Bridgestone Corporation has developed a new Tyre and Road Wear Particles (TRWP) vehicle collection method aimed at understanding the environmental impact of TRWP. The solution was also displayed at the Tire Technology Expo 2025, held in Hannover, Germany, from 4 to 6 March.

TRWP is made up of a blend of road pavement components and tread (tyre surface). In order to comprehend the particle size distribution, dispersion behaviour, and environmental impact – as well as to create effective collecting techniques – Bridgestone is actively engaged in a number of TRWP research projects. The company is dedicated to comprehending TRWP and lowering its generation through these initiatives.

Utilising the B-Mobility testing facility at the Bridgestone Innovation Park in Kodaira, Tokyo, the company has created a state-of-the-art technique that makes it possible to gather TRWP effectively. Bridgestone has used laser light scattering in conjunction with a high-speed camera to visualise the dispersion of particles like TRWP. Based on this, the company has developed a device that effectively catches TRWP and covers the whole tyre. Additionally, the technique made it possible to collect TRWP effectively in a state that removes the effects of exhaust pollutants and broken dust by employing autonomous driving and an electric car with regenerative braking.

Through the Tire Industry Project (TIP), which is part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Bridgestone has been researching the physical and chemical properties of TRWP and their implications on the environment. In addition to the continuous co-creation and internal R&D cooperation, Bridgestone is speeding up its efforts to evaluate TRWP's environmental consequences by collecting it effectively and with a high recovery rate using its recently developed collection technology.

Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, has been recognised as the European Commercial Fleet Telematics Company of the Year 2025 by global research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. This is the third time in the last five years that Webfleet has been recognised with the prestigious award.

Webfleet's emphasis on partner development, leadership in EV and sustainability solutions and strategic innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) were specifically highlighted by Frost & Sullivan. The judges also emphasised the significant contribution Webfleet, which had its 25th anniversary in 2024, has made to the mobility industry over the last 25 years. Webfleet's expanding OEM.connect partner programme with top trailer manufacturers, the recently introduced EV Services Platform and the Webfleet AI Assistant that provides fast, data-driven fleet insights in response to straightforward commands typed by the fleet manager are examples of current initiatives and offerings.

Mugundhan Deenadayalan, Research Manager, Frost & Sullivan, said, “To drive its next growth phase, Webfleet is leveraging two major trends: electric vehicles (EVs) and artificial intelligence (AI). Both fields are poised to significantly impact fleet management and telematics, pushing efficiency and sustainability forward. By embracing EVs and AI, Webfleet will bring innovative solutions to fleets and secure its market leadership position in Europe and across the globe.”

Jan-Maarten de Vries, President – Fleet Management Solutions, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, said, “We are proud to be recognised with the prestigious Frost & Sullivan award once again, underlining our commitment to continuous innovation and development. This achievement is made possible by our employees, partners and customers, all of whom drive us forward every day to deliver the best data-driven solutions for fleets and shape a smarter, more sustainable future of mobility.”

Webfleet, Bridgestone’s globally trusted fleet management solution, has entered into a partnership with Krone, a leading trailer manufacturer in Europe, to offer an integrated telematics solution via its OEM.connect partner programme.

With factory-installed telematics, commercial fleet owners can now effortlessly link their Krone trailers to the Webfleet platform, doing away with the requirement for aftermarket hardware installations. Thus, businesses may save money and time by gaining access to robust trailer data that can increase trailer utilisation, decrease downtime and enhance general safety and security. Customers may fully utilise the sophisticated Webfleet caravan management tools thanks to this integration. Payload management, tyre pressure monitoring (TPMS), proactive maintenance, safety supervision, real-time position tracking and thorough trip logging are all included.

Jan-Maarten de Vries, President – Fleet Management Solutions, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, said, “Utilising our OEM.connect programme is the quickest way to get trailers online and start enjoying the benefits of the Webfleet platform that supports you to efficiently manage your trailer fleet. We are excited to collaborate with Krone, a leading trailer manufacturer in Europe, combining truck and existing fleet data on one single platform to help even more businesses with actionable insights to maximise trailer performance.”

Maximilian Birle, Managing Director, Krone Digital, said, “’By cooperating with Webfleet, we are offering our customers advanced telematics features with an easy-to-use interface from one of the leading fleet management solutions in Europe. With the touch of a button, hauliers can get advanced data intelligence and insights with no expenses related to downtime or installation.”

Continental will have four technical presentations at the upcoming Tire Technology Expo, which will take place in Hannover from 4–6 March. On 4 March 2025, the conference will begin with a presentation on Continental Tires' sustainability strategy by Jorge Almeida, Head of Sustainability, and Prof Burkhard Wies, Head of Applied Research and Innovation.

The presentation's main goal is to lessen tyres' impact on the environment while they are in use. On the day of the opening and the day after, Continental will also host three more expert presentations. These include the introduction of a more ecologically friendly adhesive method for textile reinforcing materials called COKOON, the presentation of an inventive testing apparatus for determining energy losses in rubber samples and an investigation of tyre wear particles under actual settings.

Both tyre and road wear particles are among the emissions that arise from driving when a tyre is in use. In order to better understand the environmental effect of wear particles and, consequently, to create innovative ways to further minimise them, it is imperative that measuring methodologies be dependable, standardised, and especially accurate. In order to do this, Continental and the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany, collaborated on a study. The goal of this project, which was named ‘Online Analysis of Airborne Tyre Wear Particles During their Formation and Differentiation from Particles of Other Origins’ (OLRAP in German), was to create a technique that could measure tyre wear particles during their formation under a range of circumstances, including driving style.

The findings of this study, which was supported by the German Ministry of Science and Culture, will be the main focus of Dr Benjamin Oelze's presentation. He is the Group Leader Test Method Development Tyre Wear at Continental Tires. The Continental specialist for evaluating new materials, Prof Jorge Lacayo-Pineda, will demonstrate a novel rebound testing apparatus that can show a dynamic mechanical study of the hysteresis curve in milliseconds. Dr Yasin Sen, a specialist in adhesion system development at Kordsa, and Dr Cornelia Schmaunz-Hirsch, who oversees the development of new adhesion and reinforcement technologies at Continental Tires, will present on the development of friendly COKOON bonding system.

"Continental is pursuing eager sustainability ambitions. But in the rapidly evolving tyre industry, we also know that certain overarching issues can only be solved collectively. Cross-divisional research projects, exchanges of expertise and the pooling of know-how form the foundation for this. The Tire Technology Expo conference is therefore extremely important to us," said Prof Wies.

Trelleborg Tires, a European tyre and wheel manufacturer, has long been a pioneer in providing integrated wheel-tyre systems. Because of its exceptional compatibility and performance, Trelleborg Tires is a reliable partner for professionals and OEMs.

Trelleborg’s proprietary TW rim technology redefines traditional rim design. Specifically designed for large agricultural tyres, this advanced profile offers more than just basic functionality. It guarantees a simpler and quicker tyre fitting process, speeds up low-pressure tyre inflation and boosts overall efficiency – all of which are essential for agricultural applications.

Explaining the importance of integrated wheel-tyre solutions, Pasquale Fabbricatore, Product Manager, Trelleborg Wheels, says, “When components are mismatched, the consequences can be severe – uneven wear, reduced equipment life, and safety issues. That’s why integrated solutions have become increasingly important. By offering complete systems, we not only improve performance but also ensure cost efficiency and safety. The design represents a significant leap forward in rim technology. By optimising the contour and strategically using thinner materials, we've enhanced both performance and wheel life. This is crucial under extreme conditions, where the rim faces significant stress. Moreover, the increased structural resistance actually reduces overall wheel weight, leading to lower fuel consumption and, consequently, reduced carbon emissions for agricultural equipment."

Further, Trelleborg’s THK (Trelleborg High Knurling) technology addresses the critical issue of tyre-rim slippage by enhancing the grip between the tyre and rim, even when subjected to the toughest operational environments.

Fabbricatore explains, “THK technology was specifically developed to prevent slippage, which is common under high-torque conditions. We’ve significantly improved the knurling profile to nearly double its height compared to traditional designs. This provides superior grip, particularly in high-speed and high-torque applications. In addition, we apply a non-slip coating to the rim bead seat to ensure a secure tire-to-rim connection, even under extreme conditions.”