Image source: Synthos

The global tyre industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need for materials that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. In a world where sustainability is essential, close collaboration with suppliers is critical to addressing these challenges.

For Synthos, Europe’s largest producer of synthetic rubber, the path is clear: develop advanced solutions that support sustainable mobility, promote circularity and work closely with tyre customers and partners to advance environmentally responsible tyre production and accelerate the transition to a net-zero future.

Synthetic rubber innovation

As part of its Synthetic Rubber Division, Synthos operates three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, with a combined annual production capacity of 760,000 metric tonnes, producing a diverse portfolio of elastomers, including SSBR (SPRINTAN), BR (SYNTECA) and ESBR (KER and BUNA), which are essential to the tyre industry and a wide range of other technical applications. Supported by commercial offices across the Americas and Asia, Synthos supplies advanced solutions to global markets.

 Marjolein Groeneweg

Tyres account for over 90 percent of their energy consumption during the use phase, primarily through vehicle fuel or electricity usage.
Improving energy efficiency is therefore critical to reducing their environmental impact. At the same time, tyre wear particles are a key challenge, with longer-lasting tyres and enhanced abrasion resistance essential to addressing microplastic generation. For electric vehicles (EVs), these challenges are further amplified by increased weight and instant torque, which place greater demands on tyre performance.

As the world’s largest producer of functionalised solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR), Synthos is tackling these challenges head-on. Its next generation of multi-functionalised SSBRs, developed under the SPRINTAN brand, features optimised low glass transition temperatures (Tg) to deliver lower rolling resistance for improved energy efficiency, alongside excellent abrasion resistance and wet grip. A standout example is SPRINTAN 918S, which entered full commercial production in 2024. Developed with proprietary technology, this highly functionalised SSBR combines exceptional wet and dry grip with enhanced energy efficiency and wear resistance, all while maintaining processability during compound production. Designed for summer, winter and all-season tyres, SPRINTAN 918S is particularly effective for EVs, where durability and efficiency are paramount.

With additional low-Tg SSBR grades in development, Synthos remains at the forefront of sustainable, high-performance materials for the future of mobility.

Investing in a greener future

While leading in supply, Synthos’ commitment to sustainability sets it apart. Recognising the environmental impact of its manufacturing processes and products, Synthos is dedicated to minimising this impact throughout its operations, implementing measures to minimise waste and ensuring the efficient use of resources.

Image source: Shutterstock

Synthos was the first in the industry to offer its entire synthetic rubber portfolio as bio/circular-attributed materials under ISCC PLUS certification, now supplied through its PLUS range. The company also prioritises transparency and traceability, providing detailed data from its production processes to help customers make sustainability-focused decisions. Each synthetic rubber grade is accompanied by a cradle-to-gate Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), enabling precise evaluation of its environmental impact.

Aligned with its Sustainable Development Strategy, Synthos has pledged to operate all facilities with carbon-free energy by 2028, investing in low- and zero-carbon energy sources. By reducing the environmental impact of its operations, Synthos is laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future.

Building strong partnerships

Collaboration is at the heart of Synthos’ approach to advancing sustainability and innovation. By working closely with partners across the tyre lifecycle, the company is driving circular innovation and addressing key challenges within the industry. 

Image source: Shutterstock

Through its partnership with Tyre Recycling Solutions (TRS), Synthos promotes the use of TyreXol™ rubber powder, derived from end-of-life tyres, in synthetic rubber formulations. This collaboration supports sustainable manufacturing by keeping valuable materials in circulation and reducing waste. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sumitomo Rubber Industries further strengthens this initiative, with both companies focusing on the development, testing and application of TyreXol™ technology as part of their shared commitment to the circular economy.

Synthos has also signed an MoU with Kumho Tire, a leading South Korean tyre manufacturer, to jointly develop sustainable raw materials for tyre production. This collaboration includes research into neodymium-butadiene rubber using bio-based butadiene, aiming to expand the use of environmentally friendly synthetic rubber in tyre manufacturing.

Upstream, Synthos has partnered with OMV, an Austrian multinational integrated oil, gas and petrochemicals company, to secure a long-term supply of sustainable butadiene produced from circular feedstocks, such as used cooking oil and pyrolysis oil derived from end-of-life tyres.

Beyond these partnerships, Synthos is actively involved in leading industry initiatives, including the Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) and the Circular Rubber Platform, further reinforcing its connections within the industry.

Focused on the mobility of tomorrow

The challenges of sustainability cannot be solved in isolation. As demand from leading tyre manufacturers for sustainable synthetic rubber continues to grow, Synthos is aligning with stakeholders across the value chain to deliver advanced, high-performance materials tailored to its customers’ needs, whether ISCC PLUS-certified materials, bio-based rubber or customised products developed in collaboration with its partners.

Through its dedication to innovation, renewable resources and strong partnerships, Synthos is shaping a future where performance and sustainability work together, ensuring the tyre industry evolves responsibly.

Groeneweg is the Global Marketing Director, Synthetic Rubber at Synthos.

Birla Tyre has launched a new brand identity featuring a redesigned logo and corporate website, marking a major step in its transformation journey under new ownership. The company, now backed by a consortium led by Dalmia Bharat Refractories (DBRL) as Resolution Applicant, and strategic partner Himadri Speciality Chemical (HSCL), aims to position itself as a premium, high-performance and future-ready brand.

The company plans to roll out a multi-platform marketing campaign and focus on re-entering key markets, expanding distribution and strengthening its product portfolio.

The refreshed identity reflects Birla Tyre’s renewed focus on speed, innovation and excellence. The new logo includes a custom wordmark symbolising forward motion and a tiger motif – called ‘Tyger’ – representing power, agility and leadership. The blue and orange colour scheme signifies trust and optimism.

Anurag Choudhary, Chairman and Managing Director & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, said, “This rebranding is more than merely a visual transformation; it is a reaffirmation of our dedication to purposeful development and progress.” 

Dr Chandra Narain Maheswari, Whole Time Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Refractories, said, “Our new logo encapsulates the essence of Birla Tyre, which is founded on four fundamental pillars: a legacy that motivates boldness, a product line that is prepared for the future, an unwavering commitment to continuous innovation and a oneness with world around us. As this new identity signals Birla Tyre’s readiness to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry with energy, innovation, and purpose.”

The 2025 Rally of Poland commenced amid an atmosphere of mourning following the tragic death of Italian motorsport driver Matteo Doretto in a racing accident.

The 81st edition of Europe's second-oldest rally competition, taking place across the challenging gravel roads of the Masurian Lakes region from June 13-15, has been overshadowed by the loss of the rising Italian talent.

"His loss is a tragedy that deeply saddens us," said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. "On behalf of Pirelli, I would like to extend our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Despite the sombre mood, 63 crews took to the start line for what remains one of the European Rally Championship's most demanding events. Notable competitors include Jon Armstrong driving a Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta, alongside Jos Verstappen and Andrea Mabellini, both piloting Skoda Fabias fitted with Pirelli tyres.

The rally features 14 special stages covering 190.40 timed kilometres across terrain known for its technical difficulty. The Masurian Lakes route presents drivers with uneven, often sandy roads where grip proves elusive even for experienced competitors.

"It's a very difficult and high speed rally, where attention to detail is very important," commented Testoni. "With every car passage the terrain gets rougher, forming deep ruts that can challenge even the most experienced drivers."

Weather conditions are forecast to remain dry, though organisers caution that conditions can change rapidly on such challenging terrain.

The rally serves as the third round of this season's ERC Fiesta Rally3 trophy, for which Pirelli provides exclusive tyre supply. Competing crews have access to three variants from Pirelli's Scorpion gravel range: the K4A hard compound, the K6A soft compound designated as the prime choice for this event, and the K8B supersoft option.

Regulations permit each crew to utilise 16 tyres total, including those selected for qualifying sessions. Trophy category vehicles will run on Scorpion 175/70-15 specifications in both K4 hard and K6 soft compounds.

Rally Poland's reputation for difficulty stems from its unique surface characteristics, where the sandy base becomes increasingly rutted as more vehicles traverse each stage. The deteriorating conditions throughout the weekend create an additional strategic element as crews must balance speed with mechanical preservation.

The event's location in the Masurian Lakes region, known for its natural beauty, provides a stark contrast to the intense competition unfolding on its roads. The rally has maintained its position as a crucial championship round despite the technical challenges it presents to both drivers and machinery.

UK-based tyre safety watchdog TyreSafe has welcomed the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)’s announcement highlighting Britain’s fast lane position for self-driving vehicles.

While the safety watchdog has acknowledged the potential the technology holds for enhancing road safety and reducing collisions, it maintains a caution towards the effectiveness and safety benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – and by extension, fully autonomous vehicles. This it shared are intrinsically linked to the fundamental safety and maintenance of a vehicle’s tyres.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We are incredibly optimistic about the future of mobility and the significant strides being made in self-driving technology. Anything that has the potential to save lives and dramatically reduce serious collisions on our roads is something TyreSafe wholeheartedly supports.”

“However, it is crucial to remember that even the most sophisticated ADAS systems rely on optimal vehicle performance, and tyres are the sole point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Without sound tyre safety management – ensuring correct pressure, tread depth, and condition – the integrity and performance of these advanced systems can be severely compromised,” said Lovatt.

He highlighted the persistent issues that is seen among current vehicle owners, when it comes to proper tyre maintenance. 

“For many years, tyres have consistently been identified as the primary cause of MOT failures for vehicles up to seven years old. This underscores a widespread complacency regarding tyre safety that we must collectively address,” he added.

As per the latest statistics, over 35 percent of MOT failures were attributed to previous tyre-related advisories, which translates to 768,410 drivers ignoring warnings and subsequently failed their next MOT due to tyre issues. The trend of vehicles failing MOTs on wheel and tyre-related advisories is unfortunately increasing, indicating a growing disregard for these critical safety components.

“The promise of self-driving vehicles is immense, but their safety cannot be fully realised if the foundational elements are neglected. As we move towards a more autonomous future, the importance of tyres – their condition and correct maintenance – becomes even more paramount. TyreSafe urges all stakeholders, from manufacturers to policymakers and drivers, to recognise that tyre safety is not just an advisory; it is a non-negotiable prerequisite for safe, efficient, and technologically advanced motoring,” concluded Lovatt.

Vaculug has announced the appointment of Darren C. as the company’s Regional Operations Manager for the West, overseeing key areas including Manchester, Birmingham and Wales. Darren brings with him extensive experience, knowledge and skillset and will be a valuable asset to the team, said the company.

Marcus Kirkness, Fleet Operations Manager at Vaculug, said, “These are truly exciting times at Vaculug. We’re incredibly pleased to have Darren join our team. His knowledge of the tyre industry, combined with his experience in managing customer fleets and delivering top-tier customer service, will be instrumental as we continue to expand our customer base. Darren’s expertise ensures we remain agile in addressing challenges and fulfilling our commitments swiftly and effectively."