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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CTJ Janssen GmbH, a freight forwarding company based in Grevenbroich, Germany, has integrated retreaded truck tyres as a core element of its operational and sustainability strategy. The family-owned business relies on Continental’s ContiRe hot-retreaded tyres alongside the ContiLifeCycle tyre return programme. Olaf Meyers, Managing Director of CTJ Janssen, reports that this approach delivers high mileage and significant cost savings compared to new tyres while also reducing carbon emissions.

Founded in 1985 and now led by the second generation since 2008, CTJ Janssen specialises in national and international transport of general cargo, hazardous materials and chemical products. The company also offers warehouse logistics and value-added services. With a fleet of over 500 tractor-trailers, it ranks as one of the larger regional providers and is pursuing a holistic sustainability plan that includes alternative fuels. This year, the entire fleet switched to HVO 100 synthetic diesel made from residual and waste materials, saving more than 30,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually compared to fossil diesel. Combined with tyre retreading, the firm calculates potential savings of over 90 percent relative to conventional diesel operation.

The ContiLifeCycle system focuses on tyre reuse and extended service life, helping fleet operators optimise total cost of ownership. Based on circular economy principles, the concept includes new tyres, casing management and retreading. Used tyres are inspected, stripped of worn treads and fitted with new patterns, allowing up to approximately 70 percent of materials to be reused. Continental offers both cold-retreaded ContiTread and hot-retreaded ContiRe tyres.

For CTJ Janssen, retreaded tyres serve as a cost-effective alternative to new tyres without compromising safety, reliability or performance. Meyers views tyres as a critical factor in decarbonising the fleet, reinforcing the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.

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Yokohama Tire Corporation, the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has introduced the GEOLANDAR H/T4 as the newest member of its GEOLANDAR line. This durable all-season highway tyre, engineered for light trucks, SUVs and commercial vans, is now available in 62 sizes covering wheel diameters from 15 to 22 inches.

Optimised all-season capability comes from dual lug grooves and wide circumferential grooves featuring sharp block edges that boost snow traction without sacrificing wet performance. These grooves effectively remove water to prevent hydroplaning, while large centre blocks are strategically shaped to improve traction and grip across varying driving conditions.

A smooth and quiet ride is ensured through a multi-pitch tread variation that disperses frequency peaks efficiently. High-rigidity shoulder blocks further reduce tread noise over the tyre’s lifespan, and on-road durability is supported by Yokohama’s advanced compound technology, which provides the strength needed for hauling and towing stresses. A dual sidewall design offers a rugged upper sidewall on one side for protection against road hazards and a traditional upper sidewall on the reverse.

Long tread life results from triple 3D sipes that increase wear resistance by controlling tread block stability while also improving dry performance. The advanced compound technology, through an optimised blend of silica and carbon, enhances tread life, fuel efficiency and wet traction.

Kevin Nguyen, Manager – Product Planning, Yokohama Tire, said, "The H/T4 is our latest generation highway tyre, following a long line of successful predecessors in this segment. It's built to provide excellent on-road durability with a smooth, quiet ride, perfect for truck and SUV drivers seeking a balance of long mileage, comfort and all-season traction. Plus, it carries a 70,000-mile (approximately 112,654 km) limited treadwear warranty for Euro-metric sizes and a 55,000-mile (approximately 88,513 km) limited treadwear warranty for LT-metric sizes."

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Hankook Tyre UK has confirmed its return as headline sponsor of Supercar Fest for a seventh consecutive year in 2026. The longstanding partnership continues with one of United Kingdom’s most anticipated gatherings of high-performance automobiles. As a flagship event on the national automotive calendar, Supercar Fest is known for combining immersive displays of speed, technical innovation and engineering excellence.

The 2026 season begins with The Runway at Sywell Aerodrome on 16 and 17 May, where attendees can witness top-speed runs along a one-kilometre straight section. Visitors will also see an extraordinary lineup of hypercars and performance models. Among the featured tyres on display will be the ultra‑ultra‑high‑performance Ventus S1 evo Z, the ultra‑high‑performance Ventus evo and the all‑season Kinergy 4S 2. A Hankook stand will include a Formula E car, reflecting the brand’s role as exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

The action moves to Shelsley Walsh on 13 June for The Hill Climb, returning to the world’s oldest motorsport venue where Supercar Fest was born in 2019. This historic setting hosts an adrenaline‑filled day of supercar spectacle. As exclusive tyre supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship, Hankook will display a WRC car demonstrating its on‑track performance, aligning the venue’s heritage with the brand’s deep motorsport involvement.

At both events, the Hankook stand will showcase advanced tyre technologies, including the iON electric vehicle family. This range comprises the summer tyre iON evo, the all‑weather iON FlexClimate and the iON GT for compact EVs and SUVs. Engineered for electric mobility, the iON tyres offer reduced rolling resistance, low noise, enhanced load capacity and specific management of instant torque to help extend range and deliver a smoother drive. Interactive experiences, branded merchandise and conversations with the Hankook team will also be available.

Mark Webb, Event Director, said, “Hankook Tyre UK have been with Supercar Fest since the very beginning in 2019, and their continued support has been incredible. As our longest-standing partner, they are truly part of the Supercar Fest family. It feels especially fitting that this year we return to Shelsley Walsh, where it all started. From showcasing a Formula E car at our flagship Runway event in May, to bringing a WRC car for live demonstrations at the Hill Climb, they continue to raise the bar. Shelsley Walsh, as the oldest motorsport venue in the world, provides the perfect backdrop for this. The venue’s rich history combined with Hankook’s cutting-edge motorsport presence will create something genuinely special for our visitors. We’re proud to have them alongside us on this journey and look forward to another fantastic year together.”

Ben Francis, Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Supercar Fest, one of the UKs leading automotive events. Visitors can experience Hankook’s world-class tyre technology up close, showcased alongside a Formula E car at Sywell Aerodrome and a live action WRC car at Shelsy Walsh – a true spectacle on a historic track.”

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TyreSafe, UK’s charity dedicated to raising tyre safety awareness, has entered into a new collaboration with Bradford Council aimed at raising tyre safety awareness among road users across the district. Given that Bradford’s roads see over 1.5 billion vehicle miles travelled annually, combined with a dense urban traffic environment and a significant number of learner and newly qualified drivers, maintaining legally compliant and well-maintained tyres has become essential for road safety. Both TyreSafe and the Council are existing partners of West Yorkshire Vision Zero, a 2024 initiative designed to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries in the region.

Under this partnership, TyreSafe will work directly with Bradford Council’s Road Safety Team to encourage simple, preventative tyre checks. The goal is to help drivers understand how tyre condition influences braking performance, wet weather grip and overall vehicle control, especially on crowded urban roads where shorter stopping distances are critical. Bradford Council continues to invest in education, engagement and enforcement to lower road casualties, with a strong emphasis on helping road users develop safer habits and keep their vehicles roadworthy.

Through joint campaigns and engagement activities, TyreSafe and Bradford Council aim to improve tyre safety knowledge, support safer travel and contribute to the Council’s broader casualty-reduction objectives.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Tyres are fundamental to a vehicle’s safety, yet they’re often overlooked. In a district like Bradford, where traffic levels are high and journeys are frequent, worn or under-inflated tyres can significantly increase risk. By partnering with Bradford Council, we can reinforce the importance of regular tyre checks and help road users understand how maintaining their tyres plays a key role in keeping themselves and others safe.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder – Regeneration, Planning & Transport at Bradford Council, said, “Vehicle condition is an important part of road safety, and tyres play a crucial role in how a vehicle performs – particularly when braking or driving in wet conditions. Working with TyreSafe allows us to strengthen our road safety messaging and encourage drivers across the district to take simple steps that can make a real difference on Bradford’s roads.”

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