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The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) released a study finding that recycled tires used as crumb rubber in synthetic turf are not likely to harm users or spectators. There is no evidence of significant risk for cancer or other health problems from this recycled rubber to players, coaches, referees and spectators based on the available data, even for young athletes.

The first event, “Tire Simulation Workflows with Endurica,” will be held April 21–23, 2026. The online course focuses on simulation methods used to evaluate tire durability and fatigue performance using Endurica’s software tools and engineering procedures.
A second training program, “Characterizing Elastomer Fatigue Behavior for Analysis and Engineering,” will take place June 1–5, 2026, also in a live online format.

Continental was once again named “Tire Manufacturer of the Year” at this year’s Tire Technology Awards for Innovation and Excellence. The independent jury cited the company’s introduction of new tire technologies, innovative measuring methods and continuous improvements to its production processes as setting new industry benchmarks. Continental also received the “Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing” award for the work it has done to reduce water withdrawal per metric ton of product in its tire production. The awards were presented by an independent panel of experts during the Tire Technology Expo on March 3 in Hanover. Launched in 2008, the awards are considered among the most important independent honors in the international tire industry. Continental has now been voted “Manufacturer of the Year” five times, including last year.

Eldo Verhaagen brings extensive experience in the tire and automotive industry, with a strong track record in strategic leadership, commercial growth, and operational optimization across regional markets. His in-depth expertise in truck, agricultural, earthmover, and industrial tires, combined with his hands-on and customer-focused approach, positions him well to lead the next phase of development in the region.

Continental has reached an important milestone in its global sustainability strategy: Coal and heavy fuel oil have been fully phased out across all tire production sites. Since January 2026, all plants have adopted alternative energy sources to generate the steam required for manufacturing tires and heating. These alternatives include biomass, biogas, electricity from renewable sources, and alternative fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas in order to ensure a constant energy supply.

Akron, OH – Goodyear has introduced an entirely new way for consumers to experience the company, its brands and its

Tiffany Cole as Customer Service Manager – Since joining the team in 2016, Tiffany has been a cornerstone of our customer service excellence.
Alex Brown as Sr. Procurement Manager – A vital member of the Zochem “Dream Team” since 2019, Alex has officially stepped into the role of Sr. Procurement Manager

MAXAM Tire announced the promotion of Eric Appleby to National Account Sales Director, effective immediately. In this role, Appleby will lead Maxam’s national account strategy across North America, focusing on accelerating growth, deepening dealer partnerships, and delivering value-driven solutions to our customers.

The Rubber Division ACS Spring Technical Meeting Symposium will highlight “Reinforcement Effects in Elastomer Nanocomposites: Experimental & Modeling Insights.” This symposium is organized and chaired by Chris Robertson, Principal Consultant at Polymer Technology Services LLC, this symposium explores the fundamental mechanisms governing reinforcement, dissipation and failure in nanoparticle-filled elastomers across strain, temperature and deformation regimes. Combining experiments, scattering, rheology and molecular simulations, the presentations highlight intrinsic performance tradeoffs and offer design principles for advanced rubber and tire materials.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a way to turn plastic waste into acetic acid, the main ingredient of vinegar, using sunlight. The team developed a bio-inspired cascade photocatalysis using iron atoms embedded in carbon nitride, like how certain types of fungi break down organic matter using enzymes.

When exposed to sunlight, the material drives a series of chemical reactions that transform plastic polymers into acetic acid with high selectivity. The reaction takes place in water, making it particularly relevant for addressing plastic pollution in aquatic environments.

The breakthrough offers a promising new approach to reducing plastic pollution through photocatalysis, while simultaneously creating a useful, value-added chemical product through a process inspired by nature.