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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Birla Tyres has officially joined the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), becoming the newest member of the leading industry body. The company, with its registered office in Kolkata, operates a large-scale manufacturing facility in Balasore, Odisha, which spans 195 acres and is dedicated to producing a diverse range of speciality tyres.

Based in New Delhi, ATMA represents major tyre manufacturers that account for more than 80 percent of domestic production. The association serves as a vital link between the government and the industry while also engaging with media, opinion leaders and international trade bodies to advocate for the sector’s perspectives.

ATMA actively participates in policy formulation and regularly consults with government departments on economic challenges affecting the industry. Its existing membership includes prominent firms such as MRF Tyres, JK Tyre & Industries, CEAT Ltd and Bridgestone India, the local subsidiary of the Japanese tyre giant.

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Bridgestone has reported a significant shift in UK consumer sentiment regarding electric vehicles, with new data indicating a sharp rise in drivers who reject the technology. The tyre manufacturer's survey reveals that 26 percent of motorists now declare they will never purchase an EV, up from 17 percent in 2025, while only 16 percent plan to acquire one within the coming year.

Persistent operational anxieties continue to overshadow the market. Battery durability and replacement costs trouble 55 percent of respondents, half worry about charging expenses and 44 percent express unease over range limitations and high sticker prices.

Infrastructure inadequacies further compound hesitancy, as 43 percent feel public charging stations remain insufficient and 41 percent are deterred by prolonged recharging times. Despite these barriers, 53 percent anticipate purchasing an EV within five years, while seven percent remain undecided.

Bridgestone is reinforcing its commitment through 'EV Ready' tyres like the Turanza 6, engineered for efficiency, safety and wear life across electric and combustion vehicles. These innovations align with the company's E8 Commitment and Ecology pillar, advancing sustainable tyre technologies and mobility solutions.

Drew Chapman, North Region Consumer Sales Director at Bridgestone, said, "Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on our roads, but our research shows that many drivers still have genuine questions and concerns about making the switch. While some of the barriers are gradually reducing, issues such as battery life, charging costs and infrastructure remain front of mind for many motorists. The industry has made significant progress, but it's clear there is still work to do in building confidence among consumers.

"Whether drivers are behind the wheel of an EV, hybrid or conventional vehicle, they want products they can trust. Our focus is on helping motorists get the very best from their vehicles today while supporting the mobility solutions of tomorrow."

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has secured its place in three major global ESG stock indexes, marking over two decades of sustained recognition in sustainable investing. The company’s inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series now extends to 22 consecutive years, while its presence in the FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index has reached a 10th year and the Sector Relative Index a 5th year.

Developed and administered by FTSE Russell, a London Stock Exchange Group subsidiary, these benchmarks serve distinct investment purposes. The FTSE4Good Series is widely utilised by international investors as a reference for responsible portfolios. Meanwhile, the two Japan-specific indexes, designed to highlight domestic firms with exemplary ESG performance, have been adopted by the Government Pension Investment Fund to steer its own sustainable asset allocation.

Under the corporate sustainability motto of caring for the future, Yokohama Rubber continues to integrate social problem-solving into core business operations, thereby generating shared value. This longstanding index qualification reflects the firm’s consistent commitment to transparent governance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility, reinforcing its strategic focus on long-term value creation through ethical business conduct.

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Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the Apollo Altrust Winter van tyre, a new addition to its commercial vehicle lineup engineered to deliver extended durability alongside reliable snow and wet-weather traction. Scheduled for European release in July 2026, this winter variant finalises the Altrust family, which already includes the popular summer and all-season iterations.

Developed entirely within Europe, the tyre achieves a top wet grip classification of ‘A’ and a noise rating of ‘B’ at 72 decibels. Offered in 15 size options across 15- to 17-inch rim diameters, the Altrust Winter is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of vans and light commercial vehicles, including contemporary models such as the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and IVECO Daily.

Superior handling on snow, ice and rain-soaked roads stems from several engineering innovations. A multi-pitch tread pattern optimises block sizing and spacing for consistent performance, while three-dimensional sipes enhance road biting capability. Additionally, the centre and shoulder lateral grooves have been strategically configured for swift water dispersal, which bolsters wet grip and lessens aquaplaning risks.

For fleet operators, longevity and reduced wear are critical to lowering total cost of ownership. Apollo’s research division formulated a compound with a balanced polymer-and-filler mix to boost abrasion resistance and curb material degradation. Reinforced shoulder tie-bars preserve a stable contact patch under heavy use, promoting even tread wear and sustaining all-weather effectiveness over the tyre’s lifespan. Noise management was also prioritised, with careful tuning of pitch sequences and shoulder block bridges to minimise acoustic output.

Udyan Ghai, Group Head – Marketing, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Our research and development team in Enschede, The Netherlands, spent over two years exploring the needs of van owners and users, creating a winter van tyre that delivers an optimal balance of performance and value. They focused on those attributes that matter most to fleet operators and van drivers: safety, durability and low operating costs. We know that wet-weather performance is becoming increasingly important for operators across Europe, so we are particularly pleased to see the tyre secure an A rating for wet grip.”

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