The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), a joint initiative led by the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), has unveiled ‘Tread Boldly: Advancing Tire Recycling Through Collective Innovation’ as the official theme for its 10th Tire Recycling Conference. Scheduled for 12–14 May 2026 in Denver, Colorado, the event will focus on the urgent need for a unified effort to transform end-of-life tyre management into a truly circular and sustainable model. This vision depends on shared commitment, bold action and the latest technological advancements.

The 2026 conference is designed to engage all stakeholders across the value chain. The agenda will feature keynote addresses from industry pioneers, strategic discussions on accelerating market growth and panels examining emerging recycling technologies and regulatory policies. Specialised sessions will explore specific markets like rubber-modified asphalt, with updates from state agencies. Ample networking opportunities will allow participants to connect with leaders from every sector of the industry, fostering the collaboration essential for progress.

While USTMA notes that tyres are among the nation's most recycled products, a significant challenge remains as the volume of end-of-life tyres continues to exceed the consumption of recycled materials. Achieving full circularity requires a strengthened focus on developing and sustaining end-use markets. A prime example is rubber-modified asphalt, which not only helps reduce tyre stockpiles but also delivers long-term environmental and economic advantages, including more durable infrastructure and job creation.

Anne Forristall Luke, Board President, TRF, said, “For over 20 years, the biennial Tire Recycling Conference has been a gathering for industry leaders and stakeholders to learn and foster innovative programs to address ELT management and grow tyre recycling markets. The 2026 conference will build on this legacy and galvanise an entire system of national and local businesses, governments and state officials towards effective market-based programmes.”

Stephanie Mull, Executive Director, TRF, said, “Expanding end-use markets for recycled tyres demands bold action rooted in research, education, effective state programmes and collaboration. The conference’s theme, ‘tread boldly’, is a call to action for every stakeholder in the tyre recycling ecosystem and the critical role they play in shaping a future where every end-of-life tyre enters a sustainable and circular programme.”

John Sheerin, Senior Director – End-of-Life Tires, USTMA, said, “This milestone event will showcase the strengths of end-use markets and power of collective innovation. Whether you are a manufacturer, processor or recycler, policymaker, researcher, retailor or distributor, there is a place for you to work alongside industry partners and amplify efforts in advancing tyre recycling.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Nokian Tyres Green Step Ligna concept tyre, a collaborative effort with UPM, secured top honours at the 2025 New Wood competition. This prestigious award recognises groundbreaking wood-based bioeconomy solutions that tackle global challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The jury assessed entries on their societal importance, market potential and innovative use of wood, ultimately selecting a winner seen as a benchmark for the industry.

The concept tyre earned praise for making a concrete advance towards sustainable transport and materials production. It serves as a powerful example of how ecological considerations can be integrated with high performance, offering a blueprint for other companies. Its core innovation involves a significant material substitution in the tyre's sidewall, where conventional fossil-based fillers have been replaced with UPM BioMotion, a renewable filler derived from lignin.

As fillers determine much of a tyre's durability and performance and account for roughly a third of its mass, this shift is particularly impactful. Lignin is a natural compound abundant in wood and is generated as a by-product of pulp manufacturing. The successful application of this bio-based material in a demanding component like a tyre sidewall signals a pivotal shift for the entire industry, marking a substantial leap in the journey toward a future built on renewable resources.

Pauli Aalto-Setälä, a jury member of the New Wood 2025 competition, said, “Sometimes the most powerful innovations don’t alter the product itself, but the materials behind it – transforming it into something truly sustainable.”

Martta Fredrikson, Chair of the New Wood competition jury, said, "This year, the utilisation of industrial side streams was particularly highlighted in the New Wood competition. The lignin-based tyre material that won the competition and the second-placed wood fibre insulation are excellent examples of this.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone has earned significant acclaim from the German automotive publication Auto Bild, being jointly awarded the 2025 winter tyre 'Manufacturer of the Year' title. This prestigious honour was largely driven by the outstanding performance of the company's premium winter tyre, the Blizzak 6, in the publication's rigorous annual evaluations.

The manufacturer’s success extended beyond winter tyres, with the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 also achieving a top podium finish. It secured second place in the all-season category for 'Manufacturer of the Year' and was declared a joint test winner in Auto Bild’s specific SUV All-Season 2025 Tyre Test. The tyre earned an exemplary overall rating after proving to be a strong and balanced all-rounder across a wide range of performance criteria.

Further validating these results, independent testing by TÜV SÜD confirmed the Turanza All Season 6's best-in-class wet braking capabilities, alongside excellent braking in both dry and snowy conditions. The tests also highlighted its exceptional snow traction, cornering and handling. An additional benefit is a 20 percent improvement in mileage over its predecessor, contributing to greater cost efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint.

Similarly, the winter-focused Blizzak 6, launched in 2024 as the successor to a multiple-award-winning model, has demonstrated top-tier performance in TÜV SÜD assessments. It is a top-rated tyre for snow braking and traction and is reported to offer the shortest stopping distances on wet roads. It also boasts a substantial 32 percent improvement in mileage.

A key technological foundation for both of these award-winning tyres is Bridgestone's ENLITEN Technology. This next-generation engineering approach is designed to deliver customised and uncompromised performance while simultaneously advancing sustainability and enhancing electric vehicle readiness across the company's product portfolio.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is poised for its 12th season, with critical pre-season testing scheduled for 27 to 31 October in Valencia, Spain. This event serves as the final proving ground for all teams and the official technology partner, Hankook Tire. During this intensive period, drivers and engineers will work with the GEN3 Evo race car and Hankook's dedicated iON Race tyres to fine-tune vehicle setups and gather essential performance data ahead of the first official race.

This season is particularly significant as it marks Hankook's fourth and final year as the championship's exclusive tyre supplier. The GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre has established a remarkable record of reliability and consistent performance, having supported every race since its introduction without a single failure. This partnership has been pivotal in advancing the series' demanding standards for efficiency and safety.

Alongside the technical preparations, the Valencia test will host important inclusivity initiatives. An expanded Women's Test will provide 20 female drivers from all 10 teams with valuable track time in the current race car. Running concurrently, the Hankook-presented FIA Girls on Track programme will inspire approximately 100 young women through workshops and team interactions, aiming to cultivate the next generation of motorsport talent.

This pre-season activity sets the stage for a dynamic 17-round global championship covering 11 iconic cities, which will kick off in São Paulo on 6 December and conclude in London the following August, showcasing electric racing in eleven iconic cities worldwide.

Maximilian Günther (DS PENSKE) highlighted the tyre's exceptional capabilities, saying, “Following my victory at the Season 10 Tokyo E-Prix, I was able to secure another triumph at the Season 11 Jeddah E-Prix. The GEN3 Evo iON Race tyre consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, delivering remarkable grip and precise handling, even under the most demanding driving conditions. This high level of performance enabled us to maintain stability and competitiveness throughout the entire race. As we will be using the same tyre this season, I am eager to build on this momentum and strive for yet another victory.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Goodyear Tyre & Rubber Company has announced a significant expansion of its consumer product line with the introduction of three new all-terrain tyres – the Wrangler Outbound AT, Wrangler Workhorse AT 2 and Wrangler ElectricDrive AT – to meet the robust and varied demands of modern drivers. This strategic expansion into key growth segments addresses the needs of a diverse range of vehicles, from adventure-ready SUVs and light trucks to commercial work vans and the latest electric pickup trucks.

Each model is engineered for a specific purpose. The Wrangler Outbound AT targets off-road enthusiasts who also require refined on-road comfort, offering aggressive traction on dirt and gravel alongside durable Kevlar reinforcement and a long-term warranty. Built for durability in commercial and heavy-use settings, the Wrangler Workhorse AT 2 provides enhanced wet-weather grip and a snow-rating for all-season reliability across tough job sites and rural routes. Finally, acknowledging the automotive industry's shift, the Wrangler ElectricDrive AT is specifically crafted for electric vehicles, combining rugged all-terrain capability with winter certification and integrated noise-reduction technology to suit the silent nature of EVs.

This comprehensive lineup strengthens Goodyear's portfolio by delivering targeted solutions that promise reliability and adaptability for every journey. All three tyres are now available through Goodyear's retail network and authorised dealers across the United States and Canada, supported by the company's standard satisfaction guarantee.

Jonathan Thomas, Director – Category and Strategy, Goodyear, said, "Goodyear continues to lead the way in tyre innovation by listening to our customers and anticipating their needs. This new all-terrain premium lineup reflects our drive to deliver cutting-edge solutions for every kind of journey – from job sites to backcountry trails to the growing fleet of electric vehicles. We're proud to offer these tyres across the US and Canada, helping drivers go further with confidence."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!