The California Energy Commission (CEC) approved the Replacement Tire Efficiency Program (RTEP), the nation’s first efficiency standards for replacement tires sold for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks in California.

The tires that come on new cars are typically designed to give drivers better fuel mileage. But average replacement tires are less efficient, meaning that consumers often lose mileage and range when they replace their tires. These cost-saving standards are designed to ensure that replacement tires are at least as energy efficient, on average, as tires sold on new vehicles.

Olam Agri has completed its acquisition of Asia Africa Rubber Industry S.A., adding 176,000 metric tons of annual rubber processing capacity in Ivory Coast as the company moves to expand its natural rubber business and meet growing demand for traceable supplies.

The acquisition nearly doubles Olam Agri’s rubber processing capacity in the West African country and is expected to improve operational efficiency, supply reliability and access to international customers, the company said.

Fuel remains one of the largest and most volatile operating costs for truck fleets across the United States and Canada. As carriers look for ways to control expenses, a new Continental study points to a straightforward and often overlooked lever: tire pressure. The analysis found that keeping tires within the recommended pressure range improved fuel economy by 4.5 percent – savings that add up on every mile driven. The study also indicates that higher levels of underinflation have an even more dramatic impact on fuel economy.

Scientists at the University of South Florida say they have solved a long-standing mystery about why adding tiny particles of carbon black can transform soft rubber into a material strong enough to withstand extreme loads.

The discovery could help manufacturers design stronger, safer and longer-lasting rubber products, including tires, industrial seals and components used in aerospace and energy systems, according to the university.

IndexBox projects the market to expand at a baseline compound annual growth rate of 7.2% from 2026 through 2035. Using 2025 as a base year with an index of 100, the market is forecast to reach 198 by 2035.

As part of the EU-funded ZEvRA project, Continental has developed a concept tire made from around 43 percent recycled materials. The concept tire highlights the potential of innovative material approaches. It also demonstrates the need for a reliable framework when adopting recycling technologies on an industrial scale.