Nothing is stable. Technology is continuously evaluated. Materials science, electronics and software are the main three engines that reverse reactions or open new horizons.

Tyres are always known as black and round. However, the tyre engineers are aware of the weight achieved, the construction and the types of materials used in the tyres. What was the ancestor of the tyre, where is it going now?

The tyres were rated very quickly after vulcanisation 150 years ago. The first use of synthetic rubber and synthetic fibers, as well as the first radial tyre, go back around 70 years. Programming the control of the tyre building and curing machines with sensors and timer was a cornerstone. The new chemicals and advanced materials which suit well for process control, more homogeneous mixing, material integration and long-lasting rubber products.

Today's tyres last to the end of their useful life, which is primarily measured by the Remaining Tread Depth (RTD) which is greater than a limit value set by local legal approval. Twenty years ago, many defective tyres were found in scrapyards that were almost like new, but today the tyre will last almost lifetime.

Today, Mechanical rubber derivatives production machine parts are made to tighter tolerances. The integrity of the main body material is higher than in previous years. Alloys or composites are widely used compared to recent years. More controlled and homogeneous surface finishing is applied. Modern tyre production machines are equipped with robotics, full sensors and automation, stepper motors and greater controllability which are examples of the harmonization of creativity and innovation in the industry.

More than all that, today manufacturing machines are more purpose oriented, lighter, sensitive and modular.

The other very preliminary point of view is to analyse the needs of the main processes and what should be the strategy when you have an idea to buy new machines?

Every system needs new machines to install for a reason. It is used either to increase capacity or to renew a range of products, just to modernise or update technology. What should be the strategy when you have an idea to buy new machines? Either you are looking for a machine that matches your technology or you are taking the risk of a technology upgrade. The same category but a more efficient, more productive, safer and more controllable machine may be preferred or a completely new technology may be chosen.

If a very new technology is chosen, the time it takes to adapt can result in large production losses. It may take longer to adapt, etc. However, if you don't take such a risk, how will you manage the technology update in later years?

The other very preliminary point of view is to analyse the needs of the main processes. For example, if you are a tyre manufacturer, customers will only know your brand name. You are responsible for the end product. Third parties do not know where to start preparing tyres or what process to use to make them.

For example, you can have a textile calendar or you can get calendered textile and steel layers on the outside. When using a supplier, you don't need a factory calender machine. This also applies to the compounds used in the manufacture of the components.  Today, a large volume of masterbatch is used in the rubber products industry. Organizing a good supply chain for manufacturing rubber compounds eliminates the need for mixers, a few mils, large silos, or process oil tanks.

A review of all processes and machine setup is necessary at regular intervals in order to remain competitive. Fewer production machines can increase productivity and controllability and intensify management. Less personal use, less energy and maintenance costs can be achieved. However, alternative suppliers need to be developed and diversified.

In the past, some particularly large tyre manufacturers had tyre cord treatment units in tyre factories. Some of them have steel wire production facilities for their own supply. Today we are witnessing a complete change of mind. The focus on the main process areas is mainly taken into account, which has completely changed the perspective in business. Today, most tyre manufacturers contract out the processing of 2nd class compounds. So, there is no refinery mill machines in tyre factories. The heating of the rubber in the preparation zones of the main components is carried out by cold feed extruders. Large capacity extruders are used under the drop door in mixing rooms. As a result, there are very few milling machine and milling operators in the tyre factory. Factory structures are smaller, parts production and machine maintenance are outsourced.

Full robot transfer units already exist, No man-tyre building and curing are achievable now. Profile extruders are already disabled, calendering might be totally needless by body ply webbing on tyre building drums.

Being open and innovative in the tyre and rubber industry is important. Support for technological innovation and productivity, as well as the vision to find more efficient devices, is required. New control systems with computers and automation are inevitable. Indeed, the company's employees must have a vision to choose the last and the best for the future. The most important thing is to find profitable solutions for the entire company.

As you follow the progress of the machine, keep in mind that new materials are coming. Any fashionable material will one day be a burden on the staff. Major hardware changes require new processes or machines. The ultimate case is the cancellation of part of the process, which means the cancellation of the production machines. Such a case can be irresistible at any time.

The increasingly demanding structure of the automotive industry and regulations will demand ever lighter, more environmentally friendly and more rolling-resistant tyres, which repeatedly calls for ambitious innovations. Innovative materials are inevitable to exceed expectations. Just as new materials come out of the R&D thicket box and enter the daily production inventory, the production area and machinery should be reorganised.

Full robot transfer units already exist in many phases instead of being transported. There are automatic scan and uniformity checks. No man tyre building and curing operations are achievable now. Profile extruders are already being phased out in some tyre factories. Body ply webbing could be more of a standard technology in tyre building.  Calendering may be totally needless in tyre plants.

As far as automation and controllability technologies assess, there is still room for refinement or cancellation of production processes and machines in tyre factories.

Today, Mechanical rubber products production machine’ parts are made to tighter tolerances. The integrity of the main body material is higher than in previous years. (TT)

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A new, comprehensive national campaign is underway to address the critical issue of tyre safety within UK fleets. Spearheaded by TyreSafe, the UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, this six-week educational initiative is founded upon three specialised toolkits developed in collaboration with industry leaders Driving for Better Business (DfBB), FORS and Lancashire County Council. This represents the most extensive suite of business-focused tyre safety resources the organisation has ever released, aiming to help companies strengthen compliance, enhance driver safety and achieve significant operational cost savings.

The campaign seeks to reframe tyre maintenance from a purely technical concern to a core business priority with profound implications. Neglected tyres present a major safety hazard, contributing to a heightened risk of collisions. Alarmingly, government data reveals that in 2024, 29 percent of all road fatalities occurred in incidents involving someone driving for work. Beyond the human cost, poorly maintained tyres have a direct financial and environmental impact; they waste fuel, increase emissions and lead to premature wear. This is particularly concerning given that transport remains a primary source of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Research underscores the scale of the problem, indicating that a majority of tyres on UK roads are underinflated and a significant number of vehicles are operating with at least one dangerous tyre.

To provide practical solutions, the three new toolkits offer step-by-step guidance and editable resources for seamless implementation. Developed with DfBB, the Grey Fleet Toolkit assists employers in managing the safety of employee-owned vehicles used for business purposes. In partnership with FORS, the Fleet Tyre Management Toolkit helps companies embed industry best practices for tyre procurement, inspection and maintenance. Finally, the Fleet Service Manager Toolkit, created with Lancashire County Council, provides fleet leaders and workshop managers with the materials needed to integrate tyre safety into staff training and daily operational checks. This broader effort by TyreSafe encourages businesses to view proper tyre care through the interconnected lenses of legal compliance, financial cost and carbon footprint, demonstrating how correct maintenance simultaneously reduces risk, saves money and supports sustainability targets. All resources are now available on the TyreSafe website.

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said, “Tyre safety is not just about maintenance – it’s about responsibility. Every underinflated or worn tyre adds to a business’s costs, carbon footprint and legal exposure. Through these new toolkits and our six-week education campaign, we want to help fleets of every size understand that tyre safety is a measurable way to protect lives, budgets and reputations. Lancashire County Council’s partnership shows how tyre safety can be woven into daily operations, not added as an afterthought. By embedding simple checks into training and supervision, fleet teams can prevent incidents before they happen. Tyres are often missed during daily checks but one of the biggest influences on safety. We urge business drivers and fleet managers to ACT to ensure sound tyre safety management is included in their fleet policies which can make every journey safer, more efficient and sustainable.”

Simon Turner, Engagement Manager, DfBB, said, “Grey fleet drivers represent a hidden risk for many employers. This toolkit helps organisations bring them into the same safety and compliance framework as company drivers – meeting legal obligations and protecting everyone on the road.”

Daniel Fisher, Fleet Services Manager, Lancashire County Council, said, “Partnering with TyreSafe has allowed us to leverage our fleet management experience to provide practical guidance for others. The Fleet Service Manager Toolkit shows how simple, consistent tyre checks can improve compliance, cut costs and keep drivers safer. It’s a model that any organisation – public or private – can adopt.”

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Trelleborg Tires officially launched the TM200 ProgressiveTraction, a significant innovation for the specialised vineyard and orchard sector, at the ongoing Agritechnica 2025 show. This new model is distinguished as the first conventional VF tyre specifically engineered for these demanding applications, where protecting the soil and ensuring operational stability are critical priorities.

The tyre's performance stems from the integration of VF and ProgressiveTraction technologies. The award-winning ProgressiveTraction system employs a unique double-edge lug design that substantially improves grip and stability. This configuration provides up to 15 percent more traction than standard competitor tyres, which in turn boosts productivity and fuel efficiency. Simultaneously, the VF technology allows the tyre to function at significantly lower inflation pressures without sacrificing load capacity. This capability is vital for minimising soil compaction, offering up to 40 percent greater load-bearing ability and eight percent better soil protection compared to conventional tyres. This makes the TM200 particularly well-suited for tractors using heavy front-mounted implements, enabling precise work while preserving soil structure.

Beyond traction and soil care, the tyre’s reinforced VF carcass delivers exceptional lateral stability, a key safety feature on sloped and uneven terrain. Comparative testing indicates a 26 percent improvement in lateral stability and a 10 percent longer service life relative to standard market alternatives. These attributes contribute to safer operation, reduced fuel consumption and greater long-term durability. For added convenience, each tyre includes a unique QR code, providing farmers with immediate access to detailed product information, usage guidelines, and technical support.

This launch reflects Trelleborg's broader commitment to advancing agricultural productivity through high-quality engineering. The TM200 ProgressiveTraction exemplifies this mission, offering a field-proven solution that combines performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility for modern farming.

Luca Sabelli, Brand Director, Trelleborg Tires, said, “With the TM200 ProgressiveTraction, Trelleborg Tires continues to tread the future of the agricultural tyre industry. We are proud to introduce VF technology to specialised tractors for vineyard and orchard operations, supporting farmers in reaching new levels of performance, control and operating efficiency – transforming innovation into real advantages for tomorrow’s agriculture.”

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Alliance, a leading global brand of agricultural and off-highway tyres, introduced the Agri Star II Row Crop tyre, a significant new product extending its proven technology into the specialised row crop segment, at the Agritechnica 2025 show. This launch represents a strategic expansion of the successful Agri Star II series, which has achieved remarkable commercial success with one million units sold since its 2020 debut. Building on this momentum and driven by farmer feedback, the company has adapted its core Stratified Layer Technology (SLT) for the specific demands of row crop equipment, such as sprayers.

The new tyre is engineered as a comprehensive solution for the high-speed, multi-terrain nature of contemporary farming. It is designed for reliable performance both on the road and in the field, offering enhanced traction, greater longevity and improved road handling, all supported by a 7-year warranty. Central to its performance is the proprietary Stratified Layer Technology, which constructs each lug with two distinct layers to maintain consistent performance throughout the tyre's life. This design not only boosts braking and roadability but also helps protect crops by minimising soil compaction.

Further ensuring durability, the tyre features a robust build with integrated stubble guards and advanced, wear-resistant compounds to defend against common hazards like cuts and cracks. Its enhanced speed rating of up to 70 kmph meets the demands of modern, efficient farm logistics. To provide a tailored fit for a wide array of machinery, the Agri Star II Row Crop will be available in a comprehensive selection of sizes, ranging from 24 to 54 inches.

This product introduction reinforces Alliance’s ‘Always By Your Side’ brand philosophy and its 70-year legacy of agricultural innovation. By delivering a customised solution for the row crop category, the company aims to solidify its market position and continue addressing the evolving challenges faced by farmers worldwide.

Angelo Noronha, President & CEO, Yokohama-ATG, said, “At Alliance, we take pride in our ability to adapt and innovate based on customer feedback. The Agri Star II Row Crop tyre is a testament to our commitment to empowering farmers with solutions that address their specific challenges. By bringing our proven SLT technology to the row crop segment, we aim to set new standards for performance and reliability in this category.”

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The valedictory function for Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 at the Rubber Board served as a significant culmination to the week-long campaign, held from 27 October to 2 November. The event, which aligned with the Central Vigilance Commission's directives, aimed to champion integrity and galvanise a collective stand against corruption in public life.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Honourable Principal District and Sessions Judge for Kottayam, Manoj M, delivered the keynote address. He emphasised the severe detrimental effects of corruption on a developing economy, stating that it fundamentally undermines the constitutional values of justice and rights. He elaborated that corruption extends beyond bribery to include misappropriation, misconduct and nepotism, all of which erode the foundation of public institutions.

M Vasanthagesan, IRS, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, set the tone by welcoming the gathering and underscoring that the fight against corruption is a shared duty which must begin with individual accountability. A highlight of the function was the distribution of prizes to winners of various competitions held for students and Board employees during the observance week. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sreevidya P, the Assistant Vigilance Officer, formally bringing the awareness campaign to a close.

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