Dr Sawar Dhanania, Chairman of the Rubber Board, expressed optimism about the growth in both production and consumption of natural rubber (NR) in the Indian plantation sector. At the 185th meeting in Kottayam, he acknowledged the challenges such as price volatility, climate change, market issues, and labour shortage. Dr Dhanania emphasized the need for grassroots-level solutions to ensure sustainability and profitability.
“The efforts of the Rubber Board and the timely interference in disease control, adoption of rubber holdings for harvesting, formation of Rubber Tapper Groups (RTGs), etc., have resulted in the augmentation of NR production in the country. But, many challenges, including volatilities in rubber prices, climate change, market issues, labour shortage, etc., continue in the rubber sector. We need to find suitable solutions at the grassroots level to make the plantation sector more sustainable and profitable. In the present scenario, Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPSs) need further improvement in their governance and activities to face the various challenges in the rubber plantation sector. RPSs should become self-sufficient in their activities. The concept of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the RPS sector is a viable suggestion to experiment with in the coming days, Dr Dhanania said.

M Vasanthagesan IRS, Executive Director of the Rubber Board, provided an overview of the Indian NR sector. He reported an 8.3 percent growth in NR production, totalling 839,000 tonnes in 2022-23, with an average yield increase to 1,482 kg/ha. Domestic NR consumption reached a record high of 1,350,000 tonnes, reflecting a 9 percent increase from the previous year. The auto tyre sector saw a 4.8 percent growth, while the general rubber goods sector experienced a substantial 20.4 percent growth.

Auto-tyre manufacturing accounted for 70.3 percent of NR consumption in 2022-23. Projections for 2023-24 estimate NR production at 875,000 tonnes and consumption at 1400,000 tonnes. The Board commended the Union Government for increasing the import duty on compounded rubber to align with NR.

Additionally, the Committee recommended ensuring that the Rubber Production Incentive Scheme of the State Government reaches all small growers. The Rubber Board held meetings covering Staff Affairs, Strengthening of RPSs, and Research and development.

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Ironman Tires, a brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, has unveiled the iMOVE Sport G2, a next generation all season ultra-high-performance tyre crafted for modern sport sedans, performance crossovers and select electric vehicles. This launch responds directly to shifting demands in the automotive market.

Building on the original iMOVE Gen2 A/S, the new model features an advanced tread compound, a refined tread pattern and better durability. It offers confident traction on both dry and wet roads, extended tread life and a quieter, more comfortable ride. Priced competitively, it helps dealers gain ground in the rapidly growing Tier 4 performance tyre segment. The asymmetrical tread layout balances precision handling with daily comfort, using large outer shoulder blocks for cornering stability and a continuous centre rib for straight line control. Strategically placed 3D siping and angled grooves push water away from the contact patch to improve wet and light snow traction, while a variable pitch tread sequence cuts road noise for commutes or long trips.

A new generation rubber compound reduces heat buildup and extends tread life by managing frictional heat and optimising rubber density, which also boosts fuel efficiency. The tyre is EV ready, designed to handle the higher torque and weight of electric vehicles. Available in 17 sizes for 18- to 21-inch rim diameters, 16 sizes will arrive by early May, with the first eight ready now. Several emerging sizes new to the Ironman lineup give dealers fresh sales opportunities.

Competitive pricing and dedicated merchandising support help dealers grow their share in the value-oriented performance tyre segment while maintaining strong inventory and fill rates. The iMOVE Sport G2 comes with a 5-year limited protection policy covering workmanship and materials, road hazard protection and a 50,000-mile (approximately 80,467-km) warranty.

Keith Calcagno, Chief Strategy Officer, Proprietary Brands, American Tire Distributors, said, “The ultra‑high‑performance tyre market has evolved rapidly as vehicles become more powerful and more refined and as demand grows for tyres that can meet the unique requirements of electric vehicles. The iMOVE Sport G2 delivers the performance drivers expect while helping dealers boost inventory flexibility and capture more market share.”

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GRP Ltd, a leading manufacturer of reclaimed rubber, engineering plastics and repurposed polyolefins, has announced the retirement of Virendra Rathod, President of Marketing and Business Development, effective 31 March 2026. Following his retirement, Rathod will no longer be part of the company’s senior management personnel, said the company in its BSE filing.

During a board meeting held on 27 March 2026, the directors formally took note of Rathod’s retirement and recorded their appreciation for his valuable contributions throughout his service with GRP Ltd. His departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the company’s marketing and business development functions.

In a separate leadership change, Jyoti Sancheti has resigned from her role as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, effective from the close of business on 7 April 2026 to pursue external opportunities. Consequently, she will also step down from additional responsibilities, including Compliance Officer under the SEBI Prohibition of Insider Trading Regulations, Nodal Officer under IEPF rules and the authorised person for determining event materiality and stock exchange disclosures under SEBI Listing Regulations.

GRP Ltd has confirmed that the process to appoint a new Company Secretary is underway and will be completed within the prescribed timeframe.

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Niutech Environment Technology Corporation (Niutech), a China-based company specialising in continuous pyrolysis technology for recycling waste tyres, plastics and oil sludge, marked a major milestone on 24 March 2026 as its majority owned subsidiary, Shandong Hesheng Environment Technology Co., Ltd., broke ground on a significant expansion. This project will add 100,000 tonnes of annual tyre pyrolysis capacity, raising Hesheng’s total processing volume from 60,000 to 160,000 tonnes per year. With this increase, Hesheng becomes the world’s largest operation for collecting, processing and comprehensively utilising scrap tyres through pyrolysis technology.

At the heart of this expansion is Niutech’s latest generation of high capacity, continuous intelligent pyrolysis equipment, which delivers better performance in per unit output, system reliability and automation compared to conventional designs. These improvements are expected to reduce operating costs per tonne and strengthen the overall financial viability of the project. Solving the challenge of large scale, uninterrupted commercial pyrolysis has long been a central goal for the industry. This project proves Niutech’s progress not only in advanced equipment development but also in making continuous pyrolysis practical for widespread industrial use.

On the product quality side, Hesheng has drawn on Niutech’s research capabilities to steadily improve the consistency and performance of its pyrolytic outputs. The tyre derived oil has already earned international certifications, giving it access to demanding global markets. At the same time, through ongoing technical innovation, the pyrolysis carbon black is being upgraded towards standardised, higher value applications. These efforts directly address customer needs for uniform quality, reliable handling and strong application specific performance.

With the circular economy gaining speed worldwide, major tyre producers, chemical companies and material buyers are seeking greater volumes of high-grade pyrolysis oil and carbon black. Once the expanded facility is online, Hesheng will be equipped to meet that demand with stable, large-scale supply of dependable recycled materials. Niutech has also stated that it will continue using its public company strengths in technology and capital to drive further equipment upgrades and broader deployment of pyrolysis systems, supporting global waste tyre recycling and low carbon development.

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Sun Auto Network has expanded its footprint in Southern Indiana and the Greater Louisville market with Carmerica in Sellersburg, Indiana, officially becoming part of the network on 6 April 2026. This integration strengthens Sun Auto’s regional presence while bringing new resources to the local shop. Carmerica will retain its full range of automotive services, including tyre replacement, alignments, brake work, oil changes and preventative maintenance, ensuring that loyal customers continue receiving the same trusted care.

Under Sun Auto’s guidance, Carmerica now benefits from enhanced tools such as round the clock online appointment scheduling and digital vehicle inspections. These additions are backed by Sun Auto’s Driver Commitment, which emphasises clarity, confidence and genuine customer care. The acquisition reflects Sun Auto’s broader growth strategy of partnering with established operators in markets with strong long-term potential and easy customer access.

With over 575 locations nationwide, Sun Auto Network stands as one of the largest independent tyre and automotive service platforms in the country. By combining trusted local brands like Carmerica with the scale and support of a national organisation, Sun Auto continues to build a network rooted in both community reputation and operational excellence.

Rob Kingery, Regional Vice President, said, "This acquisition reflects a disciplined approach to expanding in high-opportunity regional markets where we can build density and deliver a consistent, high-quality experience. Sellersburg helps us deepen our presence in Southern Indiana and better support drivers throughout the Greater Louisville area."

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