Circular Economy as a Focal Theme of THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026
Against the background of increasing sustainability requirements, new regulatory frameworks and the growing use of digital technologies, the INNOVATION LAB provides a central place for innovation, knowledge transfer and dialogue. In live demonstrations and best-practice presentations, manufacturers, suppliers, machinery and software providers, as well as institutes, show how tyre production of tomorrow is developing – from material sourcing and AI through automation and additive manufacturing to zero-waste and recycling solutions.
A central element is the further developed Circular Economy Area, which depicts the entire material cycle for the first time in 2026 – from raw material extraction through production and use to RE-USE and recycling. This approach is complemented by the new “Material & Production” segment, which shifts the focus to sustainable raw materials, new material technologies and resource-preserving production processes.
“The combination of INNOVATION LAB and the expanded Circular Economy Area shows how sustainable processes interlock with one another in the tyre industry“, says Ingo Riedeberger, Director of THE TIRE COLOGNE. “With the new Material & Production segment, we depict the circular economy of the industry holistically for the first time.”
In addition, central future themes will also be incorporated into the stage programme: on the TIRE Stage, the European Rubber Journal presents two discussion sessions in the context of the Future Tire Forum. The focus will be on developments in the production, material technology, quality management and product responsibility of the global tyre industry.
The INNOVATION LAB, including expansions, is part of the long-term development strategy of THE TIRE COLOGNE, with which the trade fair is consistently expanding its role as the innovation and future platform of the industry.
Retreading Business will be announcing our involvement in THE TIRE COLOGNE shortly.
