Zeppelin Systems has been awarded the engineering contract for constructing a second ReOil pyrolysis plant, with construction slated to commence in February 2024.
By establishing this new pyrolysis plant, ReOil has significantly expanded its annual recycling capacity, now capable of processing approximately 60,000 tons per year. This state-of-the-art facility, covering roughly 27 acres, is a testament to the ingenuity and engineering expertise provided by Zeppelin Systems.
Having already supplied the initial engineering groundwork for the new plant in 2019, Zeppelin Systems has been awarded the completion contract, underscoring the high level of customer satisfaction. As the primary engineering partner, Zeppelin Systems delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions, encompassing plant technology, process engineering, and final plant planning, all from a single source.
“A flagship project for Zeppelin Systems with a signalling effect. Only a few companies can implement such complex and extensive projects virtually anywhere in the world,” says Dr Markus Vöge, CEO of Zeppelin Systems GmbH, adding: “The aim is to offer process solutions in the future that can be provided as part of license models. For example, the ELT pyrolysis plant as a turnkey product from Zeppelin Systems.” Guido Veit, Vice President of Sales, Plastic and Rubber at Zeppelin Systems GmbH, adds: “ReOil’s engineering contract is the first project as part of the Zeppelin Sustainable Tyre Alliance. This makes us proud and demonstrates the strength of the alliance. In addition, we will continue to work hard to bring additional processes to technological maturity and strengthen the network in terms of the circular economy.”
ReOil Managing Director Paweł Mikuśkiewicz is also delighted with the very successful partnership between Zeppelin Systems and ReOil: “We knew that this major project could only be planned and built with the help of an experienced and internationally active plant engineering partner. That’s why we chose Zeppelin Systems, and we really appreciate our long-standing, trusting business relationship.”
Zeppelin Systems, a trusted partner in plant engineering for the rubber and tyre industry, has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future by launching the Zeppelin Sustainable Tire Alliance in March 2023. This collaborative initiative aims to work alongside global partners in reshaping the tyre production and recycling process in a more environmentally conscious manner.
Among the esteemed members of this technology alliance is the Polish firm ReOil, known for establishing Europe’s largest pyrolysis plant dedicated to recycling old tyres in 2015. Over the years, ReOil has successfully recycled approximately 20,000 tonnes of old tyres annually. Once operational, this colossal plant is expected to reintegrate about 60,000 tonnes of old tyres into the sustainable circular economy annually.
ReOil, a leading operator in raw material recycling, employs continuous pyrolysis to break down rubber from discarded tyres into valuable substances like gas, oil and recovered Carbon Black (rCB). These recycled materials find application in various industries, including textiles, tyre manufacturing, rubber components, plastics, steel production, and even aviation fuel. Since its commissioning in 2015, ReOil has effectively recycled around 70,000 tonnes of old tyres, reaching a stable and profitable operational state in 2020.
Rubber Board Extends Planting Aid Schemes At Current Rates For 2026-27
- By TT News
- May 08, 2026
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.
Rubber Board Calls For Marketing Graduates With Digital Skills For Temporary Engagement
- By TT News
- May 07, 2026
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.
Bekaert Finalises Acquisition Of Bridgestone’s Tyre Reinforcement Plants In China And Thailand
- By TT News
- May 06, 2026
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.”
- Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries
- ANRPC
- Natural Rubber
- Monthly NR Statistical Report
ANRPC Publishes Monthly NR Statistical Report For March 2026
- By TT News
- May 06, 2026
The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its Monthly NR Statistical Report for March 2026, revealing a market that turned external pressures into clear price gains. While February had hinted at shifting dynamics, March provided proof of the industry’s core strength, with prices rising across all major grades and trading hubs despite an unusually challenging global environment. A 3.4 percent drop in monthly output and a dramatic 42.51 percent spike in Brent crude prices allowed natural rubber to advance rather than retreat.
Benchmark grades recorded widespread increases. In Kuala Lumpur, SMR-20 reached an average of USD 2.04 per kilogramme, while Bangkok saw STR-20 climb to USD 2.20 and RSS-3 jump to USD 2.56 per kilogramme. Kottayam’s RSS-4 averaged USD 2.35, and centrifuged latex in Kuala Lumpur rose sharply to USD 1.72 per kilogramme. Futures markets echoed the trend, with Shanghai’s May contract averaging CNY 16,662 per tonne and Singapore’s June contract closing at USD 1.95 per kilogramme.
The supply situation tightened considerably. Global March production is forecast at 786,000 tonnes, with Thailand’s output falling to 164,000 tonnes as southern growing regions endured temperatures of 42 to 43 degrees Celsius and rainfall up to 69 percent below normal levels. These punishing conditions sent a clear message that the market can absorb demand without chaotic price swings, a sign of a maturing commodity sector.
Demand told a similarly positive story. China’s natural rubber consumption surged from 446,000 tonnes in February to 610,000 tonnes in March, supported by a manufacturing PMI of 50.4, a 74.4 percent monthly rise in vehicle output, and a 130 percent annual leap in new energy vehicle exports. Chinese imports jumped 39.03 percent month-on-month to 629,800 tonnes, while Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand boosted exports by 47.34 percent, 13.73 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively.
The oil market further strengthened natural rubber’s competitive edge. With Brent crude averaging over USD 101 per barrel and peaking at USD 126.69 on 31 March, synthetic rubber became significantly less cost-effective, giving tyre makers a strong incentive to favour natural rubber. Policy moves also bolstered confidence, including Malaysia’s replanting aid increase to RM 20,000 per hectare and a new Indonesian research partnership on high-yield rubber tree genetics.
Looking ahead to the second quarter, the market enters the seasonal low-yield period with firming demand. New energy vehicle growth across Asia, an elevated oil floor, replanting investments and tightening supply all point to constructive pricing. Risks like trade disputes, weather extremes and geopolitical tensions remain, but March data shows an industry turning uncertainty into opportunity.
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