Foreword from the Chief Executive
Welcome to the first edition of the BTMA Newsletter.
This new platform is an important step in how we share progress, celebrate achievements, and connect with our members and wider stakeholders. Over recent months, we’ve been laying the foundations for a more visible and engaged BTMA—reflected in our updated branding, stronger LinkedIn presence, and the development of a new members’ area to support transparency and collaboration.
Our involvement in major events such as the Tire Industry Project (TIP) global conference, the Ogmore River clean-up campaign, and the upcoming BTMA Retread Forum Day reflects our growing leadership across the tyre sector. These engagements—alongside our evolving communications strategy—are helping to amplify the voice of the UK tyre industry.
The trading environment remains challenging. According to ETRMA, consumer tyre sales in the UK and EU grew by 3% in Q1 2025, driven largely by a 14% rise in all-season tyres. In contrast, truck and bus tyre volumes dropped by 4%, a likely reflection of wider economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, imports of passenger car and light truck tyres into the UK and EU rose by 12% in early 2025.
Against this backdrop, there is renewed interest in the circular economy—and in retreading in particular. Long recognised as a cornerstone of sustainable tyre management, retreading is gaining momentum thanks to its environmental benefits. Over 80% of retreaded truck and bus tyres used in the UK are manufactured domestically, with 85% of the original tyre reused in the process. Innovations in hot and pre-cure processes, as well as improvements in energy efficiency, are helping to rebuild market share while cutting environmental impact. At the recent Sustainability Forum, industry leaders highlighted retreading as a key strategy for both decarbonisation and resource efficiency.
Looking ahead, BTMA will continue to champion the pillars that matter most: safety, sustainability, competitiveness, and collaboration. This newsletter is part of that commitment—designed to inform, inspire and connect.
Thank you for being part of it.
Darren Lindsey
Chief Executive, BTMA
