The Tire Technology Expo 2024 was recently held in Hannover, Germany, showcasing the latest developments in the tire industry, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. The expo brought together over 240 exhibitors from around the world, providing industry leaders and enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore the latest technological advancements and engage in discussions regarding the future of tire manufacturing.
The event received positive feedback from both exhibitors and attendees, many of whom were returning visitors. Oliver Benecke, compound designer at Sumitomo Rubber Europe, underscored the significance of the expo, stating, “It is always interesting to return to the expo and to meet old friends. Rubber materials is my particular interest and I find the show a great opportunity to gain an accurate impression of products on offer because every year there is something new.”
The exhibition featured several noteworthy highlights, such as VMI’s smart solutions for tire building, which showcased advanced camera-based vision systems, self-learning AI algorithms, and self-adjusting processes, contributing to further automation. Zeppelin Systems also focused on sustainable tire production, outlining their Sustainable Tire Alliance, a collaboration with international partners aimed at enhancing tire recycling processes on an industrial scale.
Additionally, companies like XSensor, Levidian, Zeon, CheeShine, and UTH presented various sustainable and innovative solutions, ranging from high-speed tire systems to graphene-enhanced prototype truck tires and sustainable oils made from bio-based renewable raw materials.
The conference component of the expo featured insightful presentations on crucial topics within the tire industry, from lifecycle analysis for tire design to tire aging and wear on wet grip performance. Discussions also delved into sustainability and the future of tire manufacturing and design, providing valuable insights and perspectives from industry experts.
In addition to the exhibitions and conference presentations, the Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence celebrated the latest innovations and achievements across the tire industry. Winners included renowned companies such as Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, and the BlackCycle Project.
Following the success of this year’s event, the Tire Technology Expo 2025 has already been announced, with the show set to take place on March 4, 5 & 6 in Hannover, Germany.
Overall, the 2024 Tire Technology Expo proved to be a significant platform for industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts to come together, share knowledge, and explore the latest technological advancements and sustainable solutions within the tire industry. The anticipated Tire Technology Expo 2025 is expected to build upon this success, offering even more valuable insights and innovations for the tire industry.