The German Rubber Industry Association (wdk) has called for enhanced policies to unlock the full potential of tyre recycling in Germany. While acknowledging the existing successes of the circular economy in this sector, Stephan Rau, Technical Director of wdk, emphasised that significant untapped opportunities remain. Last year alone, Germany generated 533,000 tonnes of used tyres, with nearly 70 percent kept in circulation through reuse, retreading and recycling. The wdk advocates for a stronger framework to improve these material flows and boost the market for recycled materials.

A central pillar of the wdk’s position is the demand for a modern, science-based evaluation of recycled rubber products. Over 200,000 tonnes of used tyres are processed annually into granules and rubber flour, vital secondary raw materials for sustainable manufacturing. However, Rau argues that their broader market success is hindered by outdated assessment methods. The association urgently recommends a risk-based approach that evaluates chemical ingredients based on their actual bioavailability and migration, rather than their mere presence. This perspective, now supported by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), necessitates establishing binding limit values determined through migration analysis to ensure both safety and commercial viability.

Furthermore, the wdk highlights a critical gap in the complete monitoring of tyre material flows. A notable proportion of used tyres exit Germany and Europe for processing, depriving domestic recyclers of valuable secondary raw materials. To address this leakage and strengthen the circular economy, Rau stresses the need for comprehensive tracking of all end-of-life tyres. The association’s commitment is reflected in its patronage of the Alliance for Future Tyres (AZuR), a European network of nearly 100 partners from industry, trade and science dedicated to advancing a sustainable tyre circular economy across all segments.

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Tokyo Zairyo Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Zeon Corporation, marked a significant milestone in November 2025 by establishing a new branch office in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Following the completion of all necessary preparations, this location has now commenced full-scale operations. The move represents a deliberate effort to broaden the company’s commercial reach across the Indian market while simultaneously constructing an organizational structure capable of responding with greater agility to the evolving and increasingly diverse requirements of its customers.

This southern expansion comes approximately 15 years after the company first established its Indian subsidiary, Tokyo Zairyo (India) Pvt. Ltd., with an office in Gurugram, Haryana, in 2011. By positioning a second office in Chennai, the firm now operates a coordinated network spanning the northern and southern regions of the country. Close collaboration between the two locations is intended to strengthen information services and enhance user support, leveraging both internal capabilities and external partnerships to better serve Japanese automotive parts manufacturers and processors operating throughout India.

Through this dual-office structure, Tokyo Zairyo is poised to advance its core business of purchasing and selling a broad spectrum of materials, including rubber, resins and elastomers. The synchronised operations in Gurugram and Chennai enable the company to deliver more responsive support, ensuring that clients across the Indian automotive supply chain benefit from efficient service and a reliable supply of essential materials.

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Kuraray Co., Ltd. has announced a comprehensive global price adjustment for its portfolio of Liquid Rubber products and ISOBAM alkaline water-soluble polymer. These changes, which are set to take effect on 16 April 2026, will see prices rise by at least USD 2 per kg.

The driving forces behind these significant pricing actions are multifaceted, rooted in substantial disruptions to global supply chains. These disruptions are largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a cascading effect on logistics. Compounding this issue are the sharply rising costs associated with transportation and essential raw materials.

This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue the supply of Liquid Rubber and ISOBAM amidst the volatile market conditions.

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German chemical group WACKER has announced a price hike across its silicones product range, responding directly to significant upheavals in international commodity markets triggered by the recent military conflict in the Middle East. This geopolitical instability has created pronounced distortions throughout the supply chain, leading to a sharp escalation in the costs of essential inputs. The company is experiencing substantially higher prices for energy as well as for various other raw materials and logistics services.

To address this challenging economic landscape and offset the considerable burden of increased raw material and transportation expenses, the chemical group is implementing price adjustments effective 1 April 2026. The updated pricing will be communicated to the customers accordingly. This strategic move is essential for the company to maintain operational stability and continue delivering its products reliably amidst the volatile market conditions.

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Scandinavian Enviro Systems AB publ has signed a letter of intent with an undisclosed partner to explore the possibility of licensing its advanced tyre pyrolysis technology for deployment in North America.

The collaboration will focus on conducting a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the technical and commercial viability of establishing one or multiple facilities dedicated to processing end-of-life tyres using Enviro’s proprietary method. This study is designed to provide the potential licensee with the necessary insights to assess the prospects of entering into a long-term commercial arrangement and formal technology licensing agreement.

It is important to note that any definitive agreements will depend entirely on the study's outcomes and subsequent negotiations. At this stage, there is no guarantee that the evaluation will lead to binding commitments or that the proposed transaction will ultimately materialise.

Fredrik Aaben, CEO, Scandinavian Enviro Systems, said, “We continue to see strong international interest in Enviro’s technology, and this letter of intent is yet another proof of this.”

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