Vipal Rubber has been named as the official trophy sponsor for the 2023 Recircle Awards, the globally-facing industry awards event recognising sustainable innovation, production processes, management and services within the tyre retreading and recycling industries. The announcement was made by Valebridge Media Services (VMS).

As trophy sponsor, Vipal Rubber will receive a number of key promotional benefits provided by VMS and the awards official media partners, Retreading Business and Tyre & Rubber Recycling, business journals for the tyre retreading and recycling sectors. These include video, emailing, website and social media benefits, key coverage in the post-awards supplement to be published by the media partners, press release support and a video podcast on Retreading Business’s popular Retreadcast.

The awards themselves, produced by Spanish design specialists, Neusus Upcycling, feature a twisted column of black crumb rubber derived from end-of-life tyres, supported by a base manufactured from recycled copper, and are in keeping with the sustainability goals of the Recircle Awards concept.

Leandro Rigon, International Business Director, Vipal Rubber, commented, “The whole concept of tyre retreading is about preventing tyres from being disposed of early in life and giving them multiple lives, instead of generating a premature waste. It also prevents the production of a whole new tyre to replace one that is still in a condition to give much of its potential. Whenever a tyre is retreaded, the use of natural resources allocated to produce a new unit is reduced to a third or even less, according to several studies. For us at Vipal, this is a massive contribution to the world’s circular economy, and we believe that the Recircle Awards is a strong vehicle to promote and recognise such a great activity, that still has much room to expand and contribute to our planet. Raising awareness for this activity is definitely a great step for taking good care of our home.”

David Wilson, Managing Director, Valebridge Media Services, said, “Vipal Rubber has been a major supporter of the Recircle Awards since the event’s launch in 2020, and we are delighted that the company has decided to become trophy sponsors of the 2023 awards. The support of major players like Vipal and our other partner/collaborators from within the tyre retreading and recycling industries is of vital importance in underlining the key contribution made by the tyre industry to the circular economy, and will continue to help cement the position of the Recircle Awards as the leading industry awards event for our sector.”

The 2023 Recircle Awards will be officially launched on 8 March, 2023 at Tyrexpo Asia in Singapore. The  winners will be announced during Futurmotive - Expo & Talks, the new event devoted to energy and ecology transition and new business models for the automotive industry, to be held from 16-18 November, 2023 in Bologna, Italy.

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Zeon Corporation has deepened its commitment to digital chemistry through a strategic investment and partnership with Chemify Limited, secured via its corporate venture arm Zeon Ventures Inc. Chemify, a growth-stage UK enterprise, is reshaping molecular research by integrating digital tools with automated laboratory systems. Its proprietary Chemputation technology translates molecular targets into executable chemical code, which operates directly on robotic platforms to complete integrated Design–Make–Test–Analyze cycles without manual intervention. This closed-loop automation allows Chemify to explore previously inaccessible areas of chemical space while reducing the timeline from concept to synthesized compound by up to tenfold.

A cornerstone of Chemify’s capability is its recently inaugurated Chemifarm in Glasgow – one of the most sophisticated automated facilities in the world for molecular design and construction. The facility enables accelerated iteration and autonomous synthesis of novel small molecules, converting chemical code into tangible compounds with unprecedented efficiency. These advances are critical for developing functional, synthesisable molecules that can contribute solutions to urgent global issues spanning public health, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Zeon has been at the forefront of adopting digital methodologies in chemical R&D, recognising their transformative potential from an early stage. This investment is positioned to strengthen Zeon’s internal digital chemistry efforts and catalyse the invention of novel materials capable of addressing complex societal needs. The move aligns with Zeon’s STAGE30 corporate strategy, which targets a rise in revenue contribution from four key growth sectors – Mobility, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Telecommunications and Green Transformation – to 48 percent by fiscal 2028. By backing pioneering enterprises and cultivating advanced materials, Zeon continues to advance its dual vision of a sustainable planet and a secure, progressive society.

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The Rubber Board of India has announced the opening of an application window for financial aid for sulphur dusting to combat powdery mildew disease in rubber plantations for the year 2026. The scheme is open to all Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPS) operating in both traditional and non-traditional growing regions.

From 10 to 20 February 2026, eligible societies must submit their applications online through the 'ServicePlus' portal on the official Rubber Board website. Societies requiring help with the submission process are advised to contact their nearest Rubber Board regional office or field station, or to consult the board's website for further guidance.

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Pyrum Innovations AG has welcomed the official recognition by French authorities on 17 January 2026, which classifies tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) as a legitimate raw material for the chemical sector. This pivotal regulatory milestone for pyrolysis oil derived from end-of-life tyres substantially enhances the product’s integration into established chemical value chains. It also provides greater predictability for future purchase and partnership frameworks, thereby accelerating the development of industrial material cycles.

For Pyrum, which processes scrap tyres through pyrolysis to recover pyrolysis oil, industrial carbon black and steel, this decision underscores the critical need for standardised and reliable regulatory conditions. Such clarity is fundamental for scaling investments, production volumes and supply chains, particularly as the chemical industry and circular economy converge. The establishment of clear product categories is essential to ramp up the market for high-quality recycled raw materials.

The company remains committed to tracking further developments in France and the wider European dialogue regarding the classification and application of recycled feedstocks. Pyrum’s overarching objective is to expand industrial-scale recycling solutions for scrap tyres. This regulatory progress directly supports the company’s mission to secure long-term, quality-assured supply agreements with partners across the chemical industry, thereby advancing a more sustainable and circular economic model.

Pascal Klein, CEO, Pyrum Innovations AG, said, “The decision in France is an important step for the industrial use of pyrolysis oil from waste tyres. It supports a trend that we are seeing in many markets, where the chemical industry is seeking reliable, technologically robust and clearly classified alternative raw materials.”

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In pursuit of its strategic vision, ‘Michelin in Motion 2030’, Michelin is expanding into high-value adjacent markets, including the development of its Polymer Composite Solutions. A key step in this growth is the acquisition of Flexitallic, a global leader in sealing solutions based in Houston, Texas. This move is set to substantially enhance Michelin’s sealing portfolio and extend its market access, particularly within the aftermarket sector.

Flexitallic serves critical industries such as energy and chemicals, providing high-performance gaskets, sheet products and specialty filler materials known for exceptional reliability and resistance in extreme, safety-critical environments. The company, which operates 17 facilities worldwide and employs about 1,200 people, reported sales of approximately USD 220 million in 2025.

The acquisition is a strong strategic fit, uniting two global organisations with a shared commitment to innovation and quality, thereby creating significant synergies for future growth. The transaction, for an undisclosed amount, will be fully financed from Michelin’s available cash. Subject to standard regulatory approvals and closing adjustments, it is anticipated to be finalised in the first half of 2026.

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