Klean Industries Inc announced that it has partnered with City Circle Group (CCG) to build a fully integrated, continuous tyre pyrolysis plant to recover carbon black and biofuel in Melbourne, Australia. Klean Industries provides technologies and solutions for resource recovery, waste recycling and the production of clean energy from waste. As for City Circle Group, it is a provider in demolition, decommissioning, remediation, excavation and recycling in Australia.

It is known that Australia has a waste problem with disposal fees that are continuing to rise. Klean further claims that end-of-life tyres and end-of-life plastics are piling up and being dumped in landfills all over the country. Through their partnership, Klean and CCG aim to solve this environmental crisis by putting their combined skillsets together to create meaningful change that will help Australia develop a low-carbon, circular economy while reinforcing the goal of zero waste to landfill. According to Klean, both parties see significant opportunities for creating hundreds of new and highly skilled cleantech jobs with enough project opportunities in Australia to invest billions of dollars into the Australian economy over the next decade.

Sharing his views on the partnership, Matt Skidmore, CEO, City Circle Group, said, “It is with great excitement that we announce this project and partnership with Klean Industries. The concept of waste-to-commodity recycling is something that fits within our vision to become a truly circular economy business that provides real and positive outcomes to our communities.”

Adding to this, Jesse Klinkhamer, CEO, Klean Industries, commented, “We are thrilled to be taking resource recovery to a whole new level in Australia. With CCG as our partner, we are going to define a new era in what it means to develop clean industries. Our industry partnerships speak to our credibility, and it is these relationships that support and enable our team to build world-class facilities that set the global standard in Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) but will also enhance Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to a level not seen before in Australia.”

Klean states that the two have been engaged in the final analysis of a Detailed Feasibility Study (DFS) to design and build a fully integrated tyre pyrolysis plant. The result thus far has illustrated a significant opportunity. As per Klean, the parties are now in the final phases of contract negotiations with feedstock providers and offtake parties for all the project output products which are being pre-sold. Klean claims that the parties plan to complete the DFS by the end of December 2022 and anticipate the project being financed before the end of the first quarter of 2023, with construction taking place in 2023 and operations starting in 2024.

A project site is already secured and planning permission and permitting are underway. According to Klean, the project is centrally located 45 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, Victoria. It has access to a highly skilled workforce. Given the ease of establishing and conducting business in Melbourne, Klean states that the decision to locate a tyre carbonisation facility is compelling and logical. This offers numerous short-term and long-term benefits to the area.

As per Klean, the Melbourne project includes Klean’s commercial scale, environmental-friendly scrap tyre carbonisation technology with a planned initial capacity of up to 120 metric tonnes per day (TPD). This is approximately 12,000 tyres per day and equates to approximately 40,000 metric tonnes per annum (TPA). Klean claims that the project is designed to convert the waste tyres into highly valuable recovered carbon black (rCB) and recovered fuel oil (rFO). This plant will be fully integrated with Klean’s proprietary tyre char upgrading technologies that enable the transformation of low-value tyre char into high-value carbon black replacements which can replace Virgin Carbon Black (vCB) by volumes of 10 percent up to 100 percent, depending on the specific application.

The CCG plant will also include recovered fuel oil upgrading technologies for the conversion of the recovered pyrolysis oil. The CCG facility will be ISO 9001, 14001 certified and all products will also be ISCC certified as circular raw materials, according to Klean. 

The resulting products from the Melbourne project will then re-enter the virgin raw material supply chain through the local marine fuel market, new tyre, rubber compounding and virgin carbon black manufacturing industries. Klean states that this enables these industries to create product circularity by re-integrating recovered resources back into the marketplace, enabling them to improve environmental performance and lower raw material product costs while also offsetting emissions associated with their respective industries.

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MRF Tyres has once again proven its motorsport pedigree by securing the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship Team Title. The official accolade was presented at the season-ending FIA Awards Gala in Tashkent, where Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Arun Mammen collected the trophy. This gala represents the pinnacle of the international motorsport calendar, formally recognising champions from across the discipline.

This victory marks the team’s third ERC crown, following previous successes in 2022 and 2023. It was earned through a campaign defined by remarkable consistency and adaptability across diverse rally stages. Strategic tyre choices and seamless coordination between the team’s personnel, engineers and driving crews were fundamental to this achievement, highlighting the programme’s overall strength and the reliability of its products.

The company has extended its appreciation to every individual who contributed to this result. The recognition at such a distinguished forum reinforces the company’s commitment to excellence and cements its position as a leading force on the global rally stage.

Mammen said, “We are deeply honoured to receive the Team Title at such a prestigious occasion. This award recognises not only the work of our engineers and staff, but also the spirit, dedication and resilience of the entire MRF Tyres organisation, both on and off the stages of the 2025 European Rally Championship. When preparation, performance and passion come together, tyres can make the difference. This trophy underlines our commitment and encourages us to continue delivering our very best in the seasons to come.”

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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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INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION MEETS ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE WITH TROESTER ROBOTICS

In today’s evolving industrial ecosystem, manufacturing is no longer just about physical output. Modern factories must simultaneously manage a range of challenges – from efficiency and flexibility to sustainability and quality control. Traditional automation systems often fall short, while smart, integrated and data-driven solutions are now the foundation of next-generation production strategies.

TROESTER Robotics emerged from this vision, formed in 2025 through a strategic acquisition. That year, TROESTER GmbH & Co. KG, a renowned German engineering company with over 130 years of heritage, acquired Turkey’s dynamic automation firm SC Otomasyon. This union brought together two strengths: deep engineering experience and practical implementation agility.

What resulted was more than just a new company – it became a transformative platform that doesn’t just produce automation systems but redefines the way production itself is designed and executed.

Today, TROESTER Robotics delivers durable, scalable and intelligent automation solutions across industries, with a strong focus on rubber and tyre production. These systems are built to improve precision, consistency, safety and operational sustainability.

Founded in 1892 in Hannover, Germany, TROESTER has become a global benchmark in the field of rubber, cable and plastics processing. With extrusion systems, full-scale production lines and advanced process engineering, TROESTER is known worldwide for engineering excellence and trust.

SC Otomasyon, on the other hand, earned its reputation in Turkey through flexible project execution and on-site know-how – delivering tailored automation projects in sectors such as glass, automotive and end-of-line applications. Notably, its success in rubber and tyre manufacturing drew international attention.

Through the acquisition and integration under TROESTER Robotics, this unique combination of capabilities has been elevated to serve global markets. It reflects the perfect synergy of depth and agility, tradition and innovation and global vision with local adaptability.

AUTOBOOKER: A NEW STANDARD IN TREAD HANDLING

Autobooker, developed by TROESTER Robotics, directly addresses a common bottleneck in tyre production: the handling and stacking of precut rubber treads.

Due to the nature of rubber – its sticky surface, flexibility and weight – manual operations are not only labour-intensive but also prone to inconsistencies such as misalignment and uneven stacking. This leads to increased cycle times and compromised product quality.

Autobooker was designed to solve these challenges in a compact robotic cell that automatically identifies and handles treads of various profiles and sizes while delivering repeatable and balanced stacking with minimal operator intervention. The system easily integrates into existing production lines with its compact structure and adapts to different production scenarios without the need for reprogramming. Most importantly, Autobooker ensures not just speed but precision and consistency in its operations.

Unlike traditional systems, Autobooker is not just a robot – it is a stabilising element of the production line, enabling a more consistent, reliable and efficient flow.

BEYOND MACHINES: AN INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION ECOSYSTEM

Autobooker is just one part of the broader technology ecosystem developed by TROESTER Robotics. Across various stages of tyre and rubber manufacturing, the company continues to build systems that prioritise productivity, safety and quality. One of the systems is Green Tyre Spraying Cells, which are robotic spray units that ensure uniform surface coating, reduce VOC emissions and minimise operator exposure. The Robotic Creel Loading Systems are designed to automate the placement of heavy steel and cord rolls; these systems significantly improve ergonomics and workplace safety.

Another solution, the End-of-Line Palletizing Solutions, enables fast, reliable palletising of finished tyres with minimal human involvement, increasing throughput and reducing handling errors. All TROESTER Robotics systems are equipped to communicate with MES and ERP platforms, enabling smart factory integration. This ensures the production process is not only automated but also traceable, measurable and optimised in real time.

DELIVER A VISION, NOT ONLY MACHINES

At TROESTER Robotics, automation is not just about hardware – it’s about engineering precision, industry insight, global standards and future-focused thinking. Every system installed is designed to standardise quality, minimise waste, reduce operator dependency and boost competitiveness while laying a solid foundation for digital transformation.

For TROESTER, every solution is a chapter in its customer’s production story. The company says, “We’re not just writing that story for today – we’re building it for the factories of the future.”

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AGU is enhancing its sports and urban cycling offerings in the Benelux region through a new partnership with the premium tyre brand Vredestein. This move aligns with AGU's strategic shift towards a more streamlined and high-quality portfolio, emphasising brands that deliver tangible value to retailers. A key element of this approach is AGU's commitment to providing dedicated account management for each store, which has already secured renewed confidence and agreements from numerous dealerships for 2026. Integrating Vredestein further reinforces this positive trajectory.

The partnership is a strong fit, founded on shared values including a dedication to quality, reliable performance and a focus on modern mobility needs like comfort and safety. Both brands bring relevant expertise for sporty and urban cyclists, along with a sustainable vision for the future of cycling. For AGU, Vredestein elevates the portfolio's quality and focus, while Vredestein gains extended reach and a stronger presence in key segments, backed by AGU's proactive sales network. Ultimately, this collaboration is centred on mutual growth and providing superior daily mobility solutions for cyclists.

Andy Vrooland, Commercial Director AGU Wholesale, said, "With Vredestein, we are strengthening our position in the sports and urban segment. The brand offers grip, security and performance, exactly what our dealers are looking for."

Olaf de Jong, Account Manager Vredestein, said, "Our cooperation with AGU fits seamlessly with our ambition to continue to grow in the Benelux."

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