Apollo Tyres, one of India’s largest tyre manufacturers is said to have improved its productivity by 9 percent. The tyre major worked with Amazon Web Services (AWS) partner Deloitte, to implement an Internet of Things (IoT) solution on Amazon Web Services, connecting its production equipment to a data lake. 

Through a centralised dashboard the company saw nine percent improvement in its productivity on primary equipment and nine percent reduction in energy usage as it got access to real-time data collection, integration, and advanced analytics.

At present, Apollo Tyres has seven manufacturing plants in Asia and Europe. AWS states that the company’s widespread operations was facing limited insights into the performance of its expensive equipment’s. It wanted an IoT solution to digitalise and standardise its manufacturing processes, where machine data held the key to process efficiency.

While many may not be aware, manufacturing tyres is a very complex process and involves numerous steps and a variety of heavy equipment. The machines at Apollo Tyres were equipped with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, which collect data on production capacity and other metrics. But this data was siloed, offering a window into the performance of individual machines only, with no basis for comparison between machines or plants.

AWS stated that limited visibility were particularly concerning in the case of Apollo’s tyre rubber mixers. These machines are crucial to the manufacturing process. They are also extremely capital intensive — representing an investment of about $24 million (INR 2 billion) each, including related infrastructure — labour intensive, and energy intensive. Any improvement to their performance promised significant returns.

Shibu George, Global Head Advanced Manufacturing, Apollo Tyres said, “With the help of Deloitte, we could shine a light and show our teams how the data could help them improve. It was a great experience. When we started streaming data to AWS, we could compare the performance within the plant, and across plants. That was a unique opportunity.”

With seamless access to mixer data, Apollo Tyres was able to identify performance discrepancies and take corrective actions. The company proceeded with deeper analytics and improved productivity by nine percent — equivalent to the capacity of more than one mixer. 

This also helped reduce its energy usage by three percent, which may look small, but it is important to understand that a single mixer has a massive energy load of about 10 megawatts, which is enough to illuminate a town of about 200,000 people. Reducing CO2 emissions in this energy load by a mere three percent is equivalent to cutting emissions from 4,000 vehicles traveling for an entire year.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

FALKEN has unveiled the EUROALL SEASON AS220, a new all-season tyre joining its expanded 2026-27 winter and all-weather portfolio. The AS220 is designed for compact cars, mid-size vehicles and SUVs – the most popular segments in Europe – and extends the brand’s EUROALL SEASON family. It reflects FALKEN’s push to advance modern all-weather tyre technology while addressing a wider range of cars, powertrains, driving styles and applications.

The AS220’s Snow Compaction Grooves retain snow within the tread to improve traction on snow-covered roads, while Hydro Grooves evacuate water to support stability and braking in wet conditions. An advanced temperature-stabilised rubber compound is engineered for consistent performance across climates. These features aim to deliver safety, comfort, efficiency and performance for drivers facing mild winters, wet roads or snow.

The tyre is the first to feature FALKEN’s new VARIO CORE technology. Its VARIO CORE essence combines measures that can improve rolling resistance, wear and drive-by noise. Crucially, it reflects today’s more diverse car parc by focusing on efficiency, durability and a safe driving experience for petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles alike.

Alongside the AS220, FALKEN offers the EUROALL SEASON AS220 PRO for high-performance passenger cars. It targets dynamic handling and dependable performance in varied weather, with precise handling, stability and control at speeds up to 167 mph (270 kmph). Advanced 4D-NANO Design technology and a modern lightweight construction contribute to wet grip, efficiency and extended tyre life, combining premium all-season performance with year-round usability.

FALKEN’s winter lineup also includes the EUROWINTER HS02 and HS02 PRO, developed for confident handling in challenging winter conditions. The HS02 uses a directional V-shaped tread for water evacuation and stable wet handling, while Miura-Ori 3D sipes can enhance traction and braking on cold, icy or snowy roads. The HS02 PRO targets higher performance, with an optimised tread design supporting snow and wet capabilities, precise handling and stability. Its groove design aids traction on snow and slush while maintaining a sporty character. Both benefit from Advanced 4D-NANO Design technology for wet grip, rolling resistance and wear, with significantly reduced weight versus previous generations.

For SUV and 4x4 drivers, the FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA all-terrain tyre combines off-road capability with on-road comfort as a genuine year-round solution. Its tread pattern features a zig-zag centre rib, ribbed shoulder grooves, rigid tread blocks and offset shoulder blocks, improving on- and off-road traction and braking on loose surfaces, mud and snow. These also support self-cleaning, while a robust tread block and reinforced sidewall with gripping edges enhance stability, durability and off-road traction. 4D-NANO Design technology further supports fuel efficiency and performance across a broad range of weather conditions.

Marcus Schulz, Assistant Manager – Product Planning, Dunlop Tyre Europe GmbH, said, "Winter road conditions present unique challenges for tyres with drivers expecting a tailored tyre for their vehicle. With our current winter portfolio, we combine innovative technologies with everyday practicality, offering solutions for a broad range of vehicles and applications. In doing so, FALKEN ensures motorists can rely on balanced and dependable tyre performance, even in changing weather conditions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The AZuR project group on chemical recycling convened its annual in-person meeting on 1 October 2026, bringing together more than 20 network partners at Pyrum Innovations AG in Dillingen/Saar. The gathering centred on recent scientific findings, the recovery of raw materials from end-of-life tyres, the European Tyre-to-Tyre initiative and collaborative projects planned for 2027. Participants examined how recovered carbon black and tyre thermolysis oil can be more effectively integrated into industrial production processes.

A scientific highlight came from Dr -Ing Sebastian Bogdahn, who presented his dissertation on the production and ecological assessment of high-quality carbonizates derived from used tyre thermolysis. His research combined experimental investigations, process modelling and life cycle assessment, with particular attention to recovered carbon black produced during thermolysis and subsequently processed. The findings indicated that the modelled system could potentially lower global warming potential relative to fossil-based carbon black production while underscoring the significance of process control, product quality and energy supply for environmental performance.

The European Tyre-to-Tyre initiative, launched in July 2026 by Pirelli, Pyrum, Synthos and BASF, illustrated how chemical recycling processes can be embedded within industrial value chains. Pyrum converts used and rejected tyres into recovered carbon black and tyre thermolysis oil through thermolysis. The processed carbon black is then used in Pirelli's tyre manufacturing, partially substituting fossil-based industrial carbon black.

At BASF, thermolysis oil is combined with fossil raw materials to produce chemical products including butadiene and styrene. Synthos utilises corresponding feedstocks to manufacture synthetic rubbers, which are subsequently employed in Pirelli's tyre production. According to the project partners, the entire value chain remains traceable via ISCC PLUS certification.

A notable feature of the meeting was a tour of Pyrum's thermolysis plants. Divided into three groups, attendees gained insights into the technical processes and engaged directly with on-site experts. The tour clarified the technical steps required for recovering and further processing raw materials, from the handling of used tyres through to the resulting product streams.

Management emphasised the value of regular AZuR in-person meetings, which combine exchange among companies, technology providers and research institutions with exposure to real industrial applications. The gathering demonstrated the importance of collaboration across the entire value chain, with research, technology development, industrial processing and tyre production considered together to transform recovered materials into high-quality raw materials for new products. The project group will continue this exchange in 2027 through concrete projects and information initiatives.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

TyreSafe, UK’s leading tyre safety charity, has welcomed Straightset and Supertracker as Commercial Supporters, pairing two well-established garage equipment names in support of the charity's goal of enhancing tyre safety and lowering tyre-related incidents across UK roads.

Independent garage equipment specialist Straightset and Supertracker, a famed British maker of wheel alignment equipment, are jointly backing TyreSafe's campaign to highlight how essential properly maintained tyres are to road safety.

Straightset, run as a family business, delivers a broad selection of garage equipment for car and commercial vehicle workshops, covering tyre changers, wheel balancers, MOT equipment, workbenches and exhaust extraction systems, plus installation, servicing and maintenance. Since 2022, Straightset has owned Supertracker, a long-established British marque focused on laser and computerised wheel aligners, commercial vehicle apparatus and vehicle lifts including scissor and two-post types.

By merging specialist equipment manufacturing with the thorough service and support garages require, the two brands offer complementary strengths. Correct wheel alignment is tightly connected to tyre maintenance, helping avert uneven tyre wear and bolster vehicle safety. The tie-up demonstrates a mutual dedication to safety, quality and the automotive sector, with both brands aiding TyreSafe's continued efforts to educate road users and encourage improved tyre safety habits.

Stuart Lovatt, Chairman, TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to welcome Straightset and Supertracker as Commercial Supporters of TyreSafe. Together, they bring valuable expertise across the garage equipment sector, from specialist wheel alignment technology to the equipment, servicing and support that keep workshops operating safely and efficiently. Garages play an important role in helping ensure vehicles are safe and roadworthy, and the right equipment and technical support are essential to that work. We look forward to working with Straightset and Supertracker to raise awareness of tyre safety and encourage road users and businesses to make tyre maintenance a priority.”

Julia Blake, Marketing and Communications Director, Straightset, said, “We are proud to be partnering with TyreSafe, alongside our Supertracker brand, and to support the important work it does to improve tyre safety across the UK. At Straightset, we provide garages with the equipment, expertise and ongoing support they need to operate safely and effectively. Through Supertracker, we also have a longstanding connection with wheel alignment technology, which plays an important role in tyre maintenance. This partnership brings together our shared commitment to safety and gives us an opportunity to help raise awareness of the importance of looking after tyres. We look forward to working with TyreSafe and contributing to its efforts to make UK roads safer.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Epsilon Carbon Pvt. Ltd., a global manufacturer of carbon black and speciality carbon products, has published its sixth Sustainability Report for FY 2025–26, titled ‘Anchored in Carbon. Embedded in Circularity’. The document outlines the company’s advancements in emissions reduction, energy efficiency, workplace safety, inclusion and community development while detailing its strategy for a more responsible and resilient carbon value chain.

The company’s sustainability efforts are deeply integrated into its manufacturing operations and its support for customers in the tyre, rubber, manufacturing and industrial sectors. Epsilon Carbon aims to supply dependable carbon materials while enhancing resource efficiency and lowering the environmental footprint of production. In FY 2025–26, it recorded a 98 percent drop in Scope 2 emissions intensity against its FY 2022–23 baseline, alongside a 6 percent reduction in energy consumption intensity driven by operational improvements.

A 17 MW captive power plant using waste hot gases from production remained central to decarbonisation, achieving 77 percent waste heat recovery utilisation and remaining on target. This helped avoid over 89,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions by reducing coal-based power reliance. The company also cut Scope 3 emissions intensity by 8.13 percent compared with FY 2024–25, supporting more sustainable manufacturing across its value chain. Its Vijayanagar plant holds an annual capacity of 215,000 tonnes of carbon black and 500,000 tonnes of speciality carbon.

The report further highlights workplace safety and inclusion, with zero fatalities, 10 percent women representation on the Board and 9.41 percent of the overall workforce. CSR programmes positively impacted approximately 140,000 lives, fostering community development near its operations. Epsilon Carbon’s sixth Sustainability Report gives stakeholders a clear view of its ESG performance and reinforces its focus on responsible growth, operational excellence and its expanding role in the global carbon materials industry.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Sustainability is central to how we are building Epsilon Carbon for the future. Our progress in reducing emissions intensity, increasing the use of waste heat recovery and improving energy efficiency shows what is possible when sustainability is built into everyday operations. Our customers in tyres, rubber and other manufacturing sectors are also working towards more responsible and efficient value chains. We are committed to supporting them through dependable products, strong manufacturing capabilities and continued innovation. Alongside our environmental priorities, we remain focused on safety, inclusion and creating a positive impact in the communities where we operate.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!