Wacker Chemie AG, a speciality chemicals company, has confirmed its growth and sustainability targets on Capital Markets Day today. The targets were communicated in 2022, aiming for sales of EUR 10 billion and an EBITDA margin in excess of 20 percent by 2030, as well as absolute CO2 emissions reduction of more than 50 percent by 2030 as against the 2020 baseline.

At a Capital Markets Day event hosted at the company's biggest location in Burghausen, the company shared specifics about the steps it has taken thus far and the progress it has achieved. Twenty-five percent of the 40 investment projects that were proposed in March 2022 have already been finished. From the end of 2021 to the present, Wacker has invested approximately EUR 1.7 billion in new silicone specialities facilities in Nünchritz, increased capacity for producing high-quality polymer products for the construction industry at the company's Nanjing, China and new mRNA competence centre in Halle (Saale), Germany, as well as increased semiconductor-grade polysilicon production in Burghausen.

Christian Hartel, President & CEO, Wacker Chemie AG, said, “We are on track despite the challenging market environment. Our strategy remains intact. We are in a strong financial position and are benefiting from global megatrends. Going forward, we will be focused more on improving our margins than on volume growth. This means investing more in efficiency and on expanding our portfolio of specialty products.”

Wacker wants to keep up its profitable growth trajectory and strengthen its position in desirable areas. Wacker gives the speciality chemicals industry even more priority within its chemical divisions. This comprises polymers for clever, sustainable building as well as high-tech silicones to facilitate the energy and mobility transition. The focus for biosolutions is on sustainable bioingredients and next-generation therapeutics. Regarding polysilicon, Wacker is focusing more on producing very pure silicon suitable for electrical applications. In order to do this, the business is offering solutions for worldwide themes including digitisation, smart building, sustainability and health. “We will continue to invest systematically in innovation and in expanding our global production network,” explained Hartel. “At the same time, we will keep striving to become even more productive and efficient. In this respect, key levers available to us include active portfolio management, as well as further digitalisation and automation measures.”

On the topic of sustainability, Hartel said, “For us, sustainability is a business case. Our aim is not only to improve our own footprint but, above all, to also offer our customers innovative, sustainable solutions which support them in achieving their own sustainability targets. Various ESG rating agencies have awarded Wacker top rankings in recognition of the progress we have made on our sustainability journey.”

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Titan International, Inc. has officially introduced the new Titan ForestEDGE tyre line, engineered to meet the severe demands of contemporary forestry work. This release broadens the company’s existing forestry portfolio, positioning the ForestEDGE as a dependable and economically conscious alternative alongside its established Goodyear Logger Lug series. The tyre is specifically tailored for critical machinery including skidders and feller bunchers.

Engineered with a heavy-duty steel-belt package, the tyre resists damage from rocks, stumps and debris, while a specialised rubber compound promotes even tread wear and extended service life. Backed by Titan’s extensive engineering and field-testing heritage, the tyre offers boots-on-the-ground reliability. This combination of rugged construction and proven performance provides a practical option for fleet managers aiming to balance productivity with reduced operating expenses.

The ForestEDGE line is now available for ordering through authorised dealers in sizes 30.5L-32 and DH35.5L-32. Additionally, the 24.5-32 size is currently open for pre-orders, with shipments expected to begin in the third quarter of the calendar year.

Matt Werstein, Product & Engineering R&D Manager – OTR, Titan, said, “Forestry environments are often extreme. With the Titan ForestEDGE, we set out to provide a tyre that not only stands up to some of the worst conditions but also helps boost productivity and lower total operating costs. After extensive field testing, we're confident that the ForestEDGE line delivers the durability and value operators need to keep their machines moving.”

Andrew Hogan, Director – Pricing and Product Strategy, Titan, said, “Forestry work is demanding, not just on people but also on equipment and tyres. We worked closely with customers and dealers to understand where current solutions were falling short. The ForestEDGE is the result: a tyre line that’s tough, dependable and built around the realities of modern forestry work.”

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Kumho Tire U.S.A. is addressing the evolving demands of the American automotive market, where light trucks, including pickups, SUVs and crossovers, now represent 80 percent of new vehicle sales. As this segment continues to expand, the complexity of selecting the appropriate tyre has increased for owners. In response, Kumho is promoting its Road Venture family, which utilises a straightforward nomenclature and clear performance tiers to guide consumers towards the optimal choice for their specific lifestyle and driving requirements.

The Road Venture series is comprised of four specialised models, each engineered for a distinct driving environment. These include the highway-focused HT, the versatile AT52 for all-terrain use, the RT for enhanced off-road capability and the MT71, which is designed for maximum traction in mud-terrain conditions. This structured approach allows drivers to easily navigate the selection process based on their primary usage patterns.

Engineered predominantly for paved surfaces, the new Road Venture HT is an all-season highway-terrain tyre that prioritises a quiet, comfortable ride and dependable performance in diverse weather conditions. It holds the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for severe winter service and is backed by a limited treadwear warranty of 75,000 miles for P-metric sizes and 50,000 miles for LT-metric sizes, aligning its durability with higher-priced competitors.

For those requiring a compromise between on-road civility and off-road exploration, the Road Venture AT52 offers an all-terrain solution that manages dirt and gravel while maintaining low noise levels. It also carries the 3PMSF rating and comes with a 55,000-mile warranty for P-metric and 50,000 for LT-metric sizes. Bridging the gap between all-terrain and mud-terrain tyres, the new Road Venture RT provides rugged-terrain traction without forfeiting on-road refinement, supported by a 50,000-mile warranty. The lineup culminates with the MT71, featuring aggressive tread blocks and stone ejectors for superior grip in mud and rocky environments, catering to serious off-road enthusiasts.

Carolina Wagner, Vice President – Marketing, Kumho Tire U.S.A., said. "Tyres are one of the most important safety components on any vehicle, yet many consumers find the tyre shopping process overwhelming because of the sheer number of options available. Our Road Venture lineup was designed with a simple naming structure and clear performance distinctions to help drivers confidently choose the tyre that best fits their lifestyle and driving needs, whether they spend most of their time on the highway, explore trails on weekends or tackle demanding off-road terrain."

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Surat Thani branch of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT), hosted an educational seminar for natural rubber farmers in June 2026. The event took place in Surat Thani province, where the company’s local processing subsidiary, Y.T. Rubber Co., Ltd., (YTRC) is based. Fifty farm households participated in the session, which represented the 11th such gathering since the programme began in 2020. Following the lectures, Yokohama Rubber distributed fertiliser, developed with RAOT’s technical input, to all attendees at no cost.

This initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Yokohama Rubber and the RAOT in January 2020, aimed at providing economic assistance to Thai growers and improving supply chain traceability. The seminar forms a core component of the company’s farmer-support activities under that agreement, organised regularly through the local YTRC office to ensure alignment with Yokohama Rubber’s sustainable procurement policy.

The curriculum covered soil nutrition, proper fertilisation methods, contamination prevention, workplace safety, health management and farm operations. Guest representatives from local government agencies, the police and a regional hospital delivered presentations on legal employment practices, human rights protections for foreign and ethnic minority workers, transportation safety and occupational health measures to prevent tapping-related injuries.

Participant feedback from post-event questionnaires indicated heightened awareness of systematic cultivation techniques and quality assurance. Farmers acknowledged previously haphazard fertilisation practices and gained a clearer understanding of contamination risks through direct engagement with the processing subsidiary. Several attendees expressed intentions to share their newfound knowledge with tappers, while others voiced appreciation for a tire manufacturer’s grassroots involvement, thereby deepening mutual trust. As a founding member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), Yokohama Rubber continues to implement its revised procurement policy supporting small-scale suppliers. The company remains committed to publishing further initiatives under its sustainability motto, ‘Caring for the Future’, addressing social challenges through business operations.

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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an educational initiative at Gergeti School for students in grades 8 through 10. The session was designed to foster awareness about sustainable development among the younger generation.

The programme, titled ‘A Sustainable Future: Environment, Transport and Energy’, centred on the impact of daily human activities on the planet. Discussions emphasised the critical need for proper waste segregation, resource conservation and the adoption of renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental degradation.

A significant portion of the event focused on the hazardous nature of waste tyres, used oils and batteries. Students were informed about the severe consequences of improper disposal, including contamination of natural resources, and were shown how recycling can recover valuable materials. The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility was also introduced, highlighting the legal and ethical duties of manufacturers and importers to manage their products' lifecycle. Tegeta Green Planet’s role in assisting companies with these obligations was a key point of the presentation.

The interactive session encouraged active participation through group discussions and practical exercises. Students collaborated to solve environmental challenges, reinforcing their learning through real-world applications. All attendees received certificates and gifts at the conclusion of the event. This visit is part of a broader, ongoing effort by both organisations to promote responsible consumption and environmental stewardship in educational settings, aiming to empower students to make informed, sustainable choices in their everyday lives.

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