Last year, Oxford Dictionaries declared that “Unprecedented” is the word of year that chosen by the famous English language experts to sum up the preceding 12 months. It’s been more than a year since the pandemic changed the way we live and work, and nothing feels more important than staying connected to our communities. Tyre industry is no exception.

As we all know, the automotive society is changing at rapid pace world-wide due to various factors such as new customer trends, growth of middle class and new mobility concepts. The performance requirements of tyres continue to rise ever higher, meaning that even further advancement in tyre technology as well as fighting with complex issues are now our new normal. The requirements of tyre performance parameters are much greater than past therefore now we work with “octagon,” instead of historically used “triangle.”

Today, we are talking about “Desired performance” instead of “Prioritised performance” which covers all required factors as well as sustainable green product concept. As we all know, many tyre manufacturers have announced their aggressive plans to have “carbon-neutral” products and aimed to adopt renewable materials and sustainable solutions.

As noted earlier, there are also additional challenges facing mobility and there are many new topics. In this article as TIC, we focused some of the hot topics to be involved by tyre companies. The below topics will force fundamental changes and our industry is going to be more complex. We need to understand those which would affect market dynamics, breakthrough developments and mobility revolutions.

We believe that a holistic approach is needed to see the future as well as new opportunities and treats. TIC-Tire Industry Consulting’s recommendations are given for some of the important areas, which should be involved by tyre manufacturers in order to continue their business.

Air-Free tyres

The airless concept tyre is one of the initiatives aimed towards many tyre manufacture’s long-term vision of the use of sustainable materials. Many of tyre manufacturers revealed their second or third generation air free technologies by featuring improved load-bearing capabilities, driving performance and environmental design. However, there are a lot of works to be made before air free tyres available for customers. Anyone looking for the future of tyre industry needs to involve Air Free tyre technology. Although it is very hard to estimate, we believe CAGR would be reached 3-4% within ten years globally.

Sustainable solutions

This is one of the most popular topics for automotive industry since many years by aiming CO₂ emission reduction. The motivations are: increasing pressure from legislation to move to zero CO_2, EV sales booming in many countries and consumers are increasingly seeking to buy from environmentally responsible companies. Main players have announced very challenging targets to use all-sustainable materials by 2030 and 2050. Tyre industry has to follow this path and needs to do fundamental changes regarding all processes such as R&D, supply chain and others. We believe that tyre industry should implement multiple technological innovations for sustainable solutions by working with their suppliers. In order to keep the competition, tyre manufacturers should: have a Science Based Target (SBT) for sustainability, engage with suppliers for joint activities and improve R&D activities regarding new materials, new designs and higher the usage of recycled materials.

EV tyres

Global automotive sector is responsible for 15% of global GHG emission and Paris agreement targeted to have “zero” GHG emission by 2050 to limit global warming. This is a very challenging target ever seen that committed by all countries. Private sector is co-responsible for implementation and rapid fleet electrification is one of the on-going solution items. OEMs have set the pace for CO₂ reduction and tyre manufacturers should have the EV tyre that meets “desired performance” as a sustainable green product.

The best example would be Germany , that aims to have 14M electric cars in 2030 by having almost 30% share of total car and electric passenger car new sales would reach to 75-80%  of total cars sale in 2030. Those figures show how big opportunity is exist for EV tyre manufacturers for OE and replacement markets. In that respect, we should continue to improve New Product Development (NPD) process even harder by expanding R&D efforts.

Artificial Intelligence

One of the important breakthrough innovations is AI and now widely use in all industries. We have seen many new applications by using AI in tyre industry too. Some of the areas would be sensor adoptions, prediction of compound physical properties, data mining in production processes and performance predictions during service time such a wear life and others. As TIC, we see AI as a “white space” for tyre manufactures that needs special skills as well as knowledge to adapt AI to existing systems.

Dynamic Testing

This has been performed by many tyre manufacturers using different test methodologies  such as component level, Hil (Hardware-in-the-Loop), ViL (Vehicle-in-the-Loop) test during the development and test & verification states of the product. In addition to those currently available test technologies, there are new developments in testing, such as dynamic driving simulators, in other words DiL (Driver-in-the-Loop). This technology enables tyre manufacturer to test and verify their next-generation tyre designs in virtual environment using the vehicle digital twin, which replicates the actual vehicle including vehicle driving dynamics, with real driver interaction. The DiL will improve the development process and create new opportunities for tyre manufacturers as preferred one. TIC believes in “Speed to market with right solutions and innovation,” and ready to support you. Design & development process duration is getting more and more crucial and all manufacturers are trying to reduce it by using modern simulation and testing technics. We recommend adopting Virtual technology in order to provide the best service to your customers.

As a conclusion, tyre industry is facing a lot of challenges and having very dynamic competition, in that respect the tyre technology and tyre knowledge will be extremely important to compete in the future, more than at any time in the past.

TIC Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) have vast hands-on experiences for above topics and ready to support your activities. We provide specialised technical solutions for challenges and TIC guarantees a high standard of professional-ethical principles that we have kept and developed for years. (TT)

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The AZuR project group on chemical recycling convened its annual in-person meeting on 1 October 2026, bringing together more than 20 network partners at Pyrum Innovations AG in Dillingen/Saar. The gathering centred on recent scientific findings, the recovery of raw materials from end-of-life tyres, the European Tyre-to-Tyre initiative and collaborative projects planned for 2027. Participants examined how recovered carbon black and tyre thermolysis oil can be more effectively integrated into industrial production processes.

A scientific highlight came from Dr -Ing Sebastian Bogdahn, who presented his dissertation on the production and ecological assessment of high-quality carbonizates derived from used tyre thermolysis. His research combined experimental investigations, process modelling and life cycle assessment, with particular attention to recovered carbon black produced during thermolysis and subsequently processed. The findings indicated that the modelled system could potentially lower global warming potential relative to fossil-based carbon black production while underscoring the significance of process control, product quality and energy supply for environmental performance.

The European Tyre-to-Tyre initiative, launched in July 2026 by Pirelli, Pyrum, Synthos and BASF, illustrated how chemical recycling processes can be embedded within industrial value chains. Pyrum converts used and rejected tyres into recovered carbon black and tyre thermolysis oil through thermolysis. The processed carbon black is then used in Pirelli's tyre manufacturing, partially substituting fossil-based industrial carbon black.

At BASF, thermolysis oil is combined with fossil raw materials to produce chemical products including butadiene and styrene. Synthos utilises corresponding feedstocks to manufacture synthetic rubbers, which are subsequently employed in Pirelli's tyre production. According to the project partners, the entire value chain remains traceable via ISCC PLUS certification.

A notable feature of the meeting was a tour of Pyrum's thermolysis plants. Divided into three groups, attendees gained insights into the technical processes and engaged directly with on-site experts. The tour clarified the technical steps required for recovering and further processing raw materials, from the handling of used tyres through to the resulting product streams.

Management emphasised the value of regular AZuR in-person meetings, which combine exchange among companies, technology providers and research institutions with exposure to real industrial applications. The gathering demonstrated the importance of collaboration across the entire value chain, with research, technology development, industrial processing and tyre production considered together to transform recovered materials into high-quality raw materials for new products. The project group will continue this exchange in 2027 through concrete projects and information initiatives.

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TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has welcomed Straightset and Supertracker as Commercial Supporters, pairing two well-established garage equipment names in support of the charity's goal of enhancing tyre safety and lowering tyre-related incidents across UK roads.

Independent garage equipment specialist Straightset and Supertracker, a famed British maker of wheel alignment equipment, are jointly backing TyreSafe's campaign to highlight how essential properly maintained tyres are to road safety.

Straightset, run as a family business, delivers a broad selection of garage equipment for car and commercial vehicle workshops, covering tyre changers, wheel balancers, MOT equipment, workbenches and exhaust extraction systems, plus installation, servicing and maintenance. Since 2022, Straightset has owned Supertracker, a long-established British marque focused on laser and computerised wheel aligners, commercial vehicle apparatus and vehicle lifts including scissor and two-post types.

By merging specialist equipment manufacturing with the thorough service and support garages require, the two brands offer complementary strengths. Correct wheel alignment is tightly connected to tyre maintenance, helping avert uneven tyre wear and bolster vehicle safety. The tie-up demonstrates a mutual dedication to safety, quality and the automotive sector, with both brands aiding TyreSafe's continued efforts to educate road users and encourage improved tyre safety habits.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to welcome Straightset and Supertracker as Commercial Supporters of TyreSafe. Together, they bring valuable expertise across the garage equipment sector, from specialist wheel alignment technology to the equipment, servicing and support that keep workshops operating safely and efficiently. Garages play an important role in helping ensure vehicles are safe and roadworthy, and the right equipment and technical support are essential to that work. We look forward to working with Straightset and Supertracker to raise awareness of tyre safety and encourage road users and businesses to make tyre maintenance a priority.”

Julia Blake, Marketing and Communications Director, Straightset, said, “We are proud to be partnering with TyreSafe, alongside our Supertracker brand, and to support the important work it does to improve tyre safety across the UK. At Straightset, we provide garages with the equipment, expertise and ongoing support they need to operate safely and effectively. Through Supertracker, we also have a longstanding connection with wheel alignment technology, which plays an important role in tyre maintenance. This partnership brings together our shared commitment to safety and gives us an opportunity to help raise awareness of the importance of looking after tyres. We look forward to working with TyreSafe and contributing to its efforts to make UK roads safer.”

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Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd., a global manufacturer of carbon black and speciality carbon products, has published its sixth Sustainability Report for FY 2025–26, titled ‘Anchored in Carbon. Embedded in Circularity’. The document outlines the company’s advancements in emissions reduction, energy efficiency, workplace safety, inclusion and community development while detailing its strategy for a more responsible and resilient carbon value chain.

The company’s sustainability efforts are deeply integrated into its manufacturing operations and its support for customers in the tyre, rubber, manufacturing and industrial sectors. Epsilon Carbon aims to supply dependable carbon materials while enhancing resource efficiency and lowering the environmental footprint of production. In FY 2025–26, it recorded a 98 percent drop in Scope 2 emissions intensity against its FY 2022–23 baseline, alongside a 6 percent reduction in energy consumption intensity driven by operational improvements.

A 17 MW captive power plant using waste hot gases from production remained central to decarbonisation, achieving 77 percent waste heat recovery utilisation and remaining on target. This helped avoid over 89,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions by reducing coal-based power reliance. The company also cut Scope 3 emissions intensity by 8.13 percent compared with FY 2024–25, supporting more sustainable manufacturing across its value chain. Its Vijayanagar plant holds an annual capacity of 215,000 tonnes of carbon black and 500,000 tonnes of speciality carbon.

The report further highlights workplace safety and inclusion, with zero fatalities, 10 percent women representation on the Board and 9.41 percent of the overall workforce. CSR programmes positively impacted approximately 140,000 lives, fostering community development near its operations. Epsilon Carbon’s sixth Sustainability Report gives stakeholders a clear view of its ESG performance and reinforces its focus on responsible growth, operational excellence and its expanding role in the global carbon materials industry.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Sustainability is central to how we are building Epsilon Carbon for the future. Our progress in reducing emissions intensity, increasing the use of waste heat recovery and improving energy efficiency shows what is possible when sustainability is built into everyday operations. Our customers in tyres, rubber and other manufacturing sectors are also working towards more responsible and efficient value chains. We are committed to supporting them through dependable products, strong manufacturing capabilities and continued innovation. Alongside our environmental priorities, we remain focused on safety, inclusion and creating a positive impact in the communities where we operate.”

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Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp (Toyo Tires) celebrated a milestone achievement in short-course off-road racing as driver Ryan Beat captured the 2026 Championship Off-Road Pro-2 title. The decisive rounds unfolded at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, where Beat piloted his #51 Bilstein / Toyo Tires / Rockstar Energy / Chevrolet truck to the first Pro-2 crown of his racing career.

Beat arrived at the season finale holding a 17-point advantage but faced punishing Southern California heat and a determined group of rivals. A mid-race restart intensified the competition, yet Beat powered through the field and crossed the finish line first on Saturday night, sealing the championship.

His truck ran on standard 35x12.50R17 Open Country C/T tyres throughout the campaign. Beat concluded the year at the top of the Pro-2 standings with 722 points. The result marked the sixth occasion he has placed among the top three in the class, having previously earned four runner-up finishes and one third-place result.

The championship extends Team Toyo’s strong presence in short-course competition, complementing Pro-4 titles claimed by CJ Greaves across 2023 through 2025 and Kyle LeDuc between 2012 and 2020. Toyo-backed drivers have also found success in desert racing, with six SCORE Baja 1000 victories, six Baja 500 wins, five Baja 400 triumphs and four San Felipe 250 titles.

Beat said, “The championship came down to the final race and to not only win the title, but to do it by winning the final race was a dream come true. Surrounded by my family, friends and partners, this one is going to be hard to top.”

Adrian Puente, Events, Motorsports and Technical Manager, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp, said, “Congratulations to Ryan and his motorsports team on securing the first Pro-2 championship of his career! A hard-fought season ending in triumph is a great result for Team Toyo and showcases the versatility and performance of our tyres on and off the track.”

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