Tyre retreading

A population of over 1.4 billion people catapulting into the world’s third largest automobile market with four million trucks plying across a road network of 6.3 million kilometres supported by a USD 13.4 billion tyre market and a mining sector contributing around 2–2.5 percent of the country’s GDP demonstrate the strength of India’s automobile, freight and tyre sectors.

The story doesn’t end there as the Central Government adopts a strategic approach on reducing carbon emissions across these verticals, especially automobile and tyres, with targets such as the Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2070, battery electric vehicles target by 2030, zero-emission truck corridors, Extended Producer Responsibility for the tyre sector; the list just goes on.

Amidst all such statistics and targets, a silent spectator remains the old and varied sector of tyre retreading. In a recent news story reported by Tyre Trends, the Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committee (ITTAC) had made a proposal to Tyre Retreading Education Association (TREA) for mandating certain standards that will improve the quality of retreads.  ITTAC has made recommendations to the BIS committee. TREA is part of the same committee. ITTAC and TREA are recommending different standards.

These standards included BIS retread standards, namely IS 15725, IS 15753, IS 15524 and IS 9168. The ITTAC had partially aligned Indian requirements with ECE R109, the European regulatory benchmark.

In a reply to the proposal, which was accessed by Tyre Trends, TREA urged the Indian Tyre Technical Advisory Committee to seek a deferment or non-applicability of BIS standard IS 15704:2018 for retreaded commercial vehicle tyres, warning that mandatory enforcement could cripple the sector.

In the letter, TREA argued that IS 15704:2018 is largely modelled on new tyre manufacturing norms and is technically unsuitable for retreading, which is a restoration and recycling process.

The standard mandates advanced laboratory tests such as spectrometer-based rubber analysis, endurance testing and compound uniformity checks, requirements that most retreading units, particularly small and medium enterprises, are not equipped to meet

The association highlighted that even large retreaders lack the infrastructure and skilled manpower needed for BIS-grade testing, while the sheer number of retreading units would make inspections and certifications operationally unmanageable for regulators.

TREA warned that compliance costs linked to machinery upgrades, audits and quality control could force 70–80 percent of units to shut down, leading to job losses, higher fleet operating costs and adverse environmental outcomes due to reduced recycling

Instead, TREA proposed that BIS prioritise retreading-specific standards such as IS 13531 and IS 15524, which focus on materials, process control, safety and quality consistency.

The body has also called for a phased transition roadmap, MSME support and industry training before any stricter norms are enforced, stressing that abrupt implementation would undermine the sector’s role in India’s circular economy.

The conundrum

India has a total of 36 administrative divisions comprising 28 states and 8 union territories. The tyre retreading sector has been continuously supporting circularity goals since the early 1970s across the world’s largest economy without getting mainstream recognition.

Even after five decades in service, the industry battles different bottlenecks including fragmentation, manpower shortage, tax pressures brought about by the recent GST revisions and now the implementation of such standards, just to name a few.

The sole practice that can simultaneously reduce carbon emissions from tyres and extend tyre life is assumed the nemesis of an ‘infamous and dangerous practice’ in some states of the country.

However, the industry has been drawing its techniques and quality parameters from the world’s oldest retreading economy, Europe.

“Big retreaders in India already have the necessary processes in place that conform to IS 15524 standards. However, as the standard is not yet mandated, we have voiced support for it because it is process-oriented and outlines how retreading should be carried out, including buffing and building procedures,” said TREA Chairman Karun Sanghi.

He added, “This standard focuses on how the work is done rather than imposing product-level testing that cannot be practically implemented. The current debate on IS 15704 stems from it being fundamentally incompatible. The standard includes requirements such as sidewall marking and destructive testing of retreaded tyres, which are impractical in a retreading environment where each tyre differs in brand, size, application and usage history,” he added.

Destructive testing, he argued, assumes uniform batch sizes. In retreading, where every casing is unique, testing even a single tyre would mean destroying finished products without yielding representative results. Applying such a framework would effectively require the destruction of every tyre in a batch, making compliance unviable.

“We have submitted our response to ITTAC and are awaiting feedback from the committee. We remain open to continued dialogue and will engage further once the committee responds to our submission,” said Sanghi.

According to him, a typical retreader processes about 300 tyres a month across multiple brands including MRF, JK Tyre, Apollo and Michelin and applications ranging from buses and trucks to mining vehicles. These casings vary widely in load cycles, operating conditions and duty patterns, often across several models from the same manufacturer.

The committee has cited European standard ECE R109, but Sanghi points to structural differences: “Europe is a global retreading hub where tyre manufacturers such as Michelin and Bridgestone dominate operations, collect their own tyres, retread them and return them to fleets, making batch-based destructive testing relevant. A similar model exists in US, where large tyre companies lead retreading and largely self-regulate without a single overarching standard. The Indian scenario is different, especially with a fragmented market.”

He stressed that the industry is not opposed to standards but to those that cannot be practically applied, warning that adopting European manufacturing-oriented norms without accounting for India’s market structure and operating realities would be counter-productive.

The debate is no longer about whether standards are needed but whether they are fit for purpose. Without accounting for India’s fragmented retreading ecosystem, enforcing impractical norms could dismantle a circular industry in the name of compliance.

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Ralson has reached a production volume of one million units for its truck and bus radial tyres. This accomplishment arrives only three years after the brand’s entry into the American market and roughly five years following construction work on its dedicated TBR facility, which began during the most severe period of the pandemic.

Demand from commercial fleets operating in over 70nations has fuelled the brand’s rise. Users have consistently rated the TBR product line as delivering high-end performance at a cost-effective price. To support this customer base, Ralson currently maintains two American warehouses in Savannah and Newark, enabling replenishment within two to three days for dealers and fleets across the country.

The tyre lineup meets United States fleet engineering standards and comes with a competitive seven-year, three-retread warranty. Products cover long-haul, regional and vocational uses. Following the one millionth tyre, Ralson plans a large capital investment to more than double its TBR output. The expansion will increase warehousing, partner programmes and dealer support across North America.

Brian Sheehey, President, Ralson Tire North America, said, “The first million was about conviction – in the product, the process and the people who built it. We started this plant when the world was standing still. We earned every mile since. The next million will be about acceleration: deeper dealer partnerships, broader SKU coverage and continuing to give fleets a reason to choose us on every spec sheet.”

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Giti Tire heads into the 2026 Nürburgring 24-Hour race from 14 to 17 May with a clear engineering mission, placing its tyres at the very centre of a live high-performance trial. The company treats the gruelling event not merely as a competition but as a decade‑long research platform where extreme track demands directly inform the durability and safety of everyday road tyres. What Giti learns on the Green Hell’s asphalt directly shapes its ultra‑high‑performance road tyres, enhancing handling precision and driver confidence worldwide.

The notorious Nordschleife, a 25‑kilometre maze of blind crests, 170 corners and volatile weather, serves as Giti’s primary outdoor laboratory. Unlike controlled indoor simulations, this circuit forces tyres to endure rapid temperature swings, sudden rain and sustained high‑speed loads, generating performance data that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

During the 24 hours of nonstop racing, Giti’s engineers systematically track how their compounds behave under relentless stress. They measure grip falloff, structural fatigue, wet‑weather response and heat dissipation lap after lap, turning every hour of darkness and every sudden shower into a learning opportunity for future tyre families.

Beyond technology, Giti has built a visible partnership with WS Racing and its all‑female ‘Girls Only – Ready to Rock the Green Hell’ campaign. The 2026 entry fields Carrie Schreiner, Janina Schall and Fabienne Wohlwend in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, while a separate Toyota Supra in the VT2‑RWD class continues developing emerging talents through the Girls Only Talent Pool.

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Continental has introduced a specialised tyre lineup for motorhomes as the camper season begins, addressing the unique technical demands of recreational vehicles. The company’s VanContact Camper tyre family includes two distinct models: the VanContact Ultra Camper for summer conditions and the VanContact A/S Ultra Camper as an all‑season alternative. Both products are engineered to handle the heavy weights, uneven axle loads, and long idle periods that typically challenge motorhome tyres.

Positioned as the flagship of the series, the VanContact A/S Ultra Camper targets users seeking maximum year‑round flexibility without the need for seasonal tyre changes. This all‑season tyre delivers reliable traction across diverse weather conditions while offering high mileage and efficient rolling performance. It is designed to serve equally well for spring season starts and continuous use throughout the year, making it a versatile solution for frequent travellers.

The reinforced carcass structure and high‑quality belt materials of the VanContact A/S Ultra Camper meet the Camping Pneu standard, which provides higher load capacities than conventional van tyres. From a technical perspective, Continental employs a robust tread design with thick rubber blocks, a protective abrasion rib, and stable sidewalls. A functional tread and sipe pattern, combined with an advanced rubber compound, promote even wear, low rolling resistance and dependable grip on changing road surfaces and in variable weather.

Alongside the all‑season version, the summer‑specific VanContact Ultra Camper remains available for warm‑weather optimisation. Continental emphasises that tyre condition at season start is critical, as extended inactivity, temperature swings and pressure fluctuations can compromise performance. The VanContact Camper family is positioned as a high‑durability solution for a safe and flexible start to the camping season and beyond.

Nicolas Jackisch, Product Manager – Van Tyres, Continental, said, “With the VanContact Camper tyre family, we take into account the load profiles and usage conditions of the motorhome segment. The VanContact A/S Ultra Camper stands for flexible all‑season performance and year‑round use, while the VanContact Ultra Camper is optimised for operation in warm temperatures. Both tyres are designed to deliver high load capacity, stability and safety.”

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Hankook Tire, in collaboration with Al Dobowi Tyre company, the official distributor of Hankook in UAE since 1978 under Al Dobowi Group, has announced a new sponsorship agreement with the Gulf County Championship, a community-based cricket league in the United Arab Emirates.

Starting from the 2026 season, Hankook will serve as a Division Sponsor for the league, which ranks among the UAE’s leading community cricket events. The championship features roughly 200 matches over three months, drawing more than 800 players across multiple divisions and primarily engaging the country’s South Asian community, where cricket holds strong cultural significance.

Through on-site branding and digital exposure via YouTube and social media, Hankook aims to boost brand awareness and customer engagement. Interactive programmes and promotional activities are planned to drive consumer conversion. Stellar Sports & Events organises the league.

Dae-hee Yun, Managing Director UAE, said, "This initiative marks an important step in expanding our customer and partner base across the UAE. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to further strengthen our sales competitiveness in the local market while reinforcing our premium brand positioning."

Waqas Faisal, General Manager, Al Dobowi Tyre Company, said, "Marking 50 years of presence in the UAE, this partnership is a significant milestone for Al Dobowi Group as the official distributor of Hankook Tires. Cricket plays a vital role in bringing communities together across the country, and the collaboration provides a strong platform for engaging with the local cricket community and strengthening our presence across the UAE, delivering results both on and off the field."

Rony James, General Manager, Stellar Sports & Events, said, "We are delighted to welcome Hankook Tire and Al Dobowi Group as key partners for the Gulf County Championship. This collaboration reflects the growing scale and professionalism of community cricket in the UAE. Our focus is to create a platform that delivers competitive cricket and meaningful brand engagement for our partners through on-ground and digital experiences."

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