Awards Recognise Eco-Friendly Innovations

The inaugural Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence were presented at the recent Tire Technology Expo, in Cologne and there was a marked emphasis on environmentally-friendly technologies and products.

Michelin picked up the Tire Technology of the Year Award for its continuing development of its already-established Energy Saver range of tyres. In the latest development (for tyres for the Peugeot 306) a new silica-based compound helps reduce rolling resistance, saving fuel and lowering carbon emissions.

Bridgestone was named “Tire Manufacturer of the Year” for “numerous achievements over the past 12 months.” These include the expansion of its European proving ground, the production of radial tyres for the new Airbus A380 and the company’s participation in various global eco-projects, in conjunction with organisations such as WWF. The company was also praised for its involvement in the road safety campaign “Think before you drive.”

The awards were organised by the publishers of Tire Technology International and judged by a panel of 15 industry experts. Other winners included:

Institute of Mechanics and Computational Mechanics at Leibnitz University, Hannover (the Tire Manufacturing and Design Award for their creation of advanced tyre modelling software).

Global Resource Corporation (Environmental Achievement of the Year Award for their microwave process that removes oil from scrap tyres).

Herbert Maschinen und Anlagenbau (Tire Industry Supplier of the Year Award for their advances in curing press technology).