Valebridge Media Services (VMS) has announced the first 16 categories of the 2023 edition of the Recircle Awards. The Recircle Awards is a ceremony aimed at recognising the most prominent companies within the tyre recycling and retreading industries. The Recircle Awards 2023 will incorporate a total of 22 awards covering a wide and balanced range of categories from across the tyre industry. 16 of these categories were already announced at the official launch of the 2023 Recircle Awards held on 8 March, 2023 during the TyreXpo Asia show in Singapore.

The 16 categories announced are as follows – 

1. Best Tread Rubber Supplier
2. Best Retreading Equipment Supplier
3. Best Retreading Accessory and Consumables Supplier
4. Best Tyre Recycling Industry Supplier
5. Best Tyre Derived Recycled Product
6. Employee of the Year
7. Best Passenger Retreader
8. Best Truck & Bus Retreader
9. Best OTR Retreader
10. Tyre Pyrolysis Award
11. Tyre Devulcanisation Award
12. Mechanical Tyre Recycling Award
13. Best Company Director
14. Best Tyre Recycling Research Project
15. Best EPR Scheme
16. Lifetime Achievement Award in the Tyre Recycling Sector

David Wilson, Managing Director of Valebridge Media Services, the organising entity, said, “We are delighted to be able to announce the first 16 categories for the 2023 Recircle Awards, which we believe offers a wide scope of opportunities for the industry to recognise the achievements of worthy companies and individuals within the global tyre retreading and recycling industries, in terms of their individual excellence as well as the overall contribution of the industry to the circular economy.”

The winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award and Circular Economy Award were also announced at the event. The Lifetime Achievement Award in the retreading sector was granted to Chen Jet How, the former CEO of the Kit Loong Group. He was presented with the award for his contribution to the development of the tyre retreading industry in Southeast Asia. The winner of the Circular Economy Award was AZUR Network, a network of companies from Germany related to the tyre retreading industry. They were given the award for their contribution to the promotion of the tyre retreading sector. The award was received by AZUR Network co-ordinator, Christina Guth.

Alwin Seow, Show Director for Tyrexpo Asia, provided some highlights on the Recircle Awards and their overall importance to the show. He said, “What we expect from this edition of the Recircle Awards is to congregate all the major players of the tyre retreading and recycling industries, and also to celebrate excellence within that field.”

The nomination process for the 16 categories is already open and will close on 5 May, 2023. 

Ralson Tire North America (RTNA) has made some strategic changes in its top management with an aim to strengthen its foundation for the future. The company has promoted Mark Roe to Vice President of Sales for the company. Roe previously served as Vice President – Sales (West) for the company. Apart from this, Christy Neito has been promoted to the role of Business Manager for RTNA.

According to the company, Roe will work closely with all RTNA sales managers to assign roles and coordinate execution, which will improve performance and focus throughout RTNA.

Neito has over 20 years of expertise in operational administration, bookkeeping and office management. She joined RTNA in 2023. Neito will be in charge of banking and accounting coordination, cash management, compliance and administrative assistance for HR services as part of her enlarged duties.

RTNA Senior Vice President Brian Sheehey, said, “Mark brings over three decades of rich experience in domestic and regional sales within the tyre industry and has been an integral part of RTNA since 2024. His deep industry expertise and leadership will be key drivers in strengthening our sales organisation.”

“Christy’s expertise and collaborative approach will be pivotal as we scale operations. We are confident that these changes will further propel RTNA’s growth trajectory and strengthen our foundations for the future,” added Sheehey.

Hyderabad-based manufacturer targets 2 million monthly units within five years

In recent years, Hyderabad-based ARL Tyres has proven to be a versatile and innovative player with ambitious strategic goals. From providing specialised rubber items to the Indian military to creating innovative solutions for the emerging electric vehicle segment, ARL Tyres has shown remarkable resilience since its inception as a family enterprise in 1983.

With production levels now crossing 150,000 units per month and ambitious goals to reach two million units per month in five years, ARL is placing itself at the cusp of conventional industrial manufacturing and future mobility solutions. Its recent appearance at the Ride Asia EV Expo showcased the company’s wide range of products and its dedication to supporting India’s developing transportation infrastructure with niche products such as Smart Tyres and terrain-specific Mud Master range.

Hyderabad-based ARL Tyres, a division of Agarwal Rubber Limited, recently showcased its products, including tyres and tubes, at the Ride Asia EV Expo held at Bharat Mandapam this year. The company has established itself as a trusted partner for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. It offers a comprehensive range of products, including tyres for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs). It is also known for manufacturing Smart Tyres.

Growth Plans

The types of tyres being produced at this company include those for ultra-light trucks, two-wheelers, forklifts, tractors and light trucks. The company manufactures approximately 12,000 tyres daily at its production facility, selling across different areas of the country due to a 400-strong network of exclusive dealers.

According to Gautam Ghosh, Head-West Zone at ARL Tyres, “We are very optimistic about tyre sales in 2025 as there is tremendous potential in the EV sector. So far, in 2025, we have been averaging close to 150,000 units per month. Expect us to touch 0.2 to 0.25 million units a month by the end of this year.”

Continuing the expansion plan, the company intends to touch at least two million monthly units in five years. This growth is supported by its extensive network of exclusive dealers distributed across various regions of India.

Technical Expertise and Manufacturing Capabilities

In 2000, ARL Tyres gathered in-depth knowledge about all the major tyre technologies, manufacturing processes and industry standards. Apart from tyres, this ISO 9001:2015-certified company is also known for manufacturing high-quality flaps, envelopes, curing bags, bladders and butyl tubes.

Today, the company boasts an ultra-modern tube manufacturing unit that produces roughly 50,000 high-grade butyl rubber automotive tubes. While the range begins with two-wheeler sizes, it also extends to the aviation and OTR (Off-The-Road) sectors

Defence Sector Connection

Since 1996, ARL’s technical expertise in rubber has enabled it to supply tubes to the Indian defence sector. The durability and performance of its products have made ARL a preferred OEM supplier for the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited), and HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited).

Products for E3W Segment

For the electric three-wheeler market, which includes auto-rickshaws (passenger and commercial) and e-rickshaws, ARL offers both tube-type and tubeless tyres in sizes 4.00-12 and 4.50-12. The company markets two brands for this vehicle category: the Savera and the Xtreme.

According to the company, individuals should choose the Savera for its performance, safety, and durability on urban and semi-urban roads. Its non-skid Depth (NSD) ranges from 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm, which gives it good grip and safety. It would be useful as a passenger and cargo tyre.

On the other hand, ARL Xtreme is a tube-type tyre that optimises long-lasting performance, grip and safety on various roads. It differs from the Savera in terms of design and safety. Unlike the Savera, an NSD of 9mm is available here. Engineers at ARL have created a stylish design for the Xtreme that balances aesthetics and functionality with advanced technology.

Global Reach and Partnerships

Beyond the domestic market, ARL exports its products to more than 60 countries worldwide. Over the years, ARL Tyres has forged a few partnerships with top brands and continues to do so. For example, the company partnered with Chandu Champion, cheered India at the Paris Olympics through its ‘Jeet ki Aur’ campaign, and sponsored RCB during IPL 2025.

Innovative Offerings

Among its unique propositions, ARL offers OEM test drives with new tyres at specific locations, allowing auto manufacturers to fine-tune vehicle designs according to tyres and provide targeted inputs. It also sells Smart Tyres with scientific tread designs for efficient movement. The cross sipes on these tyres differ greatly from regular tyres and help grip wet and muddy surfaces. Instead of relying on vehicle technologies, these tyres are themselves available with real-time monitoring capabilities.

Company History and Client Base

ARL was founded as a family business in 1983 and became a tyre manufacturing company. Mobility companies such as Maa Luxmi India and Ferranza Electric Vehicle Private Limited, which were present at the Ride Asia Expo EV, are clients of ARL, as are the OEM manufacturers Omaha, Arel and Yakuza. While ARL’s trials for the Thukral Electric Bike have already commenced, the dispatches have not yet begun.

The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has promoted Stella Mathioudaki to Director, Product Stewardship & Sustainability of the association.

Mathioudaki has a PhD in Physics – Materials Science from Université de Namur and has been associated with ETRMA since November 2023, working in the capacity of Senior Manager – Materials Stewardship. Before joining ETRMA, she worked as Senior Chemicals Policy Consultant at Acumen Public Affairs. Mathioudaki will spearhead important projects on tyre sustainability, including recycling, retreading and the wider shift to a circular economy, in addition to supervising the industry's efforts on responsible material usage and regulatory compliance in her new position at ETRMA.

Radar Tires announced the appointment of Casey Hill as Territory Sales Manager for North America, bolstering the company’s leadership team as it continues its market expansion strategy.

Hill brings more than ten years of sales leadership experience to the role, where responsibilities will include strengthening brand presence, enhancing sales performance and developing strategic initiatives across regional markets.

The appointment comes amidst what industry analysts describe as a particularly competitive period in the North American tyre market, with manufacturers vying for greater market share through enhanced dealer networks and customer-focused innovations.

“We’re excited to welcome Casey to the Radar Tires family," said Rob Montasser, Vice President of Radar Tire, North America. "Casey's proven success in sales leadership and innovative strategy development aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional, affordable products to our customers. We're confident that Casey's expertise will be instrumental in further strengthening Radar Tires’ footprint across North America."

Before joining Radar, Hill specialised in team mentorship, performance metrics development and customised client solutions, consistently driving sales teams to exceed targets whilst building strong industry relationships.

“I am honoured to join the Radar brand and to help in the growth of Radar Tires in North America,” said Hill. “I am passionate about creating value through strong partnerships and helping independent tyre dealers to grow their business profitably. I look forward to building on Radar Tires’ legacy of innovation and excellence.”