AZuR at Nokian Tyres in Tampere

Willich, Germany – For AZuR (Allianz Zukunft Reifen, or Alliance for the Future of Tyres), tire retreading is a core technology for advancing holistic, sustainable tire recycling. As a priority before other recycling methods, retreading extends the service life of the carcass, uses significantly less energy, and reduces both CO₂ emissions and waste, making it a strong example of a functioning circular economy.

Retreading has long played a major role in Scandinavia. In the commercial vehicle sector, retreaded tires account for up to 50 percent of the market, compared with less than 20 percent in Germany. This prompted AZuR partners to examine the Scandinavian approach more closely, including how retreading is organized at Nokian Tyres in Finland, while also visiting the company’s new tire factory in Tampere.

Last Thursday, AZuR partners BRV, REMA TIP TOP, RIGDON, RuLa-BRW, Marangoni, Nokian Tyres, and Solid Plant traveled to Finland. On Friday, host Janne Ruhanen welcomed the group and led a tour of the new tire factory in Nokia near Tampere. The highly automated facility, where most production steps are robot-controlled, employs about 1,100 people working three shifts, seven days a week.

The group then visited the Nokian Tyres retreading plant in Sastamala, where treads are produced in around 30 profiles and more than 200 designs for a wide range of commercial vehicle applications. Some proven profiles have been in continuous production and development for over 50 years.

The visit emphasized in-depth technical exchanges among AZuR retreading experts, covering new technologies, AI-supported processes, increased use of robotics, and joint, future-oriented solutions for a sustainable tire recycling industry. The open, cooperative dialogue within the AZuR network was particularly appreciated, with each factory visit continuing to provide new ideas and strengthen collaboration.

Special thanks go to host Janne Ruhanen, who treated participants the evening before to a memorable Finnish experience with a sauna and ice bath.