Retreaded tyres have evolved to meet modern demands, blending cost-efficiency with environmental responsibility. Since tyres’ operational costs are the second highest expense after fuel consumption, retreading provides a smart solution for transporters and fleet owners. Today, its reach extends beyond commercial vehicles to motorsports, exemplified by Malatesta Tyres’ triumph in the Italian Rallycross Championship. This milestone highlights the potential of retreaded tyres in high-performance scenarios, redefining perceptions and showcasing its critical role in the circular economy.

The use of retreaded tyres has penetrated different geographies over the centuries. Origins of companies involved in the trade even dates back to the 1950s just after the end of World War II. Moreover, as tyres take the second spot for the most expensive ware in a vehicle after fuel, retreading has been a boon in disguise for transporters and fleet owners. Adding to the virtues of this old trade is its quality of ‘reuse’ that boots the quotient on sustainability. However, as the world grows more and more accustomed and informed of retreading, especially with developing countries welcoming it with arms open, the trade is taking a step into the future. While most people are aware that tyre retreading mostly happens on commercial vehicles, has anyone heard that the world of motorsports is also subjected to such wares? Probably not!

HERE’S AN EYE OPENER!

Italian family-owned Malatesta Tyres forayed into the motorsports category in 2023 when Brazilian-born driver Lucas Scabbia took on the Italian Rallycross Championship in the STC Plus 2000 Class. The racer donned Malatesta’s retreading tyres on his Peugeot 207 1.6 RS and eventually went on to be crowned the Italian Champion after the season in the category.

 While the feat clearly resembles the power of tyre retreading and bears the mark of quality as motorsports require very heavy-duty tyres, it also quells the myths associated with retreading and its potential applications within different tyres categories.

RALLY TYRES

Following the marvellous job, a peek into the world of Malatesta Tyres revealed the nuances to making retreaded tyres for the motorsport events and the company’s plans to further explore the rugged terrains with its tyres.

Speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends on the quality benchmarks adopted to make retreaded tyres for the motorsport event, Sales Manager Matteo Malatesta revealed, “We relied on high-quality casings, using only premium brands for the Rally Cross event, specifically. Additionally, we reinforced the casings designated for racing tyres, particularly the sidewalls, to make them stronger and provide faster responses on track curves. We utilised eight different compounds, ranging from super soft to hard, to ensure versatility. Each tyre underwent shearographic testing to confirm there are no separations.”

He added, “We don’t supply retreaded tyres for the Rally Cross World Cup, but they are used in other events not only in Italy but also in countries like those participating in the Baltic Rally Cross. The World Cup primarily uses monobranded new tyres from manufacturers that sponsor the events heavily as they invest significant amounts to ensure their tyres are exclusively used. Our approach is different; we don’t invest as heavily in sponsorships. Nonetheless, these retreaded tyres are cost-effective, saving users significant amounts of money.”

Alluding to how the company handled skepticism about durability and reliability, he noted, “The primary difference between our racing retreaded tyres and new racing tyres lies in the casing. New racing tyres are built with casings specifically designed for racing, making them inherently stronger. However, we compensate for this by reinforcing our retreaded tyres, particularly on the sidewalls, to ensure they perform like a racing casing. A hard sidewall is crucial in motorsport as it provides quicker responses during turns. If the sidewall is too soft, the car’s turning response is slower. By making the sidewalls harder, we achieve a faster and more precise response.”

“Regarding the compounds, the difference between our compounds and those used in new tyres is minimal. We design our compounds from scratch using proprietary recipes, which results in performance being very similar to that of new tyres, ensuring reliability and durability in high-demand racing scenarios,” he added.

When asked about plans to launch the tyres in other motorsports categories or events, he expressed an interest in expanding but clarified that, at present, the focus is primarily on Rally Cross. He acknowledged that other racing categories could potentially be interesting but noted a challenge that involved many motorsport participants willing to pay premium prices for new tyres and might not consider retreaded options. However, he also pointed out that there are racers who need to conduct extensive training and testing, and for them, retreaded tyres could be a viable and cost-effective option.

The company also collaborated with an Italian race car design and driver training institute called Labs Automotive for putting the tyres on track. Regarding the collaboration, he explained, “This collaboration extends to Labs Automotive’s school, where they teach driving skills and use our tyres for training as well as for regular racing events.”

PRESENT DAY

Matteo explained that he represents the third generation of a family business that originated in 1946 in Rome, founded by his grandfather, Alberto Malatesta. After returning to Italy from Africa following the Second World War, Alberto started working in a tyre shop, where he learned the craft of retreading tyres. From modest beginnings, he gradually expanded the business with the help of his three sons. Currently, Matteo’s uncle is the Chief Executive Officer of the company.

The first industrial-scale factory was built in 1970s and by 1990s. The company had established a larger and more advanced facility in Anagni, 50 kilometres south of Rome, which houses the current headquarters too and produces a wider range of retreaded and refurbished tyres.

Besides racing tyres, the company also processes offroad tyres, car tyres for summer and winter, solid tyres etc. Since the 2000s, the company began producing racing and solid tyres while maintaining a focus on retreading truck tyres using casings sourced from customers and its own inventory. A fleet of five trucks collect used casings from clients within a 300 to 400 kilometre radius around Rome, which are retreaded and returned within a week.

Matteo also emphasised that the company continues to invest in advanced machinery and technologies to ensure Matteo Malatesta high-quality retreaded tyres. It develops specialised compounds in its own lab and retreads approximately 200,000 tyres annually, catering to both B2B and B2C markets and exporting to 20 countries.

He also highlighted that the family business employs around 40 people, with the management remaining under the Malatesta family. Alongside the main operations, the company also produces bladders and envelopes for retreading facilities and new tyres through their subsidiary, MAE Industria Gomma. They also operate a tyre shop by the factory that sells both self-made products and new tyres from multiple brands, and this shop recently became a member of Michelin’s Euromaster network.

In terms of revenue, Matteo noted that truck tyres account for around 25–30 percent, while off-the-road and passenger car tyres make up approximately 40 percent. Race tyres contribute about 10 percent, as do solid tyres, with the remaining 10 percent comprising other types of tyres.

LOCAL INDUSTRY

Despite the challenges posed by competition from low-cost Asian manufacturers, particularly from countries like China, Thailand and Vietnam, the company has remained committed to retreading. Matteo noted that while retreaded tyres are environmentally beneficial, the price gap between new budget tyres and retreaded options often sways customers towards the former, limiting demand for retreads.

Despite the growing challenges and closures of many retreading factories over the years, the company remains dedicated to this segment, believing in its environmental and performance advantages.

Commenting on whether retreading is a dying industry in Italy, he noted, “Retreading is not a dying industry, but it’s not thriving either. It’s stable but slightly declining, which is concerning given the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. While recycling plastics and paper has become mandatory, there’s no similar push for retreading tyres, even though retreaded tyres can perform as well as or better than budget tyres. It’s baffling that such a viable recycling method isn’t more supported or incentivised.”

“Our factory is currently operating at 30–40 percent of its capacity, meaning we could double our production if needed. However, finding enough quality casings is a challenge. In Europe, the system is inconsistent. For example, when purchasing new tyres, consumers pay a tax for tyre disposal. In countries like Spain and England, this has led to mandatory recycling policies where a portion of casings must be reused, making it easier to source materials for retreading. In contrast, Italy has regulations that hinder the reuse of casings. This makes it difficult to find casings suitable for retreading,” he added.

The company has invested in advanced technologies to improve the longevity and performance of retreaded tyres. It uses a shearographic machine to inspect casings before and after retreading and electrical detection systems to identify micro-holes. Additionally, laser-equipped machinery ensures precise casing measurements, while high-quality rubber and proprietary recipes are used for compound testing. The company also invests in rebalancing technologies ensuring superior performance and reliability.

He emphasised the need for greater efforts by European states and unions to inform the public and potentially legislate the mandatory use of retreaded tyres to support the industry.

FUTURE COURSE

Matteo mentioned that the company exports to 20 countries and its largest export markets are in Northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia and the Baltic countries. These regions are accustomed to using retreaded tyres and have a strong culture of recycling, making them ideal markets for the company’s products.

He also expressed a strong desire to expand the use of retreaded racing tyres into other types of motorsports. Furthermore, he highlighted that the company is supplying retreaded tyres to the Rome Fiumicino Airport. This collaboration began approximately two years ago after the airport, which had been exploring greener initiatives, reached out to the company. The airport representatives visited the company’s facility, became convinced of the quality and viability of retreaded tyres and started using them for its fleet of smaller cars.

Nonetheless, the executive stated that while this partnership marked progress, there is still a significant opportunity to expand retreaded tyre use at the airport. For example, many buses transporting passengers to planes still rely on low-cost Asian tyres rather than retreads. He expressed a desire to see a broader adoption of retreaded tyres in this sector and plans to continue advocating for their use at the airport.

Retreaded tyres exemplify the perfect balance of cost-effectiveness, performance and sustainability. By reusing casings and employing advanced technologies, it offers a reliable alternative to new tyres across diverse applications – from commercial vehicles to motorsports. Companies like Malatesta Tyres have demonstrated the durability and versatility of retreaded tyres, debunking myths about reliability. As environmental awareness grows, retreading emerges as a vital contributor to the circular economy, making it a crucial choice for eco-conscious industries and individuals alike.

South Korean tyre major Nexen Tire has added another feather to its cap and has received a Gold rating from EcoVadis for the second year in succession. This places the company among the top 3 percent of over 150,000 companies assessed globally.

Established in 2007 in France, EcoVadis evaluates corporate sustainability performance across Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. Its ratings are Platinum (top 1 percent), Gold (top 5 percent), Silver (top 15 percent) and Bronze (top 35 percent).

Nexen Tire showed improvements across all assessment areas. In the Environment category, the company's involvement in global sustainability initiatives, including the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), the UN Global Compact (UNGC) and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) was noted. Climate education programmes and greenhouse gas emissions disclosure were contributors.

For Labour & Human Rights, Nexen Tire's human rights policy aligns with international standards from the United Nations and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The company also began human rights assessments for risk management.

In the Ethics pillar, the company reinforced internal systems for risk prevention, monitoring, and mitigation. The Sustainable Procurement score improved through ESG assessments, supplier audits and risk response strategies.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, Nexen Tire, said, “Receiving the Gold rating from EcoVadis for the second consecutive year is a significant affirmation of our global ESG efforts. We remain committed to responsible and transparent management practices that meet the expectations of our stakeholders worldwide.”

TÜV SÜD AG’s Supervisory Board has named Ishan Palit as Interim CEO (Chairman of the Board of Management) effective 15 July 2025, following Dr Johannes Bussmann’s departure to assume the CEO role at MTU Aero Engines AG. Bussmann will leave TÜV SÜD on 14 July 2025. Palit will co-lead the company with CFO Sabine Nitzsche until a permanent successor is appointed.

With over 30 years at TÜV SÜD, Palit has held key leadership roles, including establishing the company’s India operations, serving as Asia Pacific CEO and leading the global Product Service Division. Since 2017, he has been Chief Operating Officer, driving strategic and operational initiatives.

Nitzsche, who joined as CFO in March 2025, brings extensive financial and executive expertise from the high-tech and automotive sectors. Her prior roles include CFO of Vitesco Technologies AG and senior financial leadership positions at Infineon Technologies and GlobalFoundries.

Frank Hyldmar, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TÜV SÜD AG, said, “We are very pleased that Ishan and Sabine will oversee the interim management of TÜV SÜD during this transition. Ishan is a seasoned TÜV SÜD senior executive with deep knowledge of our business and strong global leadership experience. Sabine brings a proven track record as CFO across multiple multinational enterprises. Together, they form a strong leadership team as we work towards appointing a long-term CEO.”

Hankook Tire & Technology has announced a series of executive leadership changes at its North American headquarters in Nashville, reinforcing its commitment to growth in passenger and commercial tyre markets. The restructuring brings fresh leadership across key sales and marketing functions.

Kyuwang (Ken) Cho assumes the role of Senior Vice President of North America Marketing, transitioning from his previous dual leadership of PC/LT Sales and Marketing. The industry veteran brings 25 years of Hankook experience, including a stint as Vice President of Global Sales in Korea. K C Jensen steps up as Vice President of US PC/LT Sales, expanding his responsibilities from regional to national oversight after demonstrating strong leadership in the Western market since 2018.

The company welcomes back Mark Roe as Vice President of US TBR Sales, where his four decades of commercial tyre expertise will guide replacement and OE sales strategies. Roe's extensive background includes previous leadership roles at Hankook and most recently at Ralson Tire North America.

Regional sales teams also see strategic promotions. Shaun Prott advances to Regional Director of PC/LT Sales for the West, building on his eight-year tenure with Hankook and prior experience with National Tire Warehouse. Travis Jones rejoins the organisation as Northeast Regional Director, bringing valuable perspective from Michelin and Pirelli. Brian Ford earns promotion to Regional Director of TBR Sales for the West after successfully managing key commercial accounts since 2021.

Rob Williams, President of Hankook Tire America Corp, said, "These leadership appointments reflect Hankook's strong momentum in North America. Ken, K.C. and Mark each bring exceptional industry experience, strategic focus and leadership qualities to their roles. Together, they will help elevate our presence across both consumer and commercial channels, and support our long-term growth ambitions in the US. These moves speak to the strength of our internal talent pipeline & ability to attract top talent and our continued investment in customer relationships. Shaun, Travis and Brian all bring deep knowledge of their markets and proven ability to grow key partnerships."

French tyre major Michelin has introduced its new X Line Grip D range, which is designed to work up to 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometres) with up to four retreads. The company shared its designers' claim that this is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ leap in tyre technology for fleets.

In addition to the higher range, the tyres also provide 20 percent more mileage and a 20 percent reduction in rolling resistance compared to the Michelin XDN2 tyre.

Designed to meet both wet and snowy conditions thanks to the chevron tread design, these tyres are said to prove 90 percent better starting traction in snow and over 25 percent better wet starting traction.

Fleets also benefit from using the Michelin X Line Grip D tyre, as it is built on the company’s Duracore casing, featuring Infinicoil and Powercoil technologies. 

Pierluigi Cumo, VP – B2B Marketing, Michelin North America, said, “Michelin is never satisfied with current tyre technology when it comes to constantly improving and innovating our products. That’s why Michelin is so proud to introduce the Michelin X Line Grip D tyre. This tyre has the potential going forward to redefine the drive tyre standard in fleets for years to come. It is not an evolution to existing products, but something entirely different the fleet world has never seen before.”

“Michelin has a proven track record of delivering high-quality, reliable products that exceed performance expectations. This fantastic leap in drive tyre technology bring new levels of performance to the road and new levels of savings to our customers,” he concluded.

The Michelin X Line Grip D tyre is available in sizes 295/75R22.5 and 11R22.5.