Balkrishna Industries Ltd (BKT Tires), a global leader in Off-Highway tyre manufacturing, has reinforced its commitment to India’s healthcare and sports development by enabling the establishment of a world-class Sports Injury and Rehabilitation Centre at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Mumbai through its CSR arm, the BKT Foundation. Spread across more than 15,000 square feet within the hospital premises, the facility represents a significant addition to public healthcare infrastructure while responding to the growing needs of India’s evolving sports ecosystem.

Designed to serve athletes from diverse disciplines, the centre is expected to emerge as one of western India’s most comprehensive rehabilitation hubs within the public healthcare system. With the ability to support more than 1,000 athletes each year and facilitate over 500 specialised surgical procedures, it aims to accelerate recovery, enhance performance and help sportspersons prepare for competition at national and international levels.

Clinical leadership of the facility rests with Dr Roshan Wade, sports specialist and additional professor in the Orthopaedics Department, who will work alongside a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physiotherapists, rehabilitation experts and nutrition professionals. Together, they will deliver integrated and end-to-end care under one roof, addressing both injury management and long-term physical conditioning.

The centre houses a fully equipped operation theatre complex with three advanced surgical rooms, a 20-bed inpatient ward and ICU-backed post-operative care. Its rehabilitation wing features high-end technologies including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, zero-gravity and underwater treadmills, virtual reality-based recovery systems and a specialised gait analysis laboratory. Outpatient services are supported by consultation rooms, in-house imaging such as X-ray and scannogram facilities and a wide range of interventional therapies.

The inauguration on 14 December 2025 was attended by senior leadership from BKT, municipal authorities and KEM Hospital, underscoring strong public–private collaboration. With an investment of approximately INR 200 million and a multi-year agreement ensuring equipment upkeep and infrastructure support, the project reflects BKT Foundation’s broader vision of strengthening healthcare capacity while nurturing India’s sporting potential.

Arvind Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director, BKT, said, “At BKT, we believe progress truly happens when communities move forward together. ‘Growing Together’ is more than a motto for us. It guides our decisions. By creating this centre with KEM Hospital and the BMC, we want to make world-class treatment accessible to every athlete. We are confident this facility will help many sportspersons return stronger.”

Vijayalaxmi Poddar, Chairperson, BKT-CSR committee, said, “This project reflects the values BKT stands for – Care, Dignity, Accessibility and Empowerment. Our goal was to create a space where healing is dignified and where every athlete feels supported at every stage of recovery. We want our youth to believe that their dreams are achievable, and we stand with them as they pursue excellence.”

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Hankook Tire has seen its summer tyre range validated this spring by three independent testing authorities. In the Auto Bild summer tyre test from the 10/2026 issue, the Ventus evo claimed overall victory in the 245/45 R19 size with a score of 1.1 and an ‘Exemplary’ rating, while the same model also won the Auto Bild allrad summer tyre test in the 255/45 R19 size from the 12/2026 issue, achieving a 1.2 score. Meanwhile, the Ventus Prime 4 earned strong praise in the AvD summer tyre test.

The Ventus evo’s success in the Auto Bild test began in qualification, where it secured a spot among 20 finalists from a field of 50, thanks in part to the second-best braking distances recorded. In the final dry handling assessments, it delivered the shortest braking distance and the highest average handling speed, while on wet surfaces it posted the fastest lap time on the aquaplaning circuit and the quickest speed in wet handling. The tyre also offered the best price-to-mileage ratio among all finalists.

In the separate Auto Bild allrad test, conducted in a size common for modern SUVs, the Ventus evo demonstrated strength both on and off the road. It led the field in wet braking and wet handling, achieved the highest traction on gravel and wet grass, and remained competitive on dry surfaces with low noise levels and short stopping distances. The test jury concluded it was the most convincing all-rounder for all-wheel-drive SUVs.

In the AvD summer tyre test, conducted with test specialist Tempotire in the 215/55 R17 size, the Ventus Prime 4 delivered a ‘Very good’ overall result. Its performance was particularly notable in wet conditions, where it recorded fast lap times, balanced handling and short braking distances while providing clear steering feedback and safe aquaplaning reserves. On dry roads, it offered reliable handling and strong rolling comfort. The tyre also earned high marks for sustainability, with production in Europe ensuring short transport routes and its EU label ratings reflecting modern construction. The jury highlighted its durability and cost efficiency, reinforcing Hankook’s reputation for delivering premium quality at a competitive price.

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AZuR partner NEW LIFE initiative is set to host the inaugural Municipal Climate Dialogue on 22 April 2026, coinciding with International Earth Day. This free online forum, beginning at 10:00 a.m., is designed for municipal decision-makers to connect with experts and editors from the trade journal KOMMUNALWIRTSCHAFT. The event is structured around three focused 30-minute sessions, each dedicated to exploring proven strategies and concrete implementation methods for developing urban spaces that are both liveable and climate-friendly.

A central theme of this digital expert discussion is the critical role of sustainable building materials, with particular prominence given to high-quality recycled products derived from tyre rubber granulate. These solutions directly address the objectives of a climate-resilient city: reducing CO₂ emissions, minimising waste and conserving natural resources. Furthermore, the use of tyre rubber granulate obtained from end-of-life tyres aligns with the German Circular Economy Act (KrWG), which mandates public contracting authorities to prioritise recycled and durable materials. The dialogue will highlight how such products are instrumental in sustainable urban development.

Following a brief opening plenary, the event will feature three parallel 30-minute sessions, allowing participants to easily navigate between online rooms dedicated to distinct urban development topics. The morning begins at 10:10 a.m. with a focus on sustainable urban development, covering building protection through green roofs and photovoltaic systems, impact sound insulation for various construction types and vibration isolation. At 10:40 a.m., the discussion shifts to playgrounds, sports facilities and green spaces, addressing impact-absorbing flooring, playing field surfaces and green area reinforcement. The final session at 11:10 a.m. centres on transport and sustainable mobility, exploring traffic noise protection, recycled rubber asphalt for roads and traffic calming measures.

Products made from tyre rubber granulate offer municipalities a combination of ecological and economic advantages. Their use helps reactivate open spaces and reduce surface sealing, improving the urban climate through applications like water-permeable paving and rainwater-retaining green roof layers. These solutions are weather-resistant, slip-resistant and customisable while also providing long-term economic benefits due to their durability, low maintenance requirements and reduced need for repairs. Such high-quality recycled products are already being successfully implemented in urban development and municipal renovation projects nationwide.

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Thomas Womble, CEO of Liberty Tire Recycling, a prominent player in North America's tyre recycling sector, has been named Dealmaker of the Year by Pittsburgh Smart Business Dealmakers, an honour that places him among a distinguished group recognised for their decades-long influence on local industry and innovation. This accolade, presented by the Pittsburgh Dealmakers Hall of Fame, celebrates leaders whose work has produced a groundbreaking impact not only within their own organisations but across the broader regional business landscape.

Womble’s leadership was formally celebrated at the Smart Business Dealmakers Conference on 19 February, where the 2026 class of winners collectively illustrated the strength and vitality of Pittsburgh’s business community. Under his direction, Liberty Tire Recycling has evolved into a nationwide environmental services leader, operating a vast network of processing plants and employing more than 3,500 people while helping customers advance their sustainability objectives through large-scale tyre recycling.

A defining moment under Womble’s tenure came with the company’s USD 1.5 billion acquisition by I Squared Capital, a transaction that underscored Liberty’s critical position in circular economy infrastructure. This milestone, coupled with ongoing strategic acquisitions and operational growth, positions the company for sustained expansion as it continues to deliver environmentally responsible solutions for tyre manufacturers and distributors.

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Maxion Wheels, a division of Iochpe-Maxion and a global leader in wheel manufacturing, is playing a key role in bringing Daimler Truck’s vision for more sustainable commercial vehicle manufacturing to life through a collaborative effort on a concept refuse collection truck. This innovative vehicle will be showcased at IFAT Munich, the premier global gathering for the recycling and environmental sector taking place from 4 to 7 May 2026 at Trade Fair Center Messe München. Designed to highlight a commitment to circular materials, resource efficiency and forward-thinking industrial processes, the concept truck serves as a tangible demonstration of how the commercial vehicle sector can embrace environmentally responsible practices.

As the wheel supplier for this project, Maxion Wheels is translating its deep expertise in sustainability into direct action. The company is supplying steel truck wheels engineered through a combination of lightweight construction, optimised design strategies and advanced material science. By incorporating both primary and recycled materials into the manufacturing process, these wheels are specifically developed to help reduce emissions and lower the overall carbon footprint of the vehicle, reinforcing the project’s broader goals of environmental stewardship and industrial innovation.

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