The Tire Technology Expo, one of the world’s most important trade fairs and conferences devoted to the tire industry, awarded the title ‘Tire Industry Supplier of the Year’ to German synthetic rubber manufacturer LANXESS in Cologne on February 10. This high-profile event each year includes the presentation of the prestigious ‘Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence’.

The panel of judges, comprising international representatives of the tire industry, automotive industry and research, selected specialty chemicals group LANXESS as the winner in the “supplier” category as an acknowledgement of the key role played by research in the company’s business activities. According to the judges, the company’s achievement is reflected in its development of innovative high-performance rubber materials for tires which provide clear advantages in energy consumption, safety and CO2 emissions and therefore help to conserve the environment.

Christoph Kalla, head of marketing in the LANXESS Performance Polybutadiene Rubbers business unit, who received the award on his company’s behalf, said: “We are very proud to receive this prize which we take as a credit for our efforts in rubber research and development.” Also, the establishment of a global network that creates highly efficient partnerships between manufacturers, customers and research institutes all around the world was a major reason for the judges’ decision. 

More than 500 tire industry professionals were there to see the awards presented live at the world’s biggest celebration of tire excellence. Together with Kalla on the podium were representatives of the winners of the other four award categories, which are ‘Tire Manufacturing and Design Innovation’ (Kumho – Laser Etching Technology), ‘Environmental Achievement’ (Goodyear – Bio Isoprene Concept Tires), ‘Tire Technology’ (Sumitomo Rubber Industries – Fourth-generation runflats) and ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ (Michelin). 

The high-profile conference, coupled with one of the industry’s largest exhibitions, is considered a must for all involved in the tire making process. Attendees come from more than 45 countries, and over three days delegates have the opportunity to follow presentations from leading experts on the very latest developments in the tire manufacturing industry.