The Asia Pacific Media Day formed part of Michelin’s broader engagement with stakeholders in the region, as the Group continues to adapt its business model in response to technological change, sustainability expectations and evolving mobility needs.Michelin hosted its Asia Pacific Media Day 2025 at its Nongkhae manufacturing site in Saraburi, Thailand, under the theme Michelin Beyond Performance. The event brought together regional media, industry partners and company executives to outline Michelin’s strategic direction in innovation, sustainability and advanced manufacturing across the Asia Pacific region.
Michelin More Than A Tyre Manufacturer
The company used the forum to position its evolution beyond its traditional tyre business towards becoming a manufacturer of composite-based solutions and associated services. Central to this strategy is Michelin’s All-Sustainable framework, which balances commercial performance with social and environmental considerations.
Opening the event, Manuel Fafian, President and Managing Director of Michelin Asia Pacific, described the Group’s transition from a mobility-focused manufacturer to a broader industrial player. He noted that Michelin’s long-term ambition is to integrate sustainability into product development, operations and partnerships, with an emphasis on outcomes that support people, business resilience and environmental responsibility.
Presentations and workshops during the Media Day highlighted Michelin’s growing portfolio of composite applications across sectors including mobility, healthcare, aerospace and low-carbon energy. The sessions reflected the Group’s focus on leveraging material science and engineering expertise to address changing market requirements and regulatory expectations.
Cyrille Roget, Technical and Scientific Communication Director at Michelin, outlined recent developments in sustainable tyre technologies. He emphasised the role of lifecycle assessment in product design, the increased use of bio-sourced and recycled materials, and efforts to reduce rolling resistance. Roget noted that the majority of a tyre’s environmental impact occurs during its use phase, reinforcing the importance of efficiency and durability alongside manufacturing improvements.
Collaboration as a sustainability driver
A panel discussion featuring representatives from DHL and Mon Transport as well as brand ambassador SweetVarnVarn examined the role of cross-sector collaboration in advancing sustainability. The discussion focused on joint initiatives in logistics and mobility, particularly in emerging markets, where partners are working to align performance metrics, environmental targets and operational practices.
Panellists highlighted that measurable outcomes depend on shared objectives, transparent data and long-term commitment, rather than short-term projects. The session underscored Michelin’s approach to working with partners to scale solutions and integrate sustainability into commercial decision-making.
As part of the programme, participants toured Michelin’s aircraft tyre and truck and bus tyre production lines at the Nongkhae facility. The site visit provided insight into how innovation, process efficiency and environmental considerations are incorporated into daily manufacturing operations.
