India’s Atmanirbharta push is reshaping the tyre industry as companies leverage domestic mineral resources and advanced processing technologies to reduce import dependence and strengthen global competitiveness. Players such as 20 Microns Limited are capitalising on this shift by developing value-added fillers that enhance tyre performance while lowering costs and emissions.

As radialisation, sustainability targets and export ambitions converge, indigenous innovation is increasingly being positioned not merely as import substitution but as a strategic lever for global market integration and long-term industry transformation.

India has witnessed a sharp rise in cross-manufacturing capabilities across industries over the past decade. Once heavily dependent on imports, the country is gradually positioning itself as a manufacturing and export hub. This transition has been accelerated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).

The domestic tyre ecosystem is also benefiting from this momentum, with companies that have established strengths in adjacent sectors now entering the tyre value chain. Gujarat-based 20 Microns, a speciality chemicals company operating primarily in industrial minerals and performance additives for sectors such as tyres, rubber, plastics, Paints, paper etc., has emerged as a supplier to leading Indian tyre manufacturers including CEAT.

Speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends, K K Mishra, President – Product and Business Development at 20 Microns, said, “The shift from bias-ply to radial tyres opened up opportunities for players like us to enter the tyre industry.”

Before entering the tyre segment, the company catered to multiple industries. “We supply products for 78 different applications, so tyres were not initially a focus area for us. Our entry into the segment was largely driven by customer demand,” Mishra explained.

The company’s first offering to the tyre industry was magnesium oxide. However, tyre manufacturers were already using the material in limited quantities relative to their overall raw material consumption. While some experimented with alternative fillers, these solutions often failed to deliver significant value.

Mishra pointed out that India had traditionally exported large volumes of raw minerals such as China clay, talc, mica and other industrial minerals but lacked advanced grinding and processing capabilities. As a result, European companies imported these raw materials, converted them into high-value speciality products and exported them back to India at significantly higher prices.

Recognising this gap, 20 Microns began developing nano and value-added mineral-based products domestically.

“We registered 20 Microns Nano Minerals Limited in 2004, but commercial operations started in 2012. We introduced products gradually. Our first major offering was an anti-blocking agent, which was largely imported by petrochemical Complex. These agents are used in packaging films to prevent layers from sticking together,” Mishra said.

To manufacture the product, the company installed a delamination process capable of producing platy particles. Advanced machinery was imported from Germany, and the delaminated talc products were initially supplied to Reliance Industries.

Following this success, the company realised the same technology could be applied to other minerals.

“We introduced kaolin, which also has a platy structure. Using the same delamination process, we produced nano-sized, high-aspect-ratio particles without fracturing them,” he noted.

This development became particularly relevant as the tyre industry transitioned from bias-ply to radial tyres.

“Radial tyres require improved air retention and reduced permeability. Our delaminated nano kaolin enhances these properties. We developed a product in which each particle is separated layer by layer rather than mechanically crushed,” Mishra explained.

The company recognised that global tyre manufacturers such as Bridgestone were importing similar materials from suppliers like Imerys, encouraging it to approach Indian tyre makers.

“Our first engagement was with CEAT, where the product delivered encouraging results. This was largely due to the superior quality of Indian China clay. Following CEAT’s success, we approached JK Tyre and Apollo Tyres. After two to three years of trials and validation, our product was approved and commercial supplies began,” Mishra said.

The company is now in discussions with Bridgestone, which currently imports these materials, and securing a position in its supply chain would mark a significant milestone.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

India’s tyre industry is expanding rapidly. While the domestic market includes several major tyre manufacturers, the global supply side for speciality minerals remains concentrated among a few multinational players such as Imerys and Thiele. 20 Microns sees this as an opportunity to position itself as a global supplier.

“After establishing ourselves in India, we have started approaching international tyre manufacturers such as Pirelli and Iris Tyres, where approvals are currently underway. Globally, the transition towards radial and tubeless tyres is driving demand for such materials,” Mishra stated.

The company claims its products help reduce costs, provide reinforcement and partially replace carbon black while also supporting sustainability objectives.

Compared to carbon black or silica, the company’s product reportedly generates only around five percent of the associated carbon emissions, resulting in nearly 95 percent lower carbon output.

Additionally, the company operates its own mining facilities, where land restoration and environmental compliance form part of the extraction process.

“Around 15 percent of carbon black in tyres can be replaced with our product. Simultaneously, air impermeability improves by approximately 13–15 percent. Typical loading levels are around 15–20 percent. This means tyre manufacturers achieve carbon black replacement along with some reduction in rubber usage because improved air impermeability allows lower rubber consumption,” Mishra explained.

Beyond large tyre makers, the company is now targeting smaller manufacturers as well. Producers of two-wheeler and three-wheeler tyres have already begun adopting these solutions.

According to Mishra, several manufacturers have also expressed strong interest, with collaborative research and development activities underway to accelerate adoption.

However, he acknowledged that large-scale application in commercial vehicle tyres, where carbon black usage is significantly higher, will take time.

“Tyres are directly linked to safety, so manufacturers are understandably cautious. There is initial scepticism regarding whether replacing carbon black or introducing China clay-based fillers could affect mechanical performance. However, as successful implementation in passenger car radial tyres becomes more visible, adoption is expected to expand into commercial tyres as well,” he said. 

STRENGTHENING THE SUPPLY CHAIN

Exports currently contribute around 18 percent of the company’s total revenue, with supplies reaching 86 countries across Europe and the Americas. Mishra expects demand for delaminated products to grow three to four times over the next three to four years.

The company operates mine-site plants for kaolin, while its primary facility is located in Bhuj, Gujarat, where mining operations span 168 hectares. One mine is operational, while another is awaiting environmental clearance.

Its facilities employ advanced technologies, including cryogenic magnetic separation systems, to remove paramagnetic and ferromagnetic impurities. The kaolin slurry is processed through specialised systems to produce ultra-pure material, ensuring high-quality output.

“Indian kaolin deposits naturally offer high aspect ratios and superior platy structures. This enables two major applications. First, delaminated kaolin improves permeability and reinforcement in tyres. Second, when calcined at 1200–1,400 degrees Celsius, it can partially replace titanium dioxide, especially in paints and plastics. While this market is smaller than tyres, it still offers considerable potential,” Mishra noted.

According to the company, competition in this niche segment remains limited globally, with only a handful of manufacturers producing such specialised materials. While China competes aggressively in standard grades, the delaminated segment continues to remain relatively niche.

Sustainability has become a key focus area, as the products are derived from naturally occurring minerals that require mining and processing, yet still offer a significantly lower carbon footprint.

The company’s long-term objective is to increase the share of mineral-based fillers in tyre formulations.

“Three additional products are currently under development, including amorphous silica from diatomaceous earth and nano silicates as green tyre fillers. Delaminated talc, already supplied as an anti-blocking agent for petrochemical applications, is also being positioned by some European players as a partial carbon black substitute,” Mishra revealed.

The company recently invested INR 1 billion, fully funded through internal accruals, towards expansion. It currently operates nine plants in India along with facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam

Delaminated production capacity, currently at 400 tonnes and fully utilised by three tyre customers, is being expanded to 1,000 tonnes in response to strong global demand.

Capacity expansion is also underway in the petrochemical segment to cater to rising demand for anti-blocking agents. The company has acquired mineral assets and land in Anantapur for a talc and dolomite plant serving both tyre and non-tyre sectors, while calcium carbonate operations are being expanded in Makrana.

Expansion of the Malaysian subsidiary is expected to be funded through debt and private equity following mining asset acquisitions.

GLOBAL AMBITIONS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

Export opportunities remain a key focus, particularly in Europe and other global markets.

“Our strategy is to first establish a strong domestic base and then expand globally through direct engagement with international manufacturers as well as distributor networks. The overseas expansion of Indian tyre companies is also creating opportunities, as approved supplier bases are being extended internationally,” Mishra said.

At the international level, concerns persist regarding the impact of replacing carbon black with China clay-based fillers on mechanical performance. However, awareness of similar global products already exists, and the company believes its 50–60 percent cost advantage could support gradual adoption despite lengthy validation cycles.

In the electric vehicle tyre segment, progress has so far been limited. Nevertheless, mineral-based fillers are recognised for offering improved flame-retardant properties, which could create future opportunities.

“Traditionally, adoption cycles in the tyre industry have been lengthy, typically taking around three years from laboratory testing to commercialisation. However, this approach is evolving following the Paris Agreement, with sustainability and circular economy goals driving greater openness towards green tyres. Artificial intelligence is also being leveraged to accelerate innovation, enhance testing and improve supply chain efficiency,” Mishra observed.

At the same time, challenges remain. The company also highlighted how readily mineral-based innovations can be replicated, leading to intensifying competition in the value-added minerals segment, where fillers are increasingly positioned as performance enhancers. While India continues to hold strength in China clay, talc, mica resources, and continues to export aggressively, imports of calcium carbonate from countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Egypt are also increasing.

Even as the Atmanirbharta wave drives innovation and global ambition, challenges related to validation cycles, performance concerns and rising competition persist. The ability to scale sustainably, protect innovation and build global trust will determine whether India’s mineral-based solutions evolve from cost-efficient alternatives into indispensable components of next-generation tyre manufacturing.

Kuraray America, Inc. marked National STEM Day on 8 November by spotlighting a community educational event that brought together 15 of its volunteers and students from the Houston Japanese Supplementary School at San Jacinto College for a day of hands-on exploration and discovery.

Participants engaged in activities illustrating how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) converge in chemical manufacturing. Experiments with superabsorbent polymer beads explored chemistry and material properties, while a tour of the college’s facilities introduced industrial equipment. Students also learned about water filtration and distillation processes and how mathematical concepts underpin scientific and engineering applications.

One student showed particular interest in the distillation tower, linking the experience to the Kuraray Group’s contributions to everyday life and its mission of achieving for people and the planet what no one else can. The event also benefited KAI volunteers, who shared technical knowledge, exchanged perspectives and learned alongside potential future scientists and engineers.

Kuraray America thanked Reiko Fuwa and Tomohiro Tani for coordinating the visit, Hans Vandommele for sharing his expertise and all 15 KAI volunteers. The company also expressed appreciation to San Jacinto College for facility access and to the Houston Japanese Supplementary School students for their curiosity, enthusiasm and thoughtful questions.

Liberty Tire Recycling attended the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, held from 3–6 November at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The automotive aftermarket event, one of the industry's largest, drew over 160,000 attendees from the automotive, tyre and transportation sectors to review new products, technologies and business opportunities.

The Lakin Tire brand, a consistent SEMA exhibitor, once again used the show to reinforce industry relationships and present Liberty's tyre collection, recycling and sustainable resource management capabilities. Personnel from Grade/Used Tires, Commercial Truck Tires, Metals, Recycling and Collection, together with corporate and regional leadership, met customers, suppliers and industry professionals from around the world.

The booth received existing and prospective customers from numerous tyre and automotive segments during the week. Costco Wholesale Corporate Office, United Tires and UTU Wholesale were among the organisations that stopped by to examine Liberty Tire's products, services and nationwide reach. The company viewed the event as an effective forum for monitoring emerging market trends and demonstrating its position in recycling and sustainability, alongside its focus on innovation, workforce development and circular economy principles.

A memorable moment came when a high school shop teacher and students, attending through a special educator programme, toured the booth to learn about tyre recycling and industry operations. Liberty team members provided industry insights, outlined career pathways and acknowledged educators' contribution to developing future skilled trades professionals, supplying tyre inflation gauges for classroom use.

Laufenn, Hankook's associate brand, earned a ‘Good’ ratingwith an overall score of 2.2 for its G Fit 4S in the Auto Bild Allrad all-season SUV tyre test published on 8 October 2026 (issue 41). The tyre competed credibly against 11 rivals from established premium marques, finishing competitively in a 12-strong field.

Wet handling proved a particular strength, with the G Fit 4S collecting the second-highest rating shared with other models. Aquaplaning resistance also impressed, as the tyre held its line until stability began to fade at roughly 100 kmph (62 mph). In snow, it recorded the third-shortest braking distance, matching two other contenders.

Testing spanned snow, wet and dry disciplines, each weighted equally in the final ranking, with a third-generation MINI Countryman serving as the test vehicle. Snow assessments were carried out in New Zealand, while European venues hosted the wet and dry evaluations. The jury's conclusion underscored Laufenn's value-focused positioning, finding the G Fit 4S a solid option for cost-conscious buyers.

Tyres Europe has underscored that tyres qualify as fully recyclable under ISO 22628:2002 and UN Regulation No. 133, describing the established methodology as a robust foundation for assessing tyre recyclability. The organisation recently set out its position on the matter.

The distinction between recyclability and actual recycling rates is central to the group's argument. Recyclability refers to the technical potential of a product and its materials to be recycled, while the real rate hinges on treatment capacity and demand for secondary raw materials. Regulatory frameworks should therefore separate the two concepts clearly and align with an internationally recognised standard.

Tyres consist of rubber compounds, chemical additives and reinforcing textile and steel cords, and at end of life they are separated into rubber, textile and steel fractions, all of which existing mechanical or chemical routes can recycle. Mechanical processing yields rubber granules and powders usable as secondary raw materials across many applications, recovered textiles can be further processed and valorised, and cleaned recovered steel can re-enter metal recycling and steelmaking.

Tyres Europe pledged continued cooperation with policymakers and value-chain partners to strengthen circularity and maximise recovery of valuable tyre materials in Europe, with the full paper available on its website.