Another major research from the tire giant is released

On March 19, 2025, Sumitomo Rubber announced a new research result on the mechanism of rubber failure: rubber failure is a key factor in determining tire durability.

Another research result of Sumitomo Rubber

In early March, Sumitomo Rubber announced the results of its joint research with Professor Gert Heinrich of the Technical University of Dresden in Saxony, Germany. It is reported that the well-known Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research in Dresden participated in this research.

The research focuses on the "cracking phenomenon" of tires, that is, cracks and cracks in rubber materials. Sumitomo Rubber said that the current research on tire durability in the industry is still more focused on evaluating the impact of tire tearing on tire life through tear tests and other methods, but few studies have focused on the many unknown factors of structural changes at the microscopic scale of the crack tip. Sumitomo Rubber has focused its research on this detail.

Sumitomo Rubber used simulation technology to analyze the forces acting on the crack tip of rubber and clarified the factors that determine the development of cracks. The crack tip in the rubber will expand and deform, resulting in voids, and as the pores grow and merge, the cracks will worsen. However, there are also studies showing that the generation of voids reduces stress concentration at the crack tip.

Sumitomo Rubber said: "We will continue to study the force distribution and crack characteristics when changing the state of void dispersion." Emphasizing that its goal is to improve tire wear resistance and reduce environmental impact, "By using the data obtained from this joint study... we will promote the development of higher-function and high-quality tires."

Sumitomo Rubber's new long-term development management strategy

In fact, this study is in line with the goals of Sumitomo Rubber's long-term management strategy (Rise 2035) announced on March 7, 2025. The strategy shows that in the next decade, Sumitomo Rubber will focus on the development of high-end tire business and non-tire business.

According to reports, in the next 10 years, Sumitomo Rubber's tire revenue will reach 70% of its total revenue, and will mainly focus on increasing the proportion of high-quality tires from the current 40% to 60% of total tire sales. The research on the longer life cycle of tires is precisely to support this tire sales target.

In its 10-year plan, Sumitomo Rubber also mentioned promoting the use of "cutting-edge" technology in tire research and development, especially in rubber innovation. Sumitomo Rubber said it would use its award-winning "active tread" technology, which enables tire rubber to adapt to changes in road and driving conditions.

In the plan, Sumitomo Rubber emphasized that another goal it plans to achieve by 2035 is to develop differentiated "active tread" high-end products using new "compound, design and development process technologies."

Dunlop's next five-year plan

However, the 10-year plan will be divided into three phases, and the first two phases to 2030 are related to the tire business.

First, from 2025 to 2027, Sumitomo Rubber will strengthen the Dunlop brand by "unifying the Dunlop identity" and improve profitability by promoting Dunlop's high-end tires.

From 2028 to 2030, it will promote global brand management centered on Dunlop, make full use of brand influence, focus on cash flow generation, and ensure the stability of its market position.