How will the collaboration with Michelin influence the future of the company? What vision do the companies share?

Michelin evaluated our recovered carbon black material in 2016. Since then, they have made significant testing of quite large volumes of our material over time to evaluate its consistency and quality. This is probably the most important parameter for any tyre manufacturer to use recovered carbon black. The interest in the technology itself started to grow as they saw that the performance of the recovered carbon black material was quite impressive. Over time, they started doing due diligence on the technology during those years. We intensified the negotiations in the early stages of 2020 and finally entered into a partnership agreement in April where Michelin invested 20 percent in Enviro. But, that was only one part of the partnership we envisioned. We also had, from the beginning, discussions about how we can provide the technology as a part of their solution to build a business model around mining tyres. This way, they could also offer their mining customers a solution for the recovery of the mining tyres. In that aspect, we negotiated regarding a joint plant project we are currently building in the Antofagasta region of Chile. We are also preparing the permitting for a plant in Uddevalla, Sweden, of 60,000-tonne ELT capacity for car and truck tyres.

In addition to that, we evaluate different technology experiences from both sides where we contribute with our experience in pyrolysis and treating end-of-life tyres in a professional way. Michelin is contributing with their extensive knowledge about developing and innovation into industrial capacity plants. What we have is a very intense collaboration on a more or less daily basis.

Going forward, we see that Michelin has a strategic ambition to replace up to 100 percent of the materials in the tyres with sustainable alternatives. Carbon black is one of the materials where we think that quite large volumes can be replaced over time. They're also involved in replacement and development of different types of oils in the tyres. From Michelin’s side, I think they have a wider interest in the recovery of all the materials in the tyres. This also aligns with our interest since we are recovering tyre pyrolysis oil and doing that quite successfully. We expect more plans in collaboration with Michelin in one way or another. Their investment in our company and the clear engagement in showing the market that they're using our material in motorcycle racing tyres in Moto E and in performance tyres for racing cars is helping us to get the acknowledgement in the market. This is important for our growth and our expansion plan.

How are you matching the quality and consistency of the recovered carbon black to virgin carbon black? Can you also please elaborate on the collaboration with AnvaPolytech, where Enviro completely replaced virgin carbon black used in Volvo's rubber components back in 2015?

We are using our patented batch process, which is a fixed batch process. The technology that we are using was developed for over 20 years to maintain control of the pyrolysis process. We can make sure that the result of the pyrolysis in the material is consistent, which means that we are not creating new carbon, as you easily do when you have a continuous process, and we are making sure that the pyrolysis process has evaporated all the volatiles out of the carbon fraction. This is very important and we control this with the system in multiple parameters that we measure during the process. We also have a significant quality control system downstream. So, in the post process of the pyrolysis, we do multiple quality checks. Before each shipment, we have ASTM standard controls for about 10 different parameters where we compare to the industry ASTM standard normally used for carbon black. There are a few ASTM measurements used for virgin carbon black that are not applicable for all recovered carbon black products, but the majority of the tests can be similar and we keep a very high consistency there. This is also one of the main achievements of the company since January 2016. We made the first commercial delivery to AnvaPolytech and they are a rubber component supplier to Volvo Cars. They have been involved with us before the commercial deliveries in the research and development of the material for rubber components. They were also involved in lots of different types of testing, where meeting the automotive standard for EPDM rubber components was a very significant part, and also got the final approval from Volvo Cars to replace the material. Since 2016, we have replaced 100 percent carbon black in those components with our material. I think it's now more than 100 million components delivered from Anva to Volvo Cars.

The gas produced during the pyrolysis process is used to fuel the machinery itself. Is there a commercial value for the gas in this market and are you exploring those business verticals?

It is a very valid question; we are producing new pyrolysis gas, and in the process, we condense out the oil, but there will be a fraction of gas that is not condensable. That gas is the excess gas that we use for the next pyrolysis phase. In our current plant at Åsensbruk, we use the excess gas and part of the oil to power the main process and the post process for heating purposes. In the new plants we will be building, for instance, one in Sweden, we plan to start production in the fourth quarter of 2023, where we will use green energy from wind, solar, water and waste to provide energy. In this case, the excess gas will be used only to heat the dryer system in the post process. Does it have a commercial value? I think some markets do; it might be used also in-turn to produce energy or electricity, but at the moment, this is not something that we are exploring further in detail.

The company recently received two ISCC certifications, one for the pyrolysis oil and the other for the carbon black. What were the challenges in earning the certifications and are there any other benchmarks that you're targeting for any other product in the future?

We are very proud to be the first to achieve the certification for the recovered carbon black. It is an important step for both the certification and for us as a company. We are already seeing some of the players in the tyre industry looking to certify according to ISCC now. This means that there will be a higher value in connection to using that type of material. There are always challenges with being certified and the most challenging maybe is to follow the certification requirements in terms of how, when and where to measure. We need to make sure that this is something that we can live up to when we are audited annually. We must also commit resources and capabilities to do this. We also needed to involve our supplier of tyre material, which, in Sweden, are Ragn-Sells. They are also audited by the certifier.

Enviro was evaluating business prospects in India. What is the current status of opening a full-size plant? Pyrolysis is banned in India across almost all states by the pollution board, and we're seeing various companies being ordered to shut down plants. Where does Enviro fit in and what are the developments?

Yes, we have been conducting meetings together with the Swedish Energy Agency, Swedish Export Organization, Business Sweden and a few other organisations including India-Sweden Innovations Accelerator and Confederation of Indian Industry in India. We have been exploring the Indian market for many multiple axles, and during the last two years, we are meeting with all the major tyre producers, both local and international. We are meeting with oil companies downstream who are potential customers for oil. We are meeting with waste treatment and tyre treatment companies locally and also making presentations to most local governments. However, we feel it is a bit too early for us to enter India on a more massive basis.

We have decided strategically that we will start with Europe followed by probably the US in the next phase. I think that will help India to monitor what is happening with the technology and how it can be a part of the system in those markets. We can then use that as a showcase for creating a sustainable and long-term system for the Indian market. We hope that this display of the system will be appreciated by the players in India to implement and also be some kind of inspiration to make that happen. In regards to pyrolysis being banned, I think it's probably a very correct decision because the pyrolysis technologies that we have seen being used in India are mainly Chinese versions where the environmental 360-degree impact has not really been considered. I think it was a very necessary decision.

The system for import and collecting for the pyrolysis industry was not really in place at that moment. But I think we can showcase together with a few of our peers in the European market that batch pyrolysis process and pyrolysis in general can be made with a very sustainable and safe technology with the highest possible emission control systems. We are hoping that by setting an example in Europe and showing both the technology and the system, maybe we will enter India in the next five years.

What are some of the constraints that you see in entering the Indian market?

I think one constraint that we are struggling with – mainly in Europe, but also in other markets – is that end-of-life tyres are viewed purely as waste materials. To really get our authorities and government regulators to understand that we are making a transition of waste materials into something that can sustainably replace fossil resources is a challenge. We are in the right direction. ISCC certification is one step.

Reach of the materials is another step. I think that transition to get aligned with the current legislation in many countries is still a hurdle. Even if it's improving, making this kind of large transition of an industry that is not really present at the moment requires financial support. Financial investors need to be willing to take a little bit of a risk to make the industry change as rapidly as it needs to. It's not enough for the tyre industry if there is one company able to provide the small volume to the market; they need multiple suppliers and large volumes to replace larger volumes of virgin material. The volume is a constraint itself. We hope, together with Michelin and other parties that we're working with, to provide larger volumes in the coming 10 years. Our ambition is to establish at least 30 plants globally in the coming decade. We also hope that our competitors are also successful in India.

What potential do you see in the Indian market, being one of the biggest automotive markets in the world, in terms of government support or the infrastructure for the products Enviro produces?

One of the opportunities is the growing automotive market. There is also a foundation of industry there in India for a long time. There is a tradition to produce tyres with a lot of knowledge, research and development around tyres and rubber materials, which I think is a very interesting potential itself. The competence around the materials in India is significant. I think the size of the market itself is an opportunity. If you choose to see the immaturity of the collection system as an opportunity, which I do, I think there is a lot of potential to establish from ground-up, a workable system with different stakeholders where I think local and national government needs to play a role, but it needs to be still on market conditions. I think the model that we will be showcasing in Europe will be attractive for both the government and local private stakeholders like the tyre industry and rubber industry.

In a broader sense, what is the future for the company and what are your goals? What are you excited about?

There are very clear targets from the tyre industry since they are consuming more than 70 to 80 percent of the carbon black material in the world. We have very clear targets for replacing fossil-originated materials with recovered or sustainable materials. We are very excited about the volume potential we see there. We have started to take steps in that direction with multiple tyre producers. The regulation in Europe and other countries to reduce the fossil content in oil products and chemical products is very positive for us. ISCC is a very important tool for the market to implement recovered and bio-based materials which have tax incentives. These enable us to launch our expansion plan, which, as I mentioned, is for the next 10 years to open 30 plants globally. We are excited that we are now in the position to work in establishing one plant with Michelin in Chile and in parallel a plant in Sweden with more or less the same time scheduled to start production. In the pipeline, we have several very interesting projects building up.

Are there other manufacturers or automotive players that are satisfied with the level of quality in your recovered carbon black? Are there any projects in the pipeline?

We have seen the interest significantly increasing in suppliers to the automotive industries and to other core manufacturers since we got the ISCC certificate for our products. But I think that we could better market what we have achieved together with Volvo in order to really get the other car brands into using more of our material. I think we have some homework to do there, because what we do is too little known to them at the moment. So there is work to be done there. We know we can achieve it. We should focus on letting them know what we can do. We are working with some other automotive manufacturers not only for the recovered carbon black but also to help them achieve their zero-emission objectives. So that could be related to oil, carbon black, steel and potentially other materials such as carbon fibre, for instance. (MT)

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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS was honoured at the sixth Endangered Species Day ceremony, which took place on 1 April 2026 at the Chollipo Arboretum in Taean. The company received a certificate recognising its sponsorship of endangered species conservation. This annual event, organised by the National Institute of Ecology, has been running since 2021 with the goal of increasing public awareness about the protection of threatened species. The institute also runs a special recognition programme that celebrates corporate contributions to conservation efforts.

Since signing an agreement with the National Institute of Ecology in 2022, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has been acknowledged for its ongoing commitment to preserving biodiversity. The firm planted 2,000 specimens of Veronica pusanensis, a Class II endangered wild plant and has been listed as an official conservation sponsor since 2023. The company has also focused on safeguarding essential pollinators like bees. In 2023, it created a pollinator garden at the Mulbeodeul Ecological Experience Learning Center in Seocheon, followed by another in 2024 at the Ulsan Climate Crisis Response Education Center, where nectar rich plants such as canola and buckwheat help sustain bee populations and reproduction.

Additionally, the company tackles threats to biodiversity through regular removal of invasive species. Since 2023, it has annually cleared harmful plants including Sicyos angulatus and Humulus japonicus from Yubu Island in Seocheon, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. These persistent efforts demonstrate a holistic approach to protecting both flora and fauna, from endangered wild plants to critical pollinators, while also managing ecological threats to preserve natural heritage areas.

An ESG official from HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS said, “We are honoured to receive this recognition for our efforts in endangered species conservation. We will continue to work closely with the National Institute of Ecology to further expand and strengthen our conservation initiatives.”

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Kumho Tire USA has renewed its commitment to Formula DRIFT by extending its sponsorship for another three years. For the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, the company has assembled a formidable roster of six elite drivers to represent Team KUMHO. This group includes Jeff Jones, Andy Hateley, Rome Charpentier, Jack Shanahan, Ryan Litteral and Cody Buchanan. Each of them will compete on KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres, a model specifically developed to withstand the punishing conditions of high level competitive drifting.

Jeff Jones returns for his third season with KUMHO and his 18th in the PRO Championship, more determined than ever to reach the podium and build on his legacy as a drifting pioneer. He is also committed to mentoring the next generation of drivers. Andy Hateley, known as the Drift Wizard, brings over two decades of experience as both a driver and builder, entering his third PRO season and third with KUMHO. Rome Charpentier, a Southern California native who began chasing his racing dreams at age 30, has achieved multiple podium finishes worldwide and is starting his second year with KUMHO.

Jack Shanahan, who earned Formula DRIFT PRO 2025 Rookie of the Year on KUMHO tyres, now aims for the championship podium in 2026. Hailing from Ireland, he started racing at 10 and has won multiple international titles in hot rod racing, tarmac rallying and drifting. Ryan Litteral, with over a decade of Formula DRIFT experience, is known for his aggressive yet composed driving style and grassroots roots; 2026 will be his first season with KUMHO. Cody Buchanan, the 2025 PROSPEC Champion and the first driver from North Dakota to earn a Formula DRIFT license, joins KUMHO for his PRO rookie year, bringing consistency under pressure and fan favourite status to the championship chase.

Entering its 23rd season, Formula DRIFT continues to be motorsport's fastest rising discipline, capturing a young audience with over 85 percent of fans aged 18 to 44. Attendance has grown exponentially, and the series now commands more than five and a half million social media followers. By partnering with this energetic and rapidly expanding sport, Kumho Tire taps into a deeply engaged community, reinforcing its image as a premium brand choice in a competitive market.

Shawn Denlein, President of Sales and Marketing, said, "As one of the most popular motorsports in the United States for millennial and Gen Z generations, Formula DRIFT offers an unparalleled platform to showcase the ultra-high-performance capabilities of KUMHO tyres and we are thrilled to be an Official Tyre sponsor through 2029. We are also incredibly proud to partner with an elite lineup of Formula DRIFT PRO drivers in 2026, equipping them with cutting-edge tyres as they push the limits of skill and precision on the track."

Ryan Sage, President, Formula DRIFT, said, "KUMHO has continued to engage with Formula DRIFT in a way that emphasises a strong manufacturer-to-event relationship. Having partnered with teams in a thoughtful and strategic way, its effort drives a powerful narrative throughout the season. And KUMHO tyres appear both competitive and reliable, allowing the teams to push hard on the track against top products from their main rivals. This helps the athletes who are in an extreme situation, going sideways with smoke, walls and fellow competitors just inches away.”

2026 Formula DRIFT Schedule:

• Round 1: Streets of Long Beach (10–11 April, Long Beach, Calif.)
• Round 2: Road to the Championship (7–9 May, Atlanta, Georgia)
• Round 3: Scorched (29–30 May, Orlando, Florida)
• Round 4: Battle at the Springs (18–20 June, Stafford, Connecticut)
• Round 5: Midwest Mayhem (30 July–1 August, Indianapolis, Indiana)
• Round 6: Throwdown (21–22 August, Seattle, Washington)
• Round 7: High Stakes (24–26 September, Las Vegas, Nevada)
• Round 8: Shoreline Showdown (23–24 October, Long Beach, Calif.)

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Singapore-based Radar Tyres has entered into a multi-year partnership with the Texas Rangers baseball team. The idea is to increase the market visibility and dealer engagement for the tyre brand across North America.

The partnership allows Radar Tyres to utilise the Texas Rangers' platform to coordinate with distributors and retailers. The initiative follows a similar strategic partnership with South African Cricket, as the brand seeks to expand its global footprint.

At present, Radar Tyres distributes passenger and light truck tyres in over 80 countries.

Rob Montasser, Vice-President for Radar Tyres, North America, said, “We’re excited to partner with the Texas Rangers, an organisation that represents excellence at the highest level. This partnership gives us a unique opportunity to engage with our dealers and customers in a more impactful way, while continuing to build the Radar brand across key markets like Texas.”

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The ApexTire2025 China Tire Awards took place in Tianjin on 17 March 2026, serving as a premier annual recognition event for the nation’s tyre industry. This year’s programme was structured around key areas including top 10 tyre brands, corporate honours, product accolades and technology innovation awards, showcasing advancements in brand development, product refinement, technical innovation and sustainable practices.

Founded by Tirechina.net, ApexTire has grown into a distinguished annual platform. Beyond celebrating winners, the 2025 edition provided insight into evolving market competition. With categories for new energy vehicle tyres, high-performance products, safety, off-road use, digital intelligence and ESG management, the awards signalled a shift from isolated metrics towards application suitability, user experience and technical strength.

The official top 10 tyre brands include Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Pirelli, Hankook, Yokohama, Dunlop, Sailun and Linglong. Eagle Tire and Doublestar were recognised as leading domestic brands, underscoring the growing influence of Chinese manufacturers.

Product winners spanned multiple segments. Hankook iON evo won for new energy passenger tyres, while Guizhou Tire Green Motion GL278a took the commercial vehicle honour. Maxxis VICTRA SPORT 6 earned sport flagship recognition. Mount Everest Tire’s STATICS S1 won for quiet comfort, Eagle TA01 for off-road and Pirelli P ZERO Corsa for racing. CST MR-C5 was named best value passenger tyre, CST CA186 won for fuel-efficient commercial tyres and Double Coin DC211+ received the safe and wear-resistant award.

Guizhou Tire’s ‘Kunuo Zhixing’ platform won the Technology Innovation Gold Award, while Linglong received the Digital and Intelligent Innovation Gold Award. Michelin China and Triangle Tire were named ESG benchmark enterprises. As vehicle demand grows more specialised, the ApexTire awards offer a key reference for brands and consumers, illustrating how China’s tyre industry is redefining competitiveness.

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