In looking back on 2025 these were key influencing factors for the tire industry.

The start of a new year offers a welcome opportunity to reflect on the milestones and challenges of the year that just passed.

When it comes to tire safety and performance, winter tire adoption continued its upward trend in 2025, with 80% of Canadian drivers now using winter tires, a 12-point increase over the last decade. This growth reflects the combined impact of regulation, incentives, and education campaigns and the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) continues to contribute to these efforts.

Extensive coverage

In 2025, TRAC’s winter tire campaign generated extensive media coverage, reinforcing the message that dedicated winter tires are critical for safe winter driving.

Regulatory engagement remained strong. TRAC worked with Transport Canada on updates to the winter tire definition, snow traction testing requirement, ice symbol standard, parasitic tread block chunking under Technical Standards Documents of the Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations, ensuring alignment with evolving performance and safety requirements.

Innovation played a vital role in 2025. At the Tire Emissions Research Conference in Boston, global experts advanced research on tire and road wear particles, focusing on standardized testing and detection technologies. These efforts underscore the industry’s commitment to science-based solutions to environmental challenges.

TDA developments

Closer to home, TRAC collaborated on a State of Knowledge Report on Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA), a recycled material that’s gaining traction in civil engineering. Lightweight, cost-effective, and sustainable, TDA exemplifies how end-of-life tires can support infrastructure development and circularity goals.

Sustainability remained a strategic priority. TRAC engaged with officials in Environment & Climate Change Canada on the Federal Plastics Registry, advocating for clarity and fairness as tires were slated for inclusion in this effort by the federal government. As a result of our advocacy, we recently learned that the reporting for tires has been delayed to September 2028. Provincially, we worked with the regulator (RPRA) to address tire fee structures and improve regulatory frameworks under Ontario’s Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act. 

Sustainability progress

On the global stage, TRAC contributed to negotiations on the UN Global Plastics Treaty and Basel Convention guidelines, ensuring Canadian perspectives align with international standards. The Tire Industry Project, marking its 20^th anniversary, continues to lead the tire industry on sustainability issues, from microplastics to chemicals of concern.

2025 was also a year of connection. TRAC’s Rubber Recycling Symposium in Calgary drew over 110 attendees from across the globe, spotlighting innovations in tire manufacturing, tire recycling and market development for tire-derived products. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the event’s role as a cornerstone for industry collaboration.

And further on tire industry events into 2026, the Tire Industry Association’s Off-The-Road Tire Conference in February is widely regarded as one of the most insightful events on off-the-road tires, and the Tire Recycling Foundation’s 10th Tire Recycling Conference in May holds the same distinction for tire recycling in the U.S., North America and globally. Every year, I make sure not to miss them.

Clear focus

Now that we’re firmly in 2026, TRAC’s focus remains clear: advancing tire safety, driving innovation, and championing sustainability. Through regulatory advocacy, global collaboration, and industry engagement, we’re shaping a resilient, responsible tire industry for the future.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep pushing boundaries in safety, innovation, and sustainability, because the road ahead matters.