INNOVATION LAB: The future of tyre production is circular

The tyre industry is facing fundamental change. The Green Deal is accelerating the transformation towards circular production models and responsible use of resources.

In the INNOVATION LAB, THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026 shows how circular materials and smart production processes enable sustainable tyre production. With the addition of the Material & Production segment, this approach is complemented by material development and production processes, thus covering the entire circular economy of the tyre industry.

The INNOVATION LAB focuses on:

• Material innovations for circular rubber compounds
• Zero-waste approaches in production
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• Recycling and recovery processes such as pyrolysis

AI, robotics and automation increase efficiency and resource conservation along the production chain. Sensor technology and inspection systems support tyre maintenance and performance.

The INNOVATION LAB brings these developments to life with live demonstrations and best practices from industry, suppliers, machine and software development.