The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF) has officially announced the finalists for its first-ever Circle of Change Awards, a national programme designed to honour individuals, organisations and teams advancing tyre recycling and circular economy leadership. The winners are scheduled to be revealed on 14 May 2026, during the Tire Recycling Conference Awards Luncheon in Denver, Colorado. This year’s conference carries the theme ‘Tread Boldly: Advancing Tire Recycling Through Collective Innovation’.

The pool of finalists spans state-led programmes that have developed scalable and self-sustaining markets for recycled tyres, as well as engineering breakthroughs integrating tyre-derived materials into roads, stormwater systems and urban redevelopment projects. Collectively, these nine initiatives illustrate the expanding innovation and rising demand for tire-derived products across United States.

The awards are structured into four distinct categories, each addressing a critical component of tyre circularity. These include tyre recycling processes, the design and manufacturing of recycled materials, market development for those materials and the complete end-of-life tyre value chain. Together, the finalist projects underscore the creativity and positive momentum shaping the domestic recycled tyre industry.

In the Circular Economy Trailblazer Award category, Colorado and North Carolina were recognised. Colorado has utilised a waste tyre rebate programme and market-development grants to reduce stockpiles and illegal dumping while boosting demand for tyre-derived fuel and moulded products. North Carolina implemented a legislative model that stabilises upstream recycling reimbursements for counties and expands incentives for rubber-modified asphalt applications.

The Innovation in End-Use Technology Award features three honourees. Bolten & Menk constructed a stormwater best management practice system using 210,000 recycled tyres for the city of Woodbury, Minnesota. LHB Engineering and the St. Paul Port Authority applied 30,000 cubic yards of tyre-derived aggregate in underground stormwater retention to redevelop the former Midway Stadium brownfield site. Liberty Tire Recycling, partnering with Atlanta DOT, the University of Georgia, and The Ray, launched an asphalt heat-island pilot to improve pavement durability and study climate and equity benefits in an urban corridor.

For Market Development Excellence, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources leveraged rubber-modified asphalt to resurface park roads and parking areas, creating consistent material demand. A Michigan multi-partner effort led by EGLE has scaled recycled tyre applications from pilot projects to hundreds of lane-miles through advanced specifications and coordinated research.

The Value Chain Collaboration Award recognised Bolder Industries and Pirelli Tire LLC for a traceable closed-loop system converting scrap tyres into certified recovered carbon black for new tyre production, alongside Phibro rCB for restarting an idle pyrolysis facility and qualifying recycled materials for tyre manufacturing. An independent panel of industry experts scores all entries based on innovation, measurable impact, scalability and category alignment, with honouree mentions possible at the judges’ discretion.

Stephanie Mull, Executive Director, Tire Recycling Foundation, said, “At the heart of tyre recycling is a simple but powerful challenge: reframe waste from an endpoint into a catalyst for societal value. This year’s nominees show how far we’ve come in turning end‑of‑life tyres into valuable materials that strengthen infrastructure, support communities and protect the environment and remind us that important work still lies ahead.”

Dick Gust, President, Tire Recycling Foundation Board, said, "The Circle of Change Awards recognise bold action and innovation. We honour the innovators, state leaders and collaborators demonstrating that tyre recycling unlocks real solutions and transformation. Each finalist exemplifies what’s possible when visionary action aligns with smart policy and sustained commitment.”

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Nokian Tyres has once again secured a position on the Financial Times’ Europe’s Climate Leaders list, maintaining a perfect record since the ranking first launched in 2021. The annual recognition, compiled jointly by the Financial Times and research firm Statista, evaluates data from approximately 3,000 European companies. Being featured highlights the Finnish tyre manufacturer’s measurable advancements in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Out of 600 companies selected across all industries for their five-year emission reduction progress, Nokian Tyres placed 29th overall. Within the automobiles and components sector, only one other firm joined it in the top 100, and Nokian Tyres emerged as the highest-ranking tyre manufacturer on the entire list. The company’s strong performance underscores its leadership within its specific industry segment.

ductions in both absolute greenhouse gas emissions and emissions intensity, alongside broader climate commitments and collaboration with external sustainability assessors such as CDP and the Science Based Targets initiative. These combined criteria determine the final order of Europe’s most climate-progressive companies.

Susanna Tusa, VP – Public Affairs and Sustainability, Nokian Tyres, said, “From using mostly renewable energy to building the world’s first full‑scale zero‑CO₂‑emissions tyre factory, our climate actions help pave the way for more sustainable mobility. We want to offer drivers safe, high‑quality tyres that are made with continuously lower environmental impact as we continue moving towards net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions. This ranking by the Financial Times is a great recognition of our work.”

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Indian tyre exports reached a record INR 273.12 billion in FY2025-26, rising 9 per cent from INR 250.57 billion in the previous financial year, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce.

The increase marks the second consecutive year of 9 percent growth in tyre exports, highlighting the industry's ability to sustain overseas demand despite geopolitical uncertainty and slower global economic growth.

The United States remained the largest export market for Indian tyres, accounting for 15 percent of total export value at INR 40.82 billion during FY2025-26. However, its share declined from 17 per cent a year earlier after the US administration increased tariffs on Indian tyre imports from 25 per cent to 50 per cent in August 2025.

The higher tariffs reduced the competitiveness of Indian tyres against products from countries benefiting from lower trade barriers. In February 2026, the US reduced tariffs on most Indian goods from 50 per cent to 18 per cent, providing some relief to exporters.

Arun Mammen, chairman of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association, said the industry had delivered strong export performance despite disruption to global supply chains, higher logistics costs and trade uncertainty across key markets.

Through market diversification, cost optimisation and policy support, Indian tyre manufacturers-maintained export momentum during the year.

After the US, the leading export destinations for Indian tyres were Germany, which accounted for 7 percent of exports, followed by Italy and Brazil at 5 per cent each, and France at 4 percent. Indian tyres are now exported to more than 170 countries.

"The tyre industry has exhibited remarkable resilience and growth in the post-pandemic period. Over the last four to five years, tyre manufacturers have invested approximately INR 300 billion across greenfield and brownfield projects, reflecting strong confidence in India's long-term economic prospects and its emergence as a global manufacturing hub" added Mammen.

India's tyre industry has an estimated annual turnover of about INR 1 trillion, with exports accounting for more than one-quarter of total industry turnover.

The industry said geopolitical developments, including the West Asia crisis, continued to pose challenges through supply chain disruption, higher energy costs and inflationary pressure. However, manufacturers remain optimistic about long-term export prospects, supported by trade agreements and deeper integration into global value chains.

"As global supply chains continue to evolve, India is increasingly being recognised as a reliable sourcing destination for high-quality tyres. Supported by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives and favourable trade engagements, the Indian tyre industry is well positioned to strengthen its role in global markets in the years ahead," added Mammen.

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NEXEN TIRE has introduced its latest ultra-high-performance tyre, the N’FERA Primus UX, following a domestic launch in Korea on 1 June. The tyre is now entering the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets, signalling the company’s full push into the global replacement tire sector.

Built under the One Universal Fit strategy, the N’FERA Primus UX delivers a 20 percent gain in tread wear performance compared to its predecessor. It is engineered for electric vehicles, internal combustion engine cars and SUVs alike and carries NEXEN TIRE’s proprietary EV ROOT certification mark to guarantee balanced performance across powertrain types.

Performance enhancements include strengthened reinforcement for improved high-speed stability, an expanded contact patch for better driving control and an optimised tread block design that reduces road noise. The tyre also features a new advanced-material compound that lowers energy loss to extend tread life. An aerodynamic sidewall design cuts air resistance, boosting fuel economy for ICE vehicles and maximising range for EVs.

Development relied on NEXEN TIRE’s AI and virtual simulation capabilities, including an AI-powered performance prediction system and a high-dynamic driving simulator. This marked the first time such simulation tools were used in the domestic automotive industry, allowing the company to mathematically model real-world driving conditions and accelerate measurement while raising development efficiency.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, "The N'FERA Primus UX is designed to deliver optimal performance regardless of vehicle type, in line with the demands of the EV era. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our global product lineup based on our 'One Universal Fit' strategy to expand our presence in international markets."

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ZC Rubber recently orchestrated a unique brand activation at Emirates Stadium, hosting its Partner Match Day: Emirates Stadium Experience on 24 May. The gathering occurred shortly after Arsenal’s coronation as 2025/26 Premier League champions, amplifying the electric atmosphere for attending partners, industry media and Arsenal collaborators.

Instead of a passive viewing experience, guests from the ZC Rubber family – including WESTLAKE, GOODRIDE and TIANLI – along with representatives from Stapletons Tyre Service, International Tyres, City 1st Tyres and ADR UK Tyremart, stepped onto the pitch for a competitive 90-minute tournament. Following two mini leagues and a climactic final showdown, City 1st Tyres secured the champion’s trophy before enjoying post-match hospitality inside the stadium.

As the Official Global Tyre Partner of Arsenal FC, ZC Rubber designed the event to deepen ties within its international partner network. The day demonstrated a clear strategy of merging sport with relationship-building, creating memorable connections for global audiences.

Andrew Reitzner, UK National Manager, ZC Rubber, said, “Partner Match Day was a fantastic opportunity to bring some of our partners and media friends together in a truly unique environment. Playing at Emirates Stadium is something many football fans dream of, and it was great to share that experience with the people who continue to support and grow with ZC Rubber. For us, that is what this event is about – teamwork, shared experience and the spirit of partnership behind ZC Rubber’s brands.”

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