TyreSafe commemorated its 20th Annual Briefing and Awards this week, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 200 representatives from the automotive, retail, manufacturing, enforcement, governmental and road safety sectors. The landmark gathering took place at The Belfry, signalling a significant escalation in the collective focus on tyre maintenance as a cornerstone of national roadway welfare.

The unprecedented turnout underscores a broad-based acknowledgment that proper tyre upkeep is essential to UK's wider road safety objectives. Opening the proceedings, TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt lauded the industry's unified dedication, emphasising the necessity of preserving this cooperative drive amidst an evolving policy environment. This call to action set the tone for discussions centred on the newly released National Road Safety Strategy, the first of its kind in 15 years.

Throughout the day, experts dissected upcoming challenges and potential solutions, repeatedly stressing that cohesive collaboration and a harmonised message are vital for achieving the ambitious goals set forth by the government. The formal proceedings seamlessly transitioned into an evening gala where distinguished entities and individuals received accolades for their creative partnerships, public outreach and steadfast dedication to safeguarding motorists.

The night culminated with TyreSafe bestowing its Lifetime Achievement Award upon Lisa Scott, honouring a remarkable 40-year tenure in road safety advocacy. From her origins as a Road Safety Officer to her present managerial role at National Highways, Scott's influence on educational programmes and behavioural initiatives has been profound. As a key Steering Committee member, her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping protective measures for the public. Looking forward, TyreSafe recommits to evidence-based education and advocacy to ensure the new national strategy translates into tangible, life-saving action.

2026 TyreSafe Award Winners:

Tyre Safety in the Community – Halfords
Online & Social Media – The Motor Ombudsman
Communications – Pneumatic Components Ltd
Road Safety Partnerships – Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service
Small Tyre Retailer of the Year – TMT Tyres
Emergency Services Partner – Sussex Police Road Safety Team
Innovation & Technology – Autogem Invicta Ltd
Road Safety Organisation – Driven To Improve Ltd (My Learner Driver)
Large Tyre Retailer of the Year – Protyre Autocare
Vehicle Manufacturer – Toyota (GB) PLC
Tyre Manufacturer of the Year – Bridgestone UK
Road Safety Individual of the Year – Brad Mawson, Safer Roads Greater Manchester
Special Recognition Award – Pirelli UK Tyres Ltd
Outstanding Achievement Award – Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership
Lifetime Achievement Award – Lisa Scott

Lovatt said, “This year’s record attendance demonstrates the strength and commitment of the tyre safety and road safety community. As we welcome the first National Road Safety Strategy in 15 years, it is more important than ever that organisations across our sector continue to work collaboratively, share expertise and deliver consistent messages that help save lives. The challenges ahead are significant, but together we have the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

“Our twentieth Annual Briefing and Awards was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when organisations come together with a shared purpose. The quality of this year’s award entries was exceptional and reflects the incredible work being undertaken across the country to improve tyre safety and road safety. We congratulate all of our winners and finalists and thank every organisation and individual who continues to support TyreSafe’s mission of reducing tyre-related incidents on our roads.”

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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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