Schedule
DAY 1 / 18 NOVEMBER 2025
Registration
8:00
Session 1 - The Big Picture
9:10
KEYNOTE ADDRESS : The fast-changing regulatory landscape
Adam McCarthy, Secretary General, ETRMA
9:30
Circular economy : Bridgestone’s journey to make the ambition a reality
Marco Musaio, Head of End-of-Life Tyre & Circular Economy, Bridgestone
Like many in the industry, Bridgestone envisions a future where every tyre it produces is made from 100% sustainable materials. But the journey towards that dream is long and technically challenging for all. Here, an overview is presented of insights, learnings and progress to date and a look at what the business already foresees for the road ahead.
10:00
Future of the tire business globally
David Shaw, Tire Industry Research
This paper is not about technology; it tracks how the global tire industry is changing. In particular, it shows how the majors are losing share to up-and-coming tire makers, mostly based in India and China. In the case of 16-inch car tires, this is pretty much deliberate; the majors simply cannot compete on price. However, it is not just about car tires. All non-Chinese tire makers have now withdrawn from the truck tire business in China, and India is going the same way. What started as a damage limitation strategy in small-rim car tires is becoming a trend across multiple segments and geographies, including truck tires, off-road tires and even high-rim sizes tires for electric cars. In this presentation, David shows what is happening, why it is happening and projects forward to the future and offers some strategies to adapt to the changes.
Coffee break
10:30
KEYNOTE : New perspectives from the carbon black sector
11:00
John Loudermilk CEO, Birla Carbon
Understanding and reducing the impact of tyre emissions
Nick Molden CEO, Emissions Analytics
11:30
It is increasingly understood that tyre emissions are highly complex, appearing in the form of particles, volatile organics and leachate. What is less understood is why tyres are of a composition that causes such a range of effect, and how they affect environmental, human and animal health. This presentation will examine the latest test results from Emissions Analytics’ Tyre Insights Programme, where market tyres have been reverse-engineered to determine the organic compounds inside. The methodology uses two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry to perform comprehensive separation, identification and quantification of compounds. Significant compounds will be highlighted to show which ones were there by virtue of being a core material in tyres, such as synthetic rubber, as distinct from performance-giving additives and manufacturing additives such as extender oils. Trends and patterns will then be shown to compare tyre composition between regions, manufacturers and over time to elucidate the rationale for why the highlighted compounds are present in the tyre at all. In doing so, it will be possible to theorise as to whether such compounds are unavoidable in manufacturing a tyre, or added consciously to give a specific benefit. Specific illustrations included will be whether EV-specialist tyres are genuinely different from standard tyres or just empty marketing, whether budget tyres are really more toxic than premium ones, and how toxicity potential is changing over time.
PANEL DISCUSSION : What are the top priorities now for the global tire industry?
12:00
Lunch break
12:30
Session 2 - Introducing New Tire Materials
Advances in synthetic rubber technology for the tire industry
13:30
Sven Thiele R&D Leader for Process & Product Development in SSBR, Synthos
As tire manufacturers accelerate their transition toward sustainable mobility, synthetic rubber innovation plays a crucial role in enabling high performance with a lower carbon footprint. Synthos has developed a new generation of low-Tg functionalized SSBRs designed to enhance filler interaction and energy efficiency in modern tire compounds. These materials deliver a superior balance between rolling resistance, wet grip, and durability – key to meeting the performance requirements of electric and next-generation eco-tires. Developed using batch polymerization technology, they combine optimized silica dispersion with measurable improvements in dynamic behavior. The presentation will illustrate how targeted molecular design supports both product performance and the tire industry’s broader decarbonization goals, bridging the gap between material science and sustainable innovation, while supporting alignment with evolving regulatory requirements.
14:00
Latest advances with renewable functional fillers
Marinela Crisan Technical Marketing Manager, UPM Biochemicals
The transition to low-impact materials is a key challenge for tire manufacturers aiming to meet ambitious sustainability goals by 2050. Functional fillers account for about 30% of a tire’s composition and are still largely fossil-based, contributing significantly to the product’s carbon footprint. UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) offer a truly sustainable alternative that aligns with decarbonization targets, while providing additional performance benefits like reduced air permeability, lower rolling resistance and faster biodegradation of rubber wear without compromising performance. Set to start commercial production at industrial scale in the second half of 2025 in Leuna, Germany, where operations and products are FSC™, PEFC, and ISCC Plus+ certified, UPM BioMotion™ RFFs feature a third party-verified negative cradle-to-gate carbon footprint and 100% biobased carbon content. In addition, UPM BioMotion™ RFF are electrically insulating, low-density (1.3 g/cm³), free from PAHs and classified as biodegradable under industrial, soil, and marine conditions. This paper presents detailed performance data using using UPM BioMotion™ RFFs across different tire compounds. In innerliners, UPM BioMotion™ RFFs improve air barrier properties compared to standard carbon black. In sidewalls, they enable up to 100% replacement of N550 with matched curing behaviour, mechanical strength and improved key properties at significantly reduced environmental impact. The concept tire “Green Step Ligna,” co-developed with Nokian Tyres, demonstrates the real-world feasibility of these materials: fossil-based carbon black in the sidewall was fully replaced by RFFs, raising renewable and recycled content to 60 wt%. UPM BioMotion™ RFFs directly support sustainability, regulatory compliance, and reduced microplastic impact from tire wear, making them a strong candidate to replace conventional fillers in future tire designs.
14:30
Assessing the impact of new materials on tire durability
Will Mars, President, Endurica
Realizing a sustainable future requires significant and rapid innovation in tire materials, which inevitably entails investment and risk to sort alternatives. Compared to traditional build-and-break approaches to development, simulation offers many advantages: accelerated timelines, more complete exploration of options, increased win rate on material selection decisions, and stronger predictive power for real world use cases. Materials suppliers and tire developers alike can use tire performance simulations to showcase, validate and optimize material options. A wide range of performance metrics can be accurately simulated, including: stiffness, heat build up, rolling resistance, durability and wear. This presentation reviews examples highlighting Endurica tire workflows for rolling resistance and heat build up, for sidewall cracking due to ozone attack, for treadwear and for oxidation/ageing.
Coffee break
15:00
15:30
Enabling lighter, more sustainable tires
Tony Mathew Global Market Manager for Tires, Teijin Aramid
As the automotive industry shifts toward sustainable mobility, tire manufacturers face increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance. Twaron® aramid fiber, with its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, enables lightweight, sustainable tire designs that lower rolling resistance and enhance energy efficiency for both combustion and electric vehicles. While reducing material consumption in tire manufacturing, Twaron® enhances key tire performance aspects such as handling, dimensional stability, and uniformity. Through recent research, we developed Twaron® aramid fibers with circular content further supporting material circularity in tire production. This presentation explores how Twaron® contributes to lightweight tire designs, reduces emissions during use, and advances material circularity—helping manufacturers meet sustainability targets while maintaining high-performance standards in modern mobility.
16:00
Navigating LCA challenges in the tire industry – a steel cord perspective
Rodrigo Sancho Global Sustainability Lead, Bekaert Rubber Reinforcement
As the tire industry accelerates decarbonization efforts, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has become essential in evaluating and communicating product carbon footprints. Our presentation will explore challenges suppliers face in implementing consistent and credible LCA reporting—especially concerning upstream materials such as steel. We will discuss the lack of standardization, data inconsistency, and the potential for misinterpretation in current practices, and propose ways to foster greater transparency and alignment across the value chain.
16:30
PANEL DISCUSSION : World’s most sustainable tire
Networking drinks
17:30
DAY 2 / 19 NOVEMBER 2025
Session 1 - Circular, Low Carbon, Efficient Tire Factories
8:30
KEYNOTE : Reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
Adrian Kaczmarczyk SVP, Operations, Nokian Tyres
Nokian Tyres has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, continuing its long-term work and leadership in sustainability. A key milestone in this journey is the company’s groundbreaking zero CO₂ emission tire factory in Oradea, Romania—the first of its kind in the tire industry and a global benchmark. In addition to decarbonizing operations, Nokian Tyres is targeting 50% use of recycled and renewable raw materials by 2030. With the company already halfway to this goal, compelling case examples illustrate the progress and innovation driving the transformation. While 2050 may seem distant, the actions required to meet this commitment are urgent and ongoing. In this presentation, Senior Vice President Adrian Kaczmarczyk will explore the company’s ambitious sustainability transformation—and the innovations shaping its path to net-zero.
9:00
Creating a model for a sustainable tyre business
Bernd Löwenhaupt Managing Director, SRI Europe
Dr. Bernd Löwenhaupt, managing director of Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) Europe, will present its circular economy initiatives and sustainability strategies for the tire industry. It will focus on the developments of its circular economy model TOWANOWA. TOWA means “Everlasting” in Japanese, while WA means “Ring”. Created to achieve the efficient movement and circulation of resources and goods throughout its tyre business, TOWANOWA features a two-ring structure, with a “Sustainable Ring” and “Data Ring” linking five key processes: “Planning & Design,” “Materials Development & Procurement,” “Production & Logistics,” “Sales & Usage” and “Recovery & Recycling”. The presentation will highlight how SRI is integrating sustainable practices and processes in its future tyre design and manufacturing. Topics will include Lifetime tyre simulations to reduce tyre weight, the road to 100% sustainable material content, reduction in CO2 emissions in manufacturing through new natural energies and AI, as well as recycling technologies SRI is adopting.
9:30
Future Tire Technology: A Machine Supplier’s Perspective
Peter Scholz Executive Vice President Global Sales & Marketing, HF Group
Machine suppliers are at the forefront of transforming tire manufacturing to meet evolving global demands. Key challenges include fluctuating raw materials, energy-intensive processes, and regional sustainability regulations. Suppliers such as HF are responding with innovations such as: •Smart Final Mix & Tandem Mixers 2.0: Enhancing compound consistency and reducing energy consumption •E-Curing & Process Monitoring: Cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 50% through electrified curing and real-time efficiency tracking •AI-Driven Knowledge Transfer: Preserving expertise during global production shifts •Advanced Materials: Use of bio-oils, recycled carbon black (rCB), and nano-reinforcements to improve durability and sustainability These innovations reflect a strategic shift: machine suppliers are one of the keys enabling tire production to adapt to future needs. In this paper HF will present latest developments in Mixing and in Curing adapted to the needs of current and future tire production.
10:00
10:30
How to avoid downtimes by utilizing artificial intelligence?
Tatiana Grosul Siemens
Lowering the environmental impact of tire factories
Jacob Peled Pelmar Engineering
Tatiana will explore how to avoid downtimes by utilizing artificial intelligence
Lowering the environmental impact of tire factories actually means, limited changes, yet substantial in some ways: 1.Reducing Time and Energy of producing a tire. 2.Automation and self-control (Autonomous QC). 3.Reducing Abrasion rate and Micro-Elastic emission. 4.Turning to Digitalization and Simulation. 5.Stress and Stress again on sustainability. 6.Look for M&A or at least off-take possibilities and options.
11:00
Coffee break
11:30
PANEL DISCUSSION : THE WAY FORWARD
Targets and forecasts for the global tire industry to 2030
Future Tire will culminate with this extended discussion platform, which will draw on
conclusions from the discussions and debate over the two-day conference. With active
participation from delegates, the top-level panel – representing a broad range of
stakeholders – will map the way forward and forecast what lies ahead for the sustainable tire industry of the future.
Moderator and panelists include:
Marjolein Groeneweg
Synthos Synthetic Rubber
Alessandro Furno
Director of Sustainability, Bridgestone EMEA
13:00
Lunch break
Session 2 - Innovation Forum
13:45
Sustainable tire protection
Denis Boiko Dow Silicones
The growing emphasis on sustainability in the automotive industry has intensified the need for innovative solutions that support circularity and reduce environmental impact. Among the components under scrutiny, self-sealing tires—designed to automatically seal punctures and extend service life—present a unique recycling challenge. These tires typically incorporate complex sealing layers made from synthetic rubbers or thermoelastomer materials, which hinder the separation and recovery of valuable tire constituents during end-of-life processing. From Dow side, we are glad to share SILASTIC™ Self-Sealing Silicone technology that represents a transformative advancement in tire manufacturing—delivering superior puncture resistance, extended product life, and unprecedented recyclability. Unlike conventional butyl-based sealants, which require high-temperature processing and are difficult to reclaim, Dow’s silicone-based solution cures at ambient temperatures and can be separated from the tire at end-of-life. This enables dual-stream recycling of both the silicone and the rubber carcass, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing landfill dependency. Validated through extensive road testing and OEM collaborations, this two-part elastomer maintains airtightness and sealing performance across extreme temperatures—from −55°C to +80°C—while eliminating the need for spare tires, thus reducing vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency. The application process does not require specific laser cleaning of the tire. Dow’s partnership with Bridgestone on the B-SEALS platform exemplifies the commercial viability of this innovation. As part of Dow’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes investments in advanced recycling infrastructure and bio-based feedstocks, this technology underscores Dow’s role as a strategic enabler of sustainable mobility. For manufacturers seeking to meet evolving regulatory and consumer demands, Dow offers not just material, but a pathway to scalable, circular design in next-generation tires.
14:00
Ecosky: Pioneering the Green Transformation of Tire Chemistry
Müge METİNÖZ R&D Director, Skyhem Kimya
Ecosky: Pioneering the Green Transformation of Tire Chemistry The tire and rubber industry is on the verge of the most profound transformation in its history. Increasing sustainability demands, tightening regulations, and carbon-neutral goals are driving the sector toward a fundamental change. At this turning point, Skyhem, with its groundbreaking innovation Ecosky, is not merely offering a product—it is ushering in a new era. A First in Turkiye As Turkiye’s first and only producer of process oil, Skyhem proudly carries the nation’s name onto the global stage of tire chemistry. Ecosky proves the power of local innovation on an international scale. A New Era Worldwide Ecosky is more than just a process oil—it represents a sectoral revolution. Replacing fossil-based oils, this 100% bio-based innovation marks the beginning of a new age of sustainability in tire chemistry. Negative Carbon Footprint – An Industry First With a carbon footprint of -1771.1 kg CO₂ per ton, Ecosky does more than achieve zero emissions—it creates a positive impact for the environment. This figure stands as an unprecedented milestone in the tire industry. Performance Meets Sustainability Ecosky is currently being tested by the world’s leading tire manufacturers, proving that it delivers superior performance without compromising sustainability, addressing one of the industry’s most critical needs. Global Reliability •Fully REACH registered •Exempt from EUDR regulations Zero Waste Philosophy Produced under Skyhem’s “Zero Waste” principle, Ecosky contributes directly to the circular economy, reinforcing its role as a driver of green transformation. Ecosky is a groundbreaking achievement— the first of its kind in Turkiye and a catalyst for a new era in global tire chemistry. It is not just an oil; it is: •A transformation that protects the planet, •An innovation that reshapes the industry, •A vision redefining the future of tire and rubber production. Skyhem stands as the pioneer carrying the tire and rubber industry into a sustainable tomorrow.
New chemistry platform for tire rubber devulcanization, materials recovery
Dr Fergal Byrne Director, Addible
14:15
Optimising tire calendering with AI and digital twins
Venkatapathi Sagi Honeywell
14:30
Sustainable tire manufacturing relies on optimizing the calendering process to produce high-quality rubber sheets with embedded cords, ensuring tire durability and performance. This study presents a data-driven framework integrating AI and advanced analytics to enhance calendering efficiency and minimize waste. Using historical and real-time production data, AI predicts rubber compound behavior under calendering stresses like heat and pressure, enabling preemptive adjustments to parameters like roll speed, temperature, and gap to ensure uniform cord spacing. These adjustments stabilize rubber flow, guaranteeing even cord embedding and minimizing defects like inconsistent spacing, uneven thickness, or weak bonding, thus reducing material waste. Digital twin technology simulates the calendering process, analyzing variables such as rubber viscosity, cord tension, and roll temperature to recommend real-time adjustments to roll pressure, speed, and gap, further improving spacing consistency and sheet quality. AI-driven automation enhances tire manufacturing by anticipating equipment issues via predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity. AI-assisted production scheduling optimizes workflow efficiency, ensuring seamless operations, while AI-optimized machine parameters refine compound mixing for superior consistency. Advanced analytics provide actionable insights, balancing efficiency with sustainability goals. The framework significantly lowers material waste and energy use, tackling non-recyclable off-spec sheets that increase costs. Case studies show improved yield, reduced scrap rates, and better environmental performance in tire manufacturing. By adopting AI-driven predictions, digital twin simulations, automation, and analytics, this methodology offers a scalable solution to improve calendering and production processes. It provides a practical roadmap for operations teams to integrate advanced technologies, setting a benchmark for sustainable tire production through precise calendering adjustments.
The management of end-of-life tires poses significant environmental and resource challenges, with traditional recycling methods often yielding low-value products and generating secondary waste. OxyCycle, developed by Addible, introduces an innovative, green chemistry-based solution for the devulcanization of vulcanized rubber, offering a path toward circularity in the tire industry. This process employs a novel, recyclable reagent designed to selectively oxidize sulfur-sulfur (S–S) bonds under mild, benign conditions, enabling efficient breakdown of vulcanized networks without the need for metals, harsh acids, or bases. OxyCycle achieves up to 100% devulcanization as defined by ASTM 6814, producing two primary outputs: a ‘clean’ polymer and high-quality carbon black. The polymer retains unsaturated carbon–carbon (C=C) bonds, is fully soluble in standard solvents, and can be tailored in terms of sulfur content and crosslinking potential, making it suitable for re-vulcanization and integration into new tire compounds. Carbon black is separated with minimal contamination from unreacted rubber, as confirmed by swelling and spectroscopic analyses, and offers potential for in-situ upgrading. The OxyCycle process is inherently safe and sustainable by design: it can utilize bio-based reagents, operates under mild conditions, and features closed-loop recycling of solvents and reagents. Mass recovery rates reach 98%, with polymer and carbon black yields of 54–56% and 34%, respectively. The technology is currently at TRL3-4, with ongoing efforts to scale up, validate across diverse rubber formulations, and partner with industry stakeholders for real-world implementation.
14:45
Circular management of end-of-life tires
Jacinto J. Monserrate G. Seginus
The growing accumulation of end-of-life tires (ELTs) presents serious environmental and public health risks across Latin America. These tires often end up in open spaces, rivers, and roadsides, becoming breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, increasing fire risks, and polluting soil and water. Ecuador reflects this regional challenge, facing a high volume of ELTs and historically lacking formal management systems. SEGINUS, established in 2018, is Ecuador’s first government-approved ELT management system. As a non-profit organization, it brings together private companies, waste managers, and public entities under a collective model based on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). It promotes the circular economy through waste reduction, product reuse, and material recycling. SEGINUS has recycled over 8.5 million tires, reducing more than 302,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. Its tire retreading initiatives have saved 800 million liters of water and 7,400 tons of CO₂. Recycled tires are transformed into mats, waterproofing, and handicrafts. The organization also runs education programs, training over 100,000 people in recycling, risk management, and road safety, while promoting sustainable innovation through awards and workshops. Its efforts have contributed to shaping Ecuador’s public policy and regulatory framework for sustainable production. Collaborations with NGOs, government bodies, and global networks have expanded SEGINUS’s impact and positioned it as a model for regional scalability. SEGINUS holds certifications such as ISO 14001, 9001, 22301, and 27001, and publishes GRI-certified sustainability reports. It has been internationally recognized, winning awards like Best EPR Scheme and being highlighted for advancing Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
15:00
Route to a low carbon footprint ZnO-based activator
Olivier Roumache Silox
Commonly, zinc oxide (ZnO) activates rubber vulcanization. Driven by climate concerns, our industry seeks eco-friendly materials. After seven years of research and new methodology of product research, we developed ActiECO+ and ActiECO+ Green, new vulcanization activators. They maintain rubber properties while offering advantages like enhanced circularity, energy efficiency, and up to a 90% carbon footprint reduction. These activators also improve blending efficiency, reduce mixing time, extend shelf life, and are non-toxic. Notably, a bio-based material/ZnO complex significantly reduces leaching from the rubber blend—by 50%, or even completely with specific formulations.