Retreading summit in Günzburg: The future of tires is being shaped!

Retreading summit in Günzburg: The future of tires is being shaped!

On October 8, 2024, the Azur Retreading Summit took place in Günzburg, an important meeting of the most important players in the tire retreading industry. 75 participants from various European countries were present, including Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Great Britain and the Netherlands. Representatives from all areas of the industry came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities of retreading. In addition to leading retreaders, this also included technology providers, material manufacturers and universities.

The summit featured specialist lectures, a tour of the state-of-the-art Rigdon retreading facility and an exhibition that gave participants the opportunity to exchange ideas about new technologies and materials. Particularly important was a panel discussion in which intelligent solutions for checking the retreadability of carcasses were presented. These discussions aim to increase the efficiency and quality of retreading.

Important demands on the EU

A central point of the summit was the adoption of a list of demands addressed to the European Union. It contains essential requirements that are intended to secure the future of tire retreading. Among other things, it is required that used tires generated in the EU must be recycled locally. In addition, imported tires should be retreadable. This would significantly improve opportunities for recycling and reducing waste.

Another aspect is the proposal to offer tax discounts for the use of retreaded tires. This financial incentive could increase acceptance among the general public and help retread tires be used more frequently. In addition, it is required that retreaded products be given preference in public tenders if they are available. In order to further promote the use, municipalities and municipal companies should be obliged to maintain a quota of 50% retreaded tires.

The participants at the summit were optimistic about developments in the industry. The majority of those present assessed the future development of commercial vehicle retreading as positive. Christina Guth, the coordinator of the Azur network, was pleased with the response and the positive mood that characterized the summit. In your opinion, the foundation has been laid for a climate-friendly future technology.

Relevance of the event

The summit was not only a platform for exchange and networking, but also a decisive step towards a more sustainable tire industry in Europe. The listed list of demands was positively received by the live-connected EU parliamentarian Markus Ferber, who promised to advocate for the industry's concerns at EU level. Ferber emphasized the need to improve the political framework in order to make retreading sustainable.

In addition to the requirements, it must be ensured that retreaded tires are included within the scope of the current EU tire labeling regulation. This would be an important step towards being able to legally use retreaded tires in the public sector. The discussions and decisions made during the summit could therefore have far-reaching consequences for the entire industry.

A highlight of the summit was the tour of the Rigdon factory, which is considered one of the most modern retreading plants in Europe. With an area of ​​88,000 m², up to 50,000 retreaded premium tires are manufactured there every year, which are suitable for various types of vehicles, from vans to aircraft tugs. The use of AI-supported robotics and automated production processes ensures that quality and efficiency are the focus.

The participation of many important companies and organizations in this summit shows that interest in a sustainable and efficient tire industry is growing. Close cooperation between the various players in the industry is seen as the key to achieving the set goals. The positive feedback and commitment of the participants could provide the decisive impetus for future developments in the retreading industry.

For detailed information on the topics of the summit and the demands adopted www.recyclingmagazin.de a recommended source.