As vehicle emissions regulations evolve, the lack of global uniformity is becoming a growing concern for OEMs and tyre manufacturers. With disparate standards across regions, companies are forced to navigate a complex regulatory maze, straining research and development and production resources. The shift towards electric mobility coupled with heightened focus on non-tailpipe emissions, such as tyre and brake abrasion, further amplifies the need for harmonised frameworks. Industry leaders including Audi’s Sebastian Gramstat argue that collaboration across borders and sectors is essential not just for compliance but for meaningful progress in sustainability and innovation.

Tyre regulations are rules and standards established to ensure that tyres used on vehicles meet safety, environmental and performance criteria. The impetus on new and updated regulations is also growing across regions to reduce pollution brought about by tyre abrasion, rolling noise etc.

The ECE R30, ECE R117, EU Tyre Labelling Regulation (2020/740), which is implemented within the European countries, or JIS Standards of Japan, CCC Certification of China, AIS 142 and BIS Certification of India and FMVSS, DOT Code and UTQG of the United States are different region-specific regulations aiming for a same outcome.

But the vastness of these regulations poses as a challenge for automobile OEMs and tyre makers alike as a lot of energy and resources have to be diverted within production and research and development lines to meet these standards.

Furthermore, the advancement of electric mobility and changes in vehicle dynamics are also slated to impose new regulations worldwide. Hence, the need for a uniform regulation has become a precondition.

Speaking to Tyre Trends on the need for uniform regulations, Dr Sebastian Gramstat, Senior Expert Development Brake System, Audi AG, averred, “Our company delivers products globally and having a unified standard is far more efficient than navigating a patchwork of regional requirements and regulations. Harmonisation brings clear operational and strategic advantages. That’s why we actively support and participate in standardisation and harmonisation working groups.”

“The European Union is involved through bodies such as the Joint Research Centre (JRC), but we also recognise the unique demands of other markets, particularly the US, where customer expectations can diverge significantly. These are often beyond the immediate scope of EU regulators. Our role is to help connect these dots by facilitating dialogue, sharing insights and contributing to building a global standard that benefits the entire ecosystem. We believe this collaborative approach is not only useful but essential to moving the industry forward,” he added.

The need for uniformity is exacerbated as OEMs and tyre makers continuously amp up research and development efforts to curb noise and air pollution from tyres. “Noise pollution, particulate matter or overall tyre wear remains a challenge. And the first step to tackle it is collaboration to develop a standardised method for accurately measuring tyre abrasion and wear. We are also working on such collaborations. Without reliable quantification, you can’t evaluate whether any mitigation measure is actually effective,” said Dr Gramstat.

He added, “This method needs to be robust, applicable across a wide range of real-world scenarios and globally accepted. That’s why we’re collaborating not only with industry partners and academia but also with regulatory authorities. This effort is taking place under the auspices of the United Nations and involves close coordination with national bodies, ministries and the European Commission. The goal is to ensure that the methodology we develop isn’t just technically sound but also internationally harmonised with Euro 7 regulations and integrated into UN regulations so it can be implemented consistently across Europe, North America, Asia and beyond.”

THE EURO 7

Tyres are a crucial component of overall vehicle design to the extent that many OEMs have dedicated in-house departments focused solely on tyre development, including Audi AG. While tyres aren’t developed in isolation, the process involves close collaboration with manufacturers to meet specific, often bespoke, requirements. These custom specifications ensure the tyre aligns with the car’s performance targets and regulatory demands including type approval.

When selecting a tyre, OEMs weigh multiple parameters; safety, performance and comfort are chief among them. But increasingly, attention is also given to sustainability and economy. Factors like tyre abrasion, longevity and fuel efficiency are becoming just as critical, particularly as regulatory frameworks begin to formalise such requirements.

Ultimately, the process involves balancing trade-offs. As Dr Gramstat put it, no tyre can deliver 100 percent on every metric. The goal is to find the best possible compromise – one that supports a premium product and meets both regulatory standards and consumer expectations.

Euro 7 is the upcoming EU vehicle emissions regulation set to take effect from 2025 for cars and vans and 2027 for trucks and buses. It introduces stricter limits on nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and particulate emissions, covering both combustion and electric vehicles.

It also regulates brake and tyre emissions and requires compliance under real driving conditions. It aims to cut air pollution, support the European Green Deal and standardise emission rules across vehicle types.

Alluding to whether the industry is ready to adopt the regulation, Dr Gramstat noted, “The industry is well-positioned for adoption. The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) plays a central role in coordinating the efforts of tyre manufacturers across the continent, including legacy European brands and Asian manufacturers, with research and development and production facilities in Europe. Beyond Europe, we’re seeing strong international engagement. U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is actively involved, and on the global standards side, ISO is working in parallel to develop the necessary technical frameworks. Stakeholders from China are also contributing significantly. This is no longer just a regional conversation but a truly global initiative. Experts from continents are collaborating to align regulatory, technical and industrial priorities, ensuring the tyre industry is prepared to meet the evolving demands of Euro 7 and beyond.”

Further outlining the impact of the regulation, he said, “Tyre manufacturers have largely operated under internal benchmarks for metrics like mileage and abrasion till date. Euro 7 represents a shift towards formal regulation, creating a harmonised framework that applies to the entire industry. This will undoubtedly influence existing design priorities. There’s a complex interplay between various tyre performance criteria such as wet grip, rolling resistance, noise and abrasion. Regulatory limits on one can impact the others, so the challenge will be to minimise trade-offs while maintaining overall performance. At this stage, it’s difficult to offer a one-size-fits-all answer. The impact will vary depending on vehicle type.”

REPLACEMENTS

Premium automobile OEMs like Audi have been using tyres from premium European tyre makers for decades. But as the status of Asian manufacturers changes, there might be room for such companies within the supply chain of premium car makers.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about the brand label but meeting the technical and performance specifications we define. Whether a supplier operates in the premium or high-volume segment, what matters is its ability to fulfil our requirements. If a manufacturer can meet those benchmarks and is willing to collaborate and co-develop with us, then they’re absolutely welcome. Competition in the supplier landscape is a positive force. It drives innovation, efficiency and ultimately better outcomes for the end consumer. We believe valuable ideas can come from any corner of the market and we’re open to partners who share our commitment to quality, performance and progress,” said Dr Gramstat.

He also acknowledged that there is a growing trend within the company to include tyres made from renewable and recycled materials. “The move towards sustainable materials is more than a marketing exercise. It’s becoming embedded in product development strategies across the industry. We’re already seeing recycled content being integrated into certain product lines, and the ambition from suppliers to scale this up is very real. What’s encouraging is that this isn’t limited to one-off pilot products. There’s genuine momentum towards making sustainability a core part of tyre manufacturing. For us, this aligns with our broader sustainability goals, and we see it as a critical area of innovation moving forward,” said Dr Gramstat.

However, the executive emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance too. According to him, sustainability is just one of several key factors in vehicle design while others include safety, comfort, performance and cost. He stressed that no single aspect, including sustainability, could come at the expense of another.

To meet these multi-dimensional goals, additional research and development efforts are required to create a product that meets safety and performance standards while also addressing environmental concerns. Economy remains a consideration as well. Internal research conducted under a European-funded project suggested that customers are, in fact, willing to pay a premium for more sustainable products but only up to a point. Price sensitivity remains a limiting factor.

Turning towards next-generation tyre concepts such as airless tyres, Dr Gramstat noted that innovative ideas like this were once viewed as distant possibilities but are now gaining traction. He cited the LEON-TI project from four years ago, in which airless tyre prototypes were first explored. Since then, similar concepts have been tested by various companies, including in pilot programmes for commercial delivery fleets in Asia.

Although these innovations show promise, particularly for reducing noise emissions and improving durability, they are still in advanced development stages.

THE FUTURE IS CHANGING

As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, the conversation around ‘zero-emission’ vehicles is evolving. Dr Gramstat acknowledged that while electric vehicles eliminate tailpipe emissions, other sources of pollution such as brake and tyre abrasion remain unaddressed in regulatory terms.

Currently, there are no standardised methods for measuring particulate emissions from these sources, but the industry is actively working on it. According to the executive, regulatory bodies and stakeholders are collaborating to develop measurement frameworks. Once these standards are in place, automakers will be able to quantify non-tailpipe emissions and provide a more accurate assessment of a vehicle’s overall environmental footprint.

The executive stressed that collaboration across the value chain is essential, especially between vehicle manufacturers and tyre companies. Such partnerships already exist within serial and advanced development efforts, including participation in the United Nations’ GRBP task force, which brings together manufacturers, tyre associations and regulators to advance tyre abrasion standards.

Weight reduction remains another key challenge. Automakers continue to look for ways to decrease vehicle mass but face constraints. Safety regulations now require more sensors and electronic control units (ECUs), which cumulatively increase vehicle weight. Although each component adds little individually, the growing number of sensors and accompanying wiring has a significant cumulative impact.

As for tyre development, the question of smart tyre was also addressed. While such technology offers valuable insights during research and development phases, Dr Gramstat expressed scepticism about its near-term viability for mass-market vehicles.

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Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has named Sangwoo Ryu as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ryu possesses over 25 years of leadership in finance and operations within international markets. He is currently the CEO of Cariflex Pte Ltd, a former Kraton spin-off now under DL Chemical, where he initially served as Chief Financial Officer starting in February 2020. He assumed the Cariflex CEO role in April 2025 following the promotion of its former CEO, Prakash Kolluri, to President of Kraton's Polymer business.

Ryu’s deep expertise in financial strategy, investment controls and operational planning is expected to strengthen Kraton’s standing as a reliable leader in global Pine Chemical and Polymers markets. In his new position, he will collaborate with Kraton’s Executive Leadership, Board of Directors and Cariflex Leadership to guide strategic decisions and operational excellence, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustained growth and organisational stability.

Ryu said, “I want to express my gratitude towards the members of the Board of Directors and the Kraton Leadership Team for their unwavering dedication to Kraton’s success. I’m looking forward to leading Kraton into the next era of excellence, building upon the strong foundations and principles set forth in our vision and values.”

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As part of its strategic growth into Central Europe, FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY, a global leader in recycling equipment manufacturing, has established a new sales partnership in Germany. The company has appointed industry veteran Dieter Jerschl as its representative for the region to drive the promotion and implementation of its recycling systems. Jerschl’s extensive expertise, built over two decades with prominent firms like BHS, Eldan and Vecoplan, encompasses a deep understanding of diverse waste streams such as tyre, cable, municipal solid waste and e-waste.

This collaboration, initially targeting Germany, Austria and adjacent countries, is designed to be flexible and scalable. Its primary aim is to cultivate a strong project pipeline and solidify FORNNAX’s regional footprint. The partnership extends beyond sales to include comprehensive technical support, with Jerschl’s team providing vital value-added services like installation, maintenance and spare parts assistance. This local service framework is intended to ensure efficient project execution, minimise operational downtime and elevate customer satisfaction.

By leveraging Jerschl’s profound market insight and established networks, FORNNAX seeks to accelerate the adoption of its high-performance shredding and pre-processing technologies. The move underscores the company’s global strategy of embedding local expertise within key markets, which it deems crucial for developing technically sound solutions tailored to specific regional waste challenges. This initiative reinforces FORNNAX’s dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship, advancing its mission to deliver sustainable recycling solutions worldwide.

Jerschl said, “I’ve known FORNNAX for over a decade and have followed their growth closely. What attracted me to this collaboration is their state-of-the-art technology; it is powerful, sustainable, and economically viable. There is great potential to introduce FORNNAX’s innovative systems to more markets across Europe, and I am excited to be part of that journey. We are committed to increasing market awareness and establishing new reference projects across the region. My goal is not only to generate business but to lay the foundation for long-term growth. Ideally, we aim to establish a dedicated FORNNAX legal entity or operational site in Germany over the next five to 10 years.”

Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, FORNNAX, said, “We see tremendous potential in the Central European market. Partnering with someone as experienced and well established as Jerschl gives us a strong foothold and allows us to better serve our customers. This marks a major milestone in our efforts to promote reliable, efficient and future-ready recycling solutions globally.”

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Dr Gerard Nijman of KraussMaffei Extrusion has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Fernley H. Banbury Award, one of the rubber industry’s highest international honours, presented by the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS). This award annually recognises outstanding scientific and technological contributions to the field.

The award commemorates the inventor of the internal mixer and highlights sustainable innovations in production technology, instrumentation, process control and the development of processing methods for rubber and similar materials. Dr Nijman’s career exemplifies such innovation, having significantly advanced rubber rheology, pioneered new mixing and multiplex extrusion technologies and modernised the production of silica compounds for the tyre industry.

His work has effectively bridged the gap between scientific research and industrial application. Notably, in the 1990s at Vredestein, he introduced novel mixing technologies and multiplex extrusion to tyre manufacturing. He also contributed to pioneering processes for silica compound processing, foundational to technologies like Michelin’s ‘Green Tyre’. Furthermore, his rheology-based designs for extruder screws and flow channels have helped shape enduring industrial standards.

Dr Nijman, who joined KraussMaffei Extrusion in 2017, brings decades of expertise from previous roles at Apollo Tyres Ltd and Vredestein Banden BV. His ongoing collaborations with the German Institute for Rubber Technology (DIK) and the University of Twente have also profoundly influenced his approach. KraussMaffei Extrusion itself is globally recognised for its tyre technology, building on longstanding Berstorff expertise to deliver advanced extrusion solutions for treads, sidewalls, innerliners and other components, as well as high-performance multiplex and calender systems.

The award acknowledges not only his specific technical achievements but also his distinguished career and lasting impact on rubber processing. The official presentation will be held in September 2026 during the Global Polymer Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, US.

Dr Nijman said, “It is a great honour for me to receive the Fernley H. Banbury Award. This recognition confirms the importance of the close connection between research and industrial practice in rubber processing and motivates me to continue to drive forward innovative solutions for our industry.”

Ralf Benack, Managing Director, KraussMaffei Extrusion, said, "We warmly congratulate Dr Nijman on this outstanding award. With his in-depth knowledge, many years of experience and tireless dedication, he has had a decisive influence on the rubber and tyre industry and has further developed our technologies in a targeted manner. This recognition is more than deserved. We are very proud to have Dr Nijman in our team!"

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Michelin has appointed James Dimmock as its new Commercial Communications Manager for the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Based at the company's Stoke-on-Trent headquarters, he will report to the Northern European Communications team. In this capacity, Dimmock will oversee all commercial communications, including public relations, social media and influencer partnerships.

His mandate involves crafting the brand's commercial narrative, fostering stronger connections with media and content creators and producing innovative digital content to support the brand's growth. He brings more than two decades of extensive experience with Michelin to the role, having held various senior marketing and communications positions both internationally and domestically. His most recent role was as Social Media and Influencer Manager. He will now lead these efforts locally while integrating with the broader communications team.

John Howe, Managing Director, Michelin UK, said, “James has already made a significant contribution to Michelin communications activity in the UK & ROI. His deep understanding of our business and products, combined with his strategic and creative approach, makes him ideally placed to lead our commercial communications as we continue to evolve our brand.”

Dimmock said, “I am excited to be taking on this new role at Michelin. It is a privilege to continue building on the work we have already achieved and to help drive the next phase of our commercial communications strategy across the UK & ROI.”

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