The 6th AZuR Partner Meeting convened over 70 participants from industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, trade, politics and academia on 26 and 27 February 2026 in Upper Austria. The event was hosted by KIAS Recycling GmbH, the operator of Austria’s sole used tyre recycling plant, at the Alte Fabrik event centre. The gathering brought together stakeholders from across the European tyre and recycling sector for a programme of presentations, workshops and discussions. The central aim was to devise forward-thinking solutions and projects to enhance retreading alongside mechanical and chemical recycling processes.

Christina Guth, the AZuR network coordinator, expressed her satisfaction with the high level of personal engagement demonstrated by partners from across Europe. She noted that expert presentations injected fresh energy and the ensuing dialogues generated promising concepts for expanding the tyre circular economy. She extended particular gratitude to the KIAS Recycling team for their thorough preparation and organisation, which made such a substantial event possible.

The technical proceedings commenced after a welcome from representatives of KIAS Recycling, the wdk and AZuR. Professor Holger Hoppe from TH Ingolstadt delivered an engaging presentation centred on the future of the circular economy, illustrating how the combination of novel business models, regulatory measures and cross-disciplinary teamwork can propel the necessary transformation. A subsequent networking session, guided by coordinator Anna-Maria Guth, reviewed the previous year's milestones, including political engagement at various governmental levels, scientific partnerships, trade fair participation and international exchanges.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to updates from AZuR’s three project groups. The retreading group is intensifying its political advocacy regionally and boosting its profile at major trade fairs. The mechanical recycling group is prioritising collaborations and involvement in municipal tenders and specialist conferences. Meanwhile, the chemical recycling group is concentrating on completing masterbatch initiatives, developing practical product applications and clarifying the distinction between pyrolysis and simple incineration.

The visit to KIAS Recycling’s facility stood out as a key highlight. Partners were led through the plant in small groups, observing firsthand the modern processes of tyre recycling, from intake and treatment to the high-value application of recovered materials. This tour effectively demonstrated that certified waste management and recycling infrastructure are fundamental to a successful tyre circular economy.

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The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has sounded an alarm over an exceptionally difficult economic situation facing the rubber sector. Soaring raw material prices and persistently high energy costs, exacerbated by the Iran war, are coinciding with weak industrial demand. wdk Chief economist Michael Berthel noted an almost unprecedented economic disparity, as raw material costs approach historical highs from 2011 and 2022 while a lack of demand prevents any offset for manufacturers.

Since the final quarter of 2025, prices for key inputs have risen sharply. Natural rubber has jumped more than 40 percent within months, while butadiene-based synthetic rubbers have increased over 30 percent. EPDM synthetic rubber, carbon black and oil-based plasticisers have all risen more than 20 percent, with some individual chemicals exceeding 40 percent cost growth in just a few weeks.

Energy prices remain a major burden, with Middle East developments fuelling market uncertainty. Risks to international transport and supply chains persist, and German rubber companies are closely watching potential impacts on raw material availability and global logistics flows.

Berthel warned that firms face mounting pressure from high costs, geopolitical instability and structural disadvantages in Germany, with no short-term relief in sight. The industry depends heavily on fair and reliable partnerships across the value chain, as processing companies alone cannot absorb the current strain. He called for fair solutions and a shared understanding of this exceptional situation.

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The Rubber Board of India has confirmed the continuation of all existing central sector schemes for the 2026-27 fiscal year at unchanged rates. Financial aid for new planting will be restricted to estates utilising poly bag or root trainer plants sourced solely from Board-approved nurseries, with applicants required to submit the original purchase bill. This mandatory verification step aims to ensure quality and authenticity of planting materials used across the sector.

Support for rain guarding and spraying operations will be channelled exclusively through Rubber Producers’ Societies. These societies must include GST bills for all acquired materials when applying. The official timeline for submitting applications will be announced separately by the Board, giving producers adequate time to prepare documentation and coordinate with their respective societies before the deadline.

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The Rubber Board of India has announced a temporary engagement for a young professional within its Market Promotion Division, located at the RRII campus in Puthuppally, Kottayam. The selected individual will assist with division activities and promote ‘mRube’, the electronic trading platform for natural rubber.

Candidates must hold an MBA in Marketing or Agri Business Management with computer knowledge, while skills in digital marketing, sales or market research and proficiency in English and Hindi are preferred. Applicants aged up to 30 years as of 1 May 2026, will be considered for the one-year role, which offers a consolidated monthly pay of INR 25,000.

Interested individuals should send their applications to the Deputy Director (Marketing) at the Central Laboratory Building, RRII, Rubber Board PO, Kottayam – 686009 by 19 May 2026. Shortlisted names will appear on the Rubber Board’s website with interview details, as no separate communication will be sent.

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Bekaert has officially finalised its acquisition of Bridgestone’s tyre reinforcement operations in China and Thailand, after securing all necessary regulatory approvals and meeting standard closing conditions. The deal, now fully completed, marks a significant step in the Belgian company’s expansion strategy.

The transaction brings under Bekaert’s control two production facilities: Bridgestone (Shenyang) Steel Cord Co., Ltd. in China and Bridgestone Metalfa (Thailand) Co., Ltd. in Thailand. These plants specialise in manufacturing high-quality tyre cord products exclusively for Bridgestone tyres, and they will continue to supply Bridgestone under the new ownership, further deepening the longstanding partnership between the two firms.

Financially, the acquisition is expected to add roughly EUR 80 million to Bekaert’s annual consolidated sales. The EUR 60 million cash consideration for the deal was funded from the company’s available cash reserves.

Curd Vandekerckhove, CEO Rubber Reinforcement, said, “With the completion of this acquisition within our Rubber Reinforcement division, we are pleased to officially welcome the plant teams in China and Thailand to Bekaert. Our immediate focus is on a smooth transition and operational continuity while continuing to serve Bridgestone as a key strategic partner. The completion of the acquisition further strengthens the position of Bekaert in the tyre cord market, expands the global manufacturing footprint and deepens our longstanding partnership with Bridgestone. A long-term supply agreement ensures continued delivery of high-quality tyre reinforcement within a trusted supplier model.”

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