The 2nd AZuR Retreading Summit took place on September 16–17, 2025, at the KRONE Trailer Forum in Werlte. More than 80 participants from the new tire and retreading industries, logistics, politics, and academia met to discuss technologies, materials, and opportunities for increasing the market share of retreaded tires. The program featured expert presentations, case studies, a partner exhibition, and a tour of KRONE’s assembly and surface facilities.

AZuR-Netzwerk coordinator Christina Guth emphasized that retreading saves resources, reduces CO₂, and provides economic benefits. She noted that cooperation across industries remains key to expanding retreading in Germany, where market share currently stands at around 20 percent. In comparison, retreaded truck tires account for more than 50 percent of the market in Finland and neighboring countries.

Case studies from Germany showed practical examples of adoption. Berlin’s city cleaning service (BSR) equips more than 80 percent of its 1,800-vehicle fleet with retreaded tires, while also operating many gas- and electric-powered vehicles. Transport company Winner reported similar results, stating that over 80 percent of its fleet uses retreaded tires that perform reliably under demanding conditions and contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.

Technological developments also took center stage. Participants toured KRONE’s facilities and learned about the eTrailer, developed with Trailer Dynamics, which can cut diesel consumption and emissions by up to 40 percent and extend the range of electric trucks. New machinery and projects were presented, including a regrooving system that extends tire life by up to 25 percent and the NERO project from TH Köln, which focuses on sustainable concepts for the replacement tire business.

The summit also addressed regulatory and market frameworks. A presentation from KRAIBURG Austria highlighted the EU taxonomy, which confirms retreaded tires as compliant with sustainability criteria. This provides fleet operators with opportunities to document CO₂ reductions and strengthen their position in competitive tenders.

Overall, the summit underscored the ecological and economic relevance of retreading and the need for stronger collaboration to increase its market share in Germany, following successful examples from other European countries.

Learn more about the event in the original AZuR's article.