The essence of Vipal is directly related to sustainability. Long before the topic became a priority in the corporate world, the frequent disposal of tyres in good condition caught the attention of the company’s founder, Vicencio Paludo – who was at the time, owner of a gas station in Nova Prata, in southern Brazil. This prompted him to acquire machines to retread used tyres. Vipal’s business was consolidated to avoid waste and the generation of residues. 

The company’s work in developing products and machines for tyre retreading and providing technical training for professionals in the sector has made it one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rubber for the segment. Vipal has also won four categories at the Recircle Awards, a global award highlighting contributions to the circular economy within the tyre manufacturing, retreading and recycling industry. Vipal was recognised with three trophies: Best Precured Tread Supplier; Best Tyre Retreading Equipment Supplier; and Best Tyre Retreading Accessory and Consumables Supplier. Additionally, Fabricio Nedeff, Vipal´s commercial manager in Europe, was awarded as Employee of the Year. Focused on these relevant issues, Vipal once again participates in The Tire Cologne, the world’s leading international fair for the tyre industry, taking place from June 4 to 6 June in Cologne, Germany. 

Leandro Rigon, Director of International Business at Vipal, states, “Vipal’s presence at The Tire Cologne is essential to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation, in addition to strengthening our ties with customers and partners and presenting solutions that contribute to the circular economy and a more sustainable future.” Gilson Dugno, Commercial Manager for International Business at Vipal, adds: “We are proud to participate once again in the event, presenting our products and services that not only meet the needs of the market but also contribute significantly to environmental preservation.” 

The last edition of the event in 2022 welcomed more than 300 exhibitors and 11,438 visitors. This year, Vipal participates with a stand located at The Tire Cologne’s themed section focused on the circular economy (Hall 7, stand C045-C047), presenting its line of precured treads, with emphasis on DV-RT5, VM310 and VT540, as well as a wide selection of repair products. 

An exclusive design by Vipal, the DV-RT5 tread was developed with high technology for the highway segment. It features a unique compound compatible with extreme applications, and higher mileage performance proven in tests. Its transversal blocks provide excellent traction power and favour torque distribution. The DV-RT5 has special ties between the blocks for better balance and stability, a closed central rib that offers greater contact area to the road and casing protection. It also has the M+S marking, which guarantees good performance in mud and snow conditions. 

Recommended for drive and free axles in urban areas, the VM310 has a design that offers better traction power while the blocks promote the torque distribution, maximizing its performance. The sipes provides excellent grip in snow conditions and minimize irregular wear, while the grooves sculpture was designed to minimize retention of rocks and objects and to allow better water outflow in the rotational direction. With greater balance and stability due to its bindings between the blocks, the tread still offers good mileage performance and outstanding resistance to abrasion wear. 

With excellent traction power in harsh conditions of use, the VT540 is ideal for regional roads. The design has features that allow the tread to be self-cleaning concerning the mud, sand, and stones build-up and, like the VM310, is equipped with the exclusive Eye Control technology, which facilitates wear level control and suggesting the proper time for tyre retreading, preserving casing integrity and making the tyre management in fleets much easier. 

In addition to the treads, the Vipal will also showcase products from its repair line. “Our participation in the fair aims to reinforcing our presence in the European territory, with local service and stock, consolidating Vipal as a reference for excellence in the market”, highlights Frederico Schmidt, General Manager of the European subsidiary. 

Operating in Europe since 2006, Vipal Rubber has an office in Spain and distribution centres in England, Spain, and Slovenia, also catering to the African and Middle Eastern countries. With an experienced team capable of providing prompt and custom-made services, the branch offers solutions for the tyre retreading market, guaranteeing quality, innovation, and sustainability. Over the past two decades, Vipal has solidified its position among the industry’s top five companies in Europe, standing out for its excellence in technical products and services.