In a discussion with Tyre Trends, Chief of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Information Unit Jean Rodriguez detailed how the Working Party on Noise and Tyres (GRBP) is driving international regulations on tyre safety, noise and sustainability. From pioneering micro-plastic emission measurement to strengthening wet-grip requirements and updating studded and retreaded tyre rules, Rodriguez emphasised UNECE’s role in shaping a harmonised global framework that balances consumer safety with environmental protection.

What is the role of the Working Party on Noise and Tyres (GRBP) within UNECE?

As one of the six subsidiary bodies of the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations, hosted by UNECE, the Working Party on Noise and Tyres continues to spearhead globally harmonised standards through UN Regulation No. 117, covering tyre rolling resistance, noise, wet grip and, with recent developments, abrasion measures. These UN Regulations form the backbone of safety and environmental tyre specifications adopted by numerous countries and a substantial share of tyre producers globally.

What were the key regulatory changes between 2022 and 2025?

In early 2024, the Working Party adopted the first-ever methodology to measure particle emissions from tyres, critical for tracking micro-plastic emissions via two protocols including real-world 8,000 kilometres convoy tests and 5,000 kilometres rolling-drum lab tests. These are slated for integration into a new UN Regulation by September 2025 for passenger tyres, expanding into heavier vehicle categories (C2, C3) into 2026 and 2027.

Once in force, these regulations will contribute to significantly reducing micro-plastic pollution. In 2016, tyre abrasion was estimated to represent 78 percent of the 1.3 million metric tonnes of microplastics entering the ocean.

The UNECE methodology to measure particle emissions from tyres will become the reference methodology of the Euro 7 proposal of the European Union. Moreover, EU tyre regulation and labelling covering noise, wet grip, rolling resistance and environmental transparency build directly on UNECE’s standards.

How has UNECE addressed tyre safety at legal minimum tread depth?

GRBP introduced requirements ensuring that tyres at the legal minimum tread depth (1.6 millimetres) retain a minimum wet-grip level relative to new tyres. This is a shift towards safety and sustainability by permitting consumers to drive worn tyres safely, potentially reducing waste. It obliges manufacturers to design tread compounds and patterns that preserve wet performance over the tyre’s life, not just when new.

What regulations were introduced for studded tyres in 2022?

In September 2022, a new UN Regulation to cover performance requirements and marking of studded tyres entered into force to increase road safety by introducing harmonised snow grip requirements for studded tyres. It simplified the legislative situation in several countries that allowed the usage of studded tyres on public roads, introduced strict requirements and procedures for testing their snow grip and allowed consumers to benefit from more coherent winter tyre markings.

What additional areas has UNECE been working on to align safety and environmental goals?

By refining noise standards, updating testing protocols and promoting tyre lifecycle efficiency, UNECE is steadily shaping regulations to match environmental and safety objectives. This includes work on enhanced noise testing for tyres (UN Regulation No. 117) and motorcycles (UN Regulation No. 41) and vehicle alert systems (UN Regulation No. 138/51)

How does UNECE ensure global relevance, transparency and participation in its work?

All this work in setting technical specifications testifies to UNECE’s high relevance in providing a global harmonisation framework. Its expanding scope, especially in environmental dimensions such as micro-plastic emissions, is helping it maintain policy leadership and normative force, shaping tyre safety, noise and environmental performance worldwide.

A very important aspect of UNECE work is that it prevents fragmentation of the tyre regulatory landscape. GRBP is open to governmental experts from any member country of the United Nations and to any regional economic integration organisation set up by member countries of the United Nations including experts of governmental organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

UNECE provides secretarial support to WP.29 and its working parties, facilitating negotiations between contracting parties to the 1958, 1997 and 1998 agreements. More than 100 experts participate in the sessions of GRBP and all documents considered by GRBP are available in the public domain.

What are UNECE’s priorities going forward to support safety and the circular economy?

Leveraging its technical authority and norm-setting capacities, UNECE is uniquely positioned to foster a globally harmonised tyre labelling framework that covers rolling resistance, wet grip and, for the first time, tyre abrasion. This framework promotes consistency, environmental protection, consumer transparency and ultimately supports worldwide regulatory alignment.

At its session in September 2025, GRBP will consider the proposal for a new UN Regulation on the uniform provisions concerning the approval of tyres with regard to abrasion performance.

UNECE is also updating UN Regulations no. 108 (passenger car/towed vehicle Retreaded tyres), 109 (commercial vehicle retreaded tyres) and 172 (snow performance of retreaded tyres) to ensure retreaded tyres meet the same safety standards as new tyres, even in challenging winter conditions but in a way that makes regulatory processes smoother and more conducive to circular economy practices.

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MAXAM Tire has named Chris Rhoades as its new Zone Sales Director for the Northern region, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing customer service within the speciality tyre aftermarket. The appointment reflects a broader strategy to strengthen leadership and competitive positioning in the sector.

Rhoades brings over 25 years of international industry experience and a well-established reputation as a leading voice in the tyre business. His leadership credentials include being elected to two separate terms on the Tire Industry Association Board of Directors. Most recently at BKT Tires, he managed strategic growth in complex and highly technical off the road markets, where he aligned regional execution with global strategy, led cross functional teams and consistently delivered measurable revenue increases.

In his new capacity, Rhoades will direct all sales operations across the Northern region, collaborating closely with customers and partners to ensure performance, service and support remain synonymous with the MAXAM Tire brand. His appointment signals a focused effort to drive results through experienced leadership and deep market knowledge.

Jimmy McDonnell, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, MAXAM Tire, said, “We are excited to welcome Chris to the MAXAM team. Chris brings deep industry knowledge, proven leadership and a strong customer-first mindset that will create immediate value for our partners. His experience and vision will play an important role as we continue to grow our presence, strengthen relationships and expend the MAXAM brand across the market.”

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Bekaert’s Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 June 2026. He brings extensive expertise in leading, expanding and transforming global industrial enterprises through both organic growth and acquisitions, positioning him to drive Bekaert’s future strategic goals.

On that same date, the board will co-opt Biebuyck as a director. Meanwhile, current CEO and board member Yves Kerstens will conclude his mandate on 31 May 2026, having led the company in recent years. He will also step down from his directorship as of that day.

The leadership transition marks a carefully planned succession, with Biebuyck’s track record seen as critical to advancing Bekaert’s long-term ambitions. The changes take effect at the end of May and start of June 2026.

Jürgen Tinggren, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “I am proud to announce the appointment of Olivier Biebuyck as CEO of Bekaert. The Board is convinced that he is the right person to lead the transformation of the company in its next chapter. On behalf of the Board and the entire Bekaert team, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Yves for his leadership, commitment and contribution to the company over the past years, and wish him the very best.”

Biebuyck said, “Bekaert has an impressive history of innovation, business expansion and evolution. I am honoured to take up the role of CEO at Bekaert. I look forward to working closely with the Board, the leadership team and all colleagues around the world to further transform and grow the company and create long term value for all our stakeholders.”

Kerstens said, “It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Bekaert and to work alongside our colleagues around the world during the past years. I am proud of what we have achieved together and wish Olivier all the best to lead the company in building a strong future.”

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Sri Lanka-based GRI Tires has extended its limited warranty coverage for pneumatic tyres to up to 10 years, effective from 2026, as the specialty tyre manufacturer seeks to strengthen customer assurance across its agricultural, construction and material handling businesses.

The revised warranty policy applies to all GRI-branded pneumatic tyres manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, and covers customers in more than 80 countries. The company previously offered warranty coverage of up to seven years.

Under the updated policy, agricultural radial tyres will be covered for up to 10 years, while agricultural bias tyres will receive coverage of up to eight years. Construction, earthmover, industrial, material handling, port and mining tyres will be covered for up to five years, subject to terms and conditions.

GRI said warranty protection would cover qualifying defects, with credit issued on a pro-rated basis.

For qualifying failures occurring within the first three years, and where radial tyre wear does not exceed 20 per cent, customers will receive a full replacement credit.

The warranty applies exclusively to the original end-use purchaser.

“This enhanced 10-year warranty is more than a policy update — it is a statement of our conviction in the quality of every tire we manufacture,” said Barry Guildford, global commercial director at GRI.

“We build tires to perform in the most demanding conditions, and we stand behind them.”

Customers can submit warranty claims through authorised GRI dealers and distributors, or directly through the company’s customer support channels.

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Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft (GNH) has appointed Martin Rathke as Managing Director of its subsidiary Nordmann (Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH), effective 1 May 2026. The move marks a strategic step in the company’s ongoing leadership development.

Rathke joins with considerable leadership experience and deep knowledge of international sales and distribution within the chemical distribution sector. His career includes years of service in a family-owned enterprise, where he held senior management roles with global responsibility. He will now share leadership duties with Ulrich Cramer, who remains in his position, and together they aim to form a closely aligned team to advance Nordmann’s strategic direction.

The joint leadership will focus on accelerating global expansion through targeted strategic, organic and inorganic growth while optimising existing operations and continuously refining the company’s portfolio strategy. Backed by the commitment of its shareholders, Nordmann seeks to strengthen its international presence and evolve into a global player in the chemical distribution industry.

Irina Zschaler, CEO of Georg Nordmann Holding Aktiengesellschaft, said, “Martin brings exactly the combination of entrepreneurial mindset, international experience and leadership strength that we value in our relationships and for our path to grow. Our collaboration is based on responsibility, integrity and the aspiration to create added value together for all involved and the entire group. We are therefore very much looking forward to welcoming our full Nordmann team.”

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