Retreading Business and Tyre & Rubber Recycling magazines, the organisers of the Recircle Awards, have announced the launch of 2025 Recircle Awards. In its fourth edition, the event will see a total of 22 awards covering a wide range of categories from across the tyre industry.

This is part of its endevaour to undertake a number of new initiatives to drive inclusivity and engagement across the tyre retreading and tyre recycling sectors as it seeks to evolve and expand its position as the key industry awards event recognising sustainability in the tyre industry.

The awards will culminate in a ceremony to be held next May during Autopromotec 2025 in Bologna, Italy.

David Wilson, Publisher of Retreading Business and Tyre & Rubber Recycling, said, “2025 marks the fourth edition of the Recircle Awards, and we are delighted to able to announce our continued co-operation with Autopromotec. We look forward to being able to host an enhanced ceremony in Bologna next May, and we thank Renzo Servadei and his team for their valued support in helping us to expand the influence of the Recircle Awards as the key awards event recognising the valuable contribution made by the tyre retreading and recycling sectors to the circular economy and to the sustainability of the tyre industry as a whole.

“We are constantly looking for ways to increase the scope of the Awards and to drive engagement from companies from across the industry both large and small, and in analysing feedback from the market, we identified the need to alter the weighting of the voting process in order to gain the optimum balance between the opinions of our expert judges and engagement from the wider market. As a result, 65 percent of the voting strength in the 2025 awards will now be allocated to the views expressed by our independent Nominations Committee.

“We have also increased the robustness of the nominations and voting process by asking shortlisted nominees to submit a written case in support of their nomination which can be analysed by the Committee, as well as increasing the amount of information required to be input by the voting public in order to minimise the risk of frivolous and/or organised mass voting.

“We are constantly looking at ways to improve the awards and we hope that these changes will represent a positive development as we strive to expand the profile and credibility of the Awards on a global level. We look forward to next year’s Awards ceremony with anticipation.”

The first 18 awards categories for the 2025 Recircle Awards include:

1. Lifetime Achievement Award in the Tyre Retreading Sector
2. Lifetime Achievement Award in the Tyre Recycling Sector
3. Retreader of the Year Award
4. Tyre Recycler of the Year Award
5. Best Retreading Industry Innovation
6. Best Tyre Recycling Innovation
7. Employee of the Year
8. Best Company Director
9. Spirit of Retreading Award
10. Circular Economy Award
11. Best Tread Rubber Supplier
12. Best Retreading Equipment Supplier
13. Best Retreading Accessory and Consumables Supplier
14. Best Tyre Recycling Industry Supplier
15. Women’s Award for the Tyre Retreading Sector
16. Women’s Award for the Tyre Recycling Sector
17. Best Tyre Recycling Research Project
18. Business Breakthrough Award

A further four categories will be announced on Monday, 10 February, 2025.

The nominations for the Recircle Awards are now open and can be made through the official voting/nominations platform on the Recircle Awards website.

The shortlist will be announced in a virtual Nominations Ceremony on Monday, 20 January, 2025, will once again be selected by a specially constituted Nominations Committee of 15 people, consisting of the respective editors of Retreading Business and Tyre & Rubber Recycling plus a further 13 individuals from the global tyre retreading and recycling industries selected according to their independent status and their acknowledged expertise within their respective fields.

The voting for the 2025 Recircle Awards will open as soon as the shortlists are announced and will run until Friday, 14 March, 2025. The Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 22 May, 2025, during Autopromotec 2025 in Bologna.

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Nokian Tyres has named Formula 1 legend Kimi Räikkönen as its newest brand ambassador. This strategic partnership unites two Finnish powerhouses celebrated for excelling under extreme pressure. The company, a world expert in tyres for harsh conditions, aligns perfectly with Räikkönen, the famously cool and accomplished champion known as ‘The Iceman’.

For Nokian, this collaboration is a move to significantly amplify its international recognition. The brand gains a universally respected figure whose persona embodies the resilience and high performance intrinsic to its products. Räikkönen, whose celebrated career includes 21 Grand Prix victories and a World Championship, brings immense credibility and a global following.

Räikkönen notes a personal connection to the iconic Finnish brand, remembering it from his earliest days in motorsport. In his role, he will actively promote Nokian Tyres' capabilities to a worldwide audience, helping to convey their expertise in mastering the most demanding driving conditions on the planet.

Räikkönen said, “Perfect match, great to start working with Nokian Tyres, a brand I remember from the days when my parents drove me to karting tracks, before I even had a driver's license. In my opinion Nokian Tyres is an iconic Finnish brand, I'm excited to start spreading the good news about the great tyres to the world.”

Tiina Frazer, VP for Brand, Marketing and Communications at Nokian Tyres, said, “Some collaborations just make sense, and this is one of them. Kimi Räikkönen and Nokian Tyres share the same DNA: Finnish roots, uncompromising performance and the ability to thrive under pressure. Both are built for extremes – whether it’s conquering the racetrack or navigating roads in changing conditions and harsh weather.”

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Bridgestone will introduce two new premium passenger car tyres in Japan next year, expanding its Potenza line as demand grows for products that offer both high performance and everyday usability. The company said it will release the Potenza RE-71RZ and Potenza Adrenalin RE005 in February 2026, with 61 and 40 sizes available respectively.

The RE-71RZ is positioned as a high-grip tyre for drivers who want strong performance on both circuits and public roads. Bridgestone said the model delivers faster lap times and better handling than its predecessor, the RE-71RS. At the Tsukuba Circuit 2000, the company recorded a 1.2% improvement in lap time compared with the previous model.

Professional drivers Masahiro Sasaki and Yuji Tachikawa supported the development work. Sasaki said, “As its strong point, ‘POTENZA RE-71RZ’ achieves a high level of performance in both grip and controllability. It delivers improved dry and wet performance for street use, while also achieving faster lap times and better wear resistance on the circuit. This tire delivers high performance in various situations, making it enjoyable and easy to handle for both everyday driving and circuit use.”

Tachikawa added, “This tire is designed for easy handling, allowing anyone to experience precise control along with excellent grip. The tire is focused on quick warm-up for immediate, high-grip performance as well as reliable wet grip, resulting in a well-balanced tire suitable for various driving conditions.”

Bridgestone said the RE-71RZ uses a new compound developed with motorsport know-how and its NanoPro-Tech technology, as well as a redesigned tread pattern and structure aimed at improving grip and wear resistance.

The Potenza Adrenalin RE005 targets a broader range of vehicles, including everyday passenger cars. It is intended for drivers seeking sharper handling in daily use while maintaining fuel efficiency and ride comfort. All 40 sizes meet the “A” grade for wet performance under Japan’s tyre standards, and 19 sizes also achieve an “A” grade for rolling resistance.

The company said the tyre offers stable handling at higher speeds, cornering confidence and better wet braking, supported by upgraded compounds, an A-shaped tread motif and structural changes that reduce energy loss.

Both products are expected to be sold in overseas markets after their launch in Japan.

Bridgestone said the new tyres reflect its long-running approach of using technologies developed in motorsport to improve products for road use. The company added that the Potenza brand will continue to support “safe and enjoyable car and motorsports culture” as part of its long-term E8 Commitment.

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Yokohama India, the Indian subsidiary of Japan's Yokohama Rubber Co., has launched its newly revamped official website.

The company said that the upgrade is a major milestone and part of its digital transformation, aiming to make tyre discovery, selection and aftersales service simpler and more intuitive for consumers.

The new platform features an intuitive interface with simplified navigation, detailed product information and a mobile-first design for a responsive user experience. The website incorporates AI-led enhancements.

The platform also introduces WhatsApp Connect+, an automated chatbot designed to provide instant product assistance, personalised recommendations and quick connection to dealers. An upgraded dealer locator and a blog section with tyre care tips and maintenance advice are also included.

Gaurav Mahajan, Head of Marketing, Yokohama India, said, “Our goal is to create a digital ecosystem that goes beyond information, it’s about building a closer connection with every driving enthusiast. The new website mirrors the performance, innovation, and reliability our tyres represent, while making every interaction from exploring to support seamless and enjoyable.”

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Cabot Corporation has named William ‘Bill’ Masterson as the new Senior Vice President and President of its Reinforcement Materials segment, effective 21 November 2025. He takes over the position from Matthew Wood, whose departure from the company is effective immediately. The company clarified that Wood’s exit is not connected to any form of disagreement concerning business performance, financial controls, operational matters or auditing practices.

Masterson brings considerable experience to his new role, having progressed through a series of leadership positions since joining Cabot from WR Grace in 2011. His most recent assignment was as Vice President of Global Business Operations for Carbon and Silica Technologies, where he managed a worldwide network of manufacturing facilities. In that capacity, his responsibilities extended to overseeing product management, supply chain logistics and technology functions, through which he led key projects focused on improving operational efficiency and fostering sustained growth.

Previously, he served as Vice President and Regional Business Director for the Americas, directing all commercial and technical activities for the specialty carbons and fumed metal oxides lines. This extensive background in managing intricate global operations, supported by his strong commercial strategy expertise, equips him to successfully lead the Reinforcement Materials segment and advance Cabot’s strategic goals.

Sean Keohane, President and CEO, Cabot Corporation, said, “Bill brings a strong and diverse background to his new role, with deep expertise in global business operations, commercial strategy and a proven ability to lead complex organisations. Throughout his career at Cabot, he has demonstrated disciplined execution and a commitment to driving growth and operational excellence. Bill will also have the support of a long-tenured, highly experienced team with decades of knowledge in Reinforcement Materials, providing consistency and strength as he leads the business forward. He is also highly regarded for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to develop talent across the Company. I am confident that his strategic insight and operational experience will position the Reinforcement Materials business for continued success and long-term growth.”

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