As the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) prepares for 2025 under a new administration and Congress, President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke shares insights into the industry’s priorities and recent achievements. From advancing sustainability through innovative research to advocating for updated regulations and expanding domestic retreading, USTMA is focused on driving economic growth, safety and environmental progress.

In this interview, Luke highlights the importance of collaboration with policymakers and stakeholders, detailing how the tyre industry is addressing key challenges while positioning itself as a leader in innovation and sustainability.

With a new president and Congress in place, the US Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is preparing for a potential shift in regulatory priorities and legislative focus. The incoming administration may initiate a regulatory pause to assess existing policies, a move USTMA sees as an opportunity for constructive engagement.

 “This offers the tyre industry an avenue to engage with fresh faces and perspectives within the administration and Congress, fostering a dialogue about the tyre industry’s key issues,” thinks Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA president and CEO. “USTMA looks forward to collaborating with the new administration and Congress and the opportunity to highlight how smart, balanced policies can drive innovation, sustainability and growth within the US tyre manufacturing sector.”

USTMA anticipates collaborating with the new administration and Congress to advance initiatives that align with the industry’s priorities. “As the association looks to 2025, its efforts will continue to centre on three key themes: innovation, sustainability and safety,” adds Luke.

USTMA aims to build relationships and advance its advocacy objectives during the 119th Congress as the Trump administration takes office. However, Luke adds that the association cannot predict the new administration’s specific policies; it remains committed to advancing its legislative priorities. These include advocating for updated National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rules on consumer tyre information and performance standards, modernising tyre testing regulations, addressing potential trade and tariff issues, expanding sustainability efforts and supporting domestic manufacturing job creation.

USTMA also intends to working directly with state governments to address policy and regulatory issues where state action may arise in response to perceived gaps in federal policies.

Looking back

The year 2024 was an active period for the US tyre industry, marked by significant progress advocating for several priorities focused on enhanced road safety, tyre innovation, environmental stewardship and domestic jobs in the manufacturing sector, as per Luke.

The US tyre manufacturing industry generates an annual economic impact of USD 170.6 billion and directly provides more than 291,000 jobs across manufacturing, distribution and retail sectors. Additionally, the sector supports over 510,000 jobs through supplier and induced activities, contributing to a total of more than 801,000 jobs nationwide.

“In 2024, despite challenges such as the ongoing impact of interest rate fluctuation and inflation, post-election and geopolitical uncertainty, the tyre industry remains resilient, continually adapting to market dynamics and technological advancements to sustain its vital role in the US economy,” said Luke.

Leadership and collaboration

Luke empathises on the importance of partnerships and leadership to drive progress. Luke adds, “Achieving meaningful progress on a complex and ambitious series of goals requires strong leadership and deep collaboration to succeed. We view 2025 as a year full of opportunities to build on a rich ecosystem of partnerships with stakeholders.”

USTMA has outlined several key areas of focus for the upcoming year. Chief among them are sustainability leadership, advancing innovation through research, collaborative policy and regulatory engagement, creating economic impact and working with a new administration and a new Congress in 2025.

Collaborative efforts

Luke stresses the organisation’s commitment to working with state and federal policymakers and stakeholders across the tyre recycling value chain.

Another major initiative is advancing innovation through research, particularly in the development of sustainable alternatives to 6PPD, a chemical widely used to preserve tyre performance. The 6PPD Alternatives Analysis Consortium, spearheaded by USTMA, will move into its second stage in 2025, evaluating potential effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives.

USTMA members use a chemical additive called 6PPD to help tyres resist degradation and cracking, which is crucial for driver and passenger safety. In December 2020, researchers from the University of Washington and the Washington Stormwater Center published a report identifying a transformation product of 6PPD, called 6PPD-quinone, which they concluded is toxic to coho salmon and may be contributing to urban runoff mortality syndrome in the species. Earlier studies had not identified this substance.

In response, USTMA led the formation of a more than 30-member consortium to work transparently and collaboratively with California regulators and stakeholders to find a potential alternative to 6PPD that would protect both motorists and the environment.

“That work, and our collaboration with federal and state regulators, legislators, researchers and other interested stakeholders, will continue in 2025,” adds Luke.

Retreading

Commercial tyre retreading offers significant opportunities to expand domestic manufacturing, create American jobs, and promote sustainability. Retreading benefits not only large manufacturers but also small, independent businesses. In the US, most retread facilities are small operations, employing between 10 and 60 workers, and are often located in smaller towns and rural communities.

“By promoting investments in tyre retreading, the tyre industry aims to strengthen these small businesses, enabling them to grow, hire more workers and play a vital role in their communities. Increased demand will help these shops thrive, ensuring their longevity and supporting local economies across the country,” says Luke.

USTMA has prioritised domestic manufacturing of retreaded tyre for commercial vehicles to boost sustainability and create American jobs. The retread sector, employing over 51,000 Americans, is the largest remanufacturing sector in the US; commercial tyre retreading offers an effective way to recycle tyres, providing numerous economic and environmental benefits. Beyond job creation, retreading reduces energy consumption, CO2 emissions, raw material usage and tyre disposal challenges.

“The US Congress has an opportunity to increase domestic retreaded tyre demand by requiring the use of these tyres in the federal fleet. USTMA will continue to advocate for expanding this crucial industry to create more well-paying jobs, allowing domestic workers to contribute to the local economy,” says Luke.

Recycling

USTMA is prioritising sustainable solutions for end-of-life tyres. For nearly three decades, the association has worked with stakeholders to promote tyre recycling and advocate for supportive regulations. “Our goal is that 100 percent of end-of-life tyres will enter sustainable, circular end-use markets. This remains a top focus area for us heading into 2025,” tells Luke.

Use of recycled tyres in road construction is increasing, according to USTMA’s 2023 End-of-Life Tire Management Report. The use of rubber-modified asphalt (RMA) has grown 17 percent since 2021. USTMA sees potential for further growth in this area, thanks to recent federal infrastructure legislation. “We continue to advocate for increased investment and expansion in these areas while also pushing for greater focus on domestic retreading of commercial tyres. Particularly, USTMA has called on Congress to fund research and demonstration projects using Tire Derived Aggregates (TDA) in federal state and local construction projects,” says Luke.

As per Luke, shredded tyres can be used in various construction projects, including road embankments and stormwater systems. The association advocates for the use of RMA in federal road projects, citing its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.

The Tire Recycling Foundation (TRF), a joint initiative of the United States Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA), has been launched to expand markets for end-of-life tyre (ELT) and promote tyre recycling research.

The foundation aims to secure funding and allocate grants for research, education, intervention and demonstration projects addressing critical gaps in the US tyre recycling supply chain. A key focus is accelerating the adoption of RMA. Luke explains,” USTMA will continue to emphasise that collaborative efforts across the tyre recycling value chain must continue to fully eliminate illegal and abandoned tyre stockpiles and create sustainable, circular markets for ELTs, and this effort will be a focus of USTMA going forward.”

Smooth supply of NR

Natural rubber remains a key component in tyre production, but the industry is making strides in integrating modern, sustainable materials. USTMA continues to advocate for developing a domestic natural rubber supply, including alternatives like guayule, taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS) or dandelion rubber. These efforts have already resulted in successful experimental tyres, highlighting the potential of these sustainable sources.

The Tire Society has completed its paper selection for the 44th Annual Conference on Tire Science & Technology, which will take place from September 23 to 25, 2025, at the University of Akron. This year, over 60 percent of presentations will come from international participants.

Technologists from 20 organisations in Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, and the United States will present at the conference. Presenters include tire manufacturers, universities, testing labs, consultants, suppliers, a vehicle company, and the non-profit Consumer Reports.

This year’s program focuses on sustainability, with papers on rubber emissions, devulcanisation, tire lifecycle, and electric vehicle applications. Technical talks will also cover tire performance topics like noise reduction, cornering, traction, wear, and durability testing using predictive analytics and advanced simulations.

Dr Surendra Chawla will deliver the keynote address titled “Sustainability in the Tire Industry: Driving Toward a Greener Future.” Chawla spent four decades at Goodyear, advancing to Director of Corporate Research before retiring as Senior Director, Global Innovation. Following his Goodyear tenure, he joined the Polymer industry Cluster as a Leading Consultant, contributing to the Greater Akron region’s designation as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub by the US Economic Development Administration.

Michelin representatives Frederic Biesse and Damien Lim will present the plenary address “Tire Wear Emissions and Air Quality: Current Insights and Pathways Toward a Sustainable Future.” Biesse has worked 26 years at Michelin’s Clermont-Ferrand R&D Centre in France, focusing on noise, wear, and rolling resistance as Manager of the Tire Performance Analysis team. Lim brings 14 years of experience from Michelin Americas R&D Centre, specialising in tire wear studies and predictive tool development.

Scott Sass, Director of Technology at Alterra Energy LLC, will address the awards banquet with “Polymer Circularity: Steering Clear of Potholes.” Alterra has developed a continuous thermochemical liquefaction process for recycling typically non-recyclable plastics into manufacturing feedstock.

The Tire Society positions itself as the world’s leading membership organisation for tire science, engineering, and technology. Conference registrations include Tire Society membership, providing access to the peer-reviewed Tire Science and Technology Journal and post-conference presentation access through the “Play-on-Demand” feature.

Continental Tire the Americas has named Wyatt D Hamilton Sr as the new Director of Sales for its US Truck Tire Replacement division. With over 20 years of industry expertise, Hamilton will lead strategic efforts to expand market share, enhance customer relationships and drive sales growth in the replacement truck tyre segment.

A seasoned professional, Hamilton began his career at Continental as a Field Sales Representative after earning a Business Management degree from North Carolina State University. He progressed through key roles, including Territory Sales Manager and Key Account Manager for both Replacement and Original Equipment (OE) Truck Tires. His leadership expanded globally when he headed Continental’s Truck Tire OE team in Malaysia for the APAC market. Upon returning to the Americas, he led the Pricing and Market Intelligence team, influencing strategic decisions. Most recently, as Director of OE and Strategic Accounts, he developed business strategies while fostering collaboration across engineering, operations and sales teams, along with talent development initiatives.

Based at Continental’s US headquarters in Fort Mill, South Carolina, Hamilton’s deep industry knowledge and leadership will further strengthen the company’s position in the truck tyre market.

Shaun Uys, Vice President Truck Tire US, Continental Tire the Americas, LLC, said, "Wyatt's extensive industry expertise, unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and strategic foresight position him as the perfect leader to elevate our replacement truck tyre business to new heights. We are eager to witness the contributions he will bring to this pivotal role."

Nokian Tyres has announced several key leadership changes, effective 1 September 2025, to align with its sharpened commercial focus and strategic growth commitment.

Christopher Ostrander has been appointed SVP of Passenger Car Tyres, North America, and will join the Nokian Tyres Management Team. Previously serving on the Board of Directors since 2021 and as Chair of the Investment Committee since 2024, Ostrander will step down from these roles before transitioning. He succeeds Lauri Halme, who has been named SVP of Vianor while remaining on the Management Team.

Additionally, Tron Gulbrandsen, currently VP of Passenger Car Tyres, Nordics, has been promoted to SVP of the same division and will also join the Management Team. These changes reinforce Nokian Tyres' leadership in key markets.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “These changes reflect our enhanced commercial focus. I am extremely excited to welcome Christopher to the Management Team. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the tyre industry and the North American market will strongly support our future expansion in this strategic growth area, helping us secure our premium positioning and further strengthening our product and go-to-market strategy. At the same time, I want to thank Lauri for his valuable contribution to our business transformation in North America and for laying a solid foundation for future growth. He will now focus on the strategic development of our service capabilities and the further development of the Vianor network. Finally, I want to congratulate Tron for being appointed to the Management Team. With 20 years of successful business development and sales leadership experience in the Nordic region, Tron brings valuable insights. His customer-centric approach will further sharpen our commercial focus and help consolidate our presence in the Nordic market.”

Epsilon Carbon, a leading producer of carbon black in the country, has introduced a fleet of six liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered container trucks to transport carbon black to its tyre manufacturing customers. The initiative is part of the company’s efforts to reduce emissions and improve supply chain efficiency.

According to Epsilon, LNG-powered trucks emit 20–25 percent less carbon dioxide, up to 90 percent less nitrogen oxides (NOx), and nearly 100 percent less particulate matter compared to diesel trucks. They also offer 5–10 percent better fuel efficiency, contributing to lower fuel use and operating costs.

The move supports Scope 3 emission reductions for both Epsilon and its customers, allowing tyre manufacturers to account for lower downstream emissions in their sustainability reporting.

Each LNG truck has a range of around 500 kilometres, suitable for medium-to-long-distance freight. Epsilon plans to expand the fleet based on customer demand and utilisation, aligning with its broader decarbonisation strategy.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “India’s road logistics sector moves nearly 70 percent of domestic freight and plays a critical role in the economy. We believe the future of logistics must be both efficient and environmentally responsible. As a leader in the chemical industry, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint. The launch of our LNG-powered fleet is a step towards cleaner, smarter freight movement and reflects our continued support for India’s Net Zero goals by 2070.”