the youth. The programme, which commenced in 2022, holds a pioneering status as one of the first organisations in the country authorised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture under the Extended Producer Responsibility framework. This authorisation underscores the company's commitment to managing the full lifecycle of specific waste streams, including used tyres, oils and batteries, in alignment with circular economy principles.

The initiative recently brought company representatives to Public Schools No. 3, No. 4 and No. 6 in Borjomi, as well as the Kvibisi Public School. The programme’s location is strategically significant, given that Borjomi is celebrated for its unique natural environment, mineral waters and vital forest ecosystems. The region’s sustainable development is inherently linked to the preservation of its natural heritage, making the education of local youth a critical component for its future.

During the school visits, students were introduced to the technicalities of waste stream management, learning the proper handling procedures for tyres, batteries and oils. The curriculum emphasised the environmental necessity of correct disposal and explained the broader connection to a circular economy, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into valuable resources. The sessions highlighted how individual responsibility directly contributes to broader environmental protection and sustainable societal growth.

The educational format employed by Tegeta Green Planet was highly interactive, moving beyond traditional lectures. The programme featured presentations followed by engaging activities and educational games to reinforce learning, encouraging active participation from the students. The workshops provided a platform for open dialogue, where young attendees posed questions and proposed local solutions for creating eco-friendly communities. To make the experience more memorable and rewarding, symbolic gifts were distributed to all participants at the conclusion of the sessions.

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China’s Longmarch Group has initiated construction on a substantial tyre manufacturing venture in Egypt, valued at EGP 9.5 billion (EUR 160 million). The official groundbreaking was confirmed on 17 June by the Suez Canal Economic Zone's general authority. The new facility, named Longmarch Tyre (Egypt) Ltd, will be situated within the integrated industrial zone of Ain Sokhna, occupying a sprawling 200,000-square-metre site.

The development is structured as a two-phase project. The initial stage is designed to achieve an annual production capacity of 600,000 units for trucks and buses. Upon completion of the second phase, the plant's total output for these tyres will escalate to one million units per year, alongside an additional annual capacity of 4.5 million passenger car radial tyres.

Production from the Egyptian plant is primarily intended to satisfy local market demand, though the company also has clear ambitions to target export markets across the region and beyond. Longmarch Group’s chairman, Jin Yong Sheng, lauded the investment climate within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, highlighting its strategic location and superior logistical advantages as key factors for the company's expansion.

Established in 2003, Longmarch already operates a production base in Chaoyang, China, and manages a tyre joint venture in Pakistan. The Egyptian project marks a significant milestone in the firm's global strategy, leveraging the economic zone's competitive environment to strengthen its international footprint.

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