However, as is evident now, we were caught unawares. Mutated strain of the virus took India in its stride as we were yet to work out a robust vaccination strategy. To curb the spread and manage the health emergency getting out of control in view of paucity of beds, oxygen and ventilators, a large number of states-imposed lockdowns and other restrictions which continue till date. 

As is normal under such circumstances, the economy bears the brunt and that is what seems to have happened. The fragile economic recovery seen in the second half of FY21 seems to have gone derailed. Consumer confidence has hit a new low as shown in a recent survey. Different rating agencies and multilateral organizations have downwardly revised the growth projections for the current fiscal year. From a bullish 11-13% growth (in view of base effect), the projections are now for growths in single digits only.

Needless to say, the pitch for economic revival is queered.  But, curiously, as Covid infections come off from the peak levels and the recovery rates go up, a new kind of confidence is building up. The infection rates are coming down with as much alacrity as they had peaked.

Certainly, there is no room for any complacency as premonitions of a third wave have already been made. However, the vaccination strategy to inoculate a large number of Indians by the end of the year holds much hope. It has been observed that those countries that have already inoculated over 50% of their population have witnessed much less morbidity and mortality rates.

What also holds out hope are a range of high frequency indicators which show the resilience of the Indian economy and the entrepreneurship that shines through whenever an opportunity is provided. The economic growth in the fourth quarter of last fiscal has been better than expected. From a contraction of 24.4% and 7.4% in the first and second quarters, the economy turned around in the third one with 0.5% growth and ended the year with 1.6% growth in Q4.

There are a range of other indicators too. Industrial performance measured by IIP grew by 22.3 percent in March. Merchandise exports grew by 197 percent in April. The output of eight core infrastructure sectors grew by robust 7% in March. Manufacturing PMI has remained at a high of over 55 in March and April. GST revenue collection set a new record of Rs. 1.4 lakh crore in April.

If the tyre  production data for FY21, as released recently, is anything to go by, Tyre Industry will continue to put the wheels of economy in motion against all odds. No doubt, Tyre Industry's overall numbers are down in FY21. However when looked closely, there is ample evidence that points to the resilience  in the sector. Truck & Bus (T&B) tyre production, the bellwether of economy has turned in better performance in FY21 over FY20. And this despite the fact that April’20 was a washout in view of nationwide lockdown. Both T&B and Passenger Car tyre production touched significantly higher figures in March this year with T&B tyre production crossing 20 lakh numbers, a historic high.

FY21 will also go down as a landmark year when Radial Truck & Bus tyre production equalled that of Bias tyre production. Tyre exports from India have charted an upward trajectory in the second half of previous fiscal as the stability was achieved in the exports markets.

Forecast of a normal monsoon (third in a row) and the upcoming festive season can provide much-needed impetus to the economy if vaccination drive accelerates and Covid appropriate measures are followed strictly.

No doubt, the situation is still in a flux, and it is too nascent to gauge the true impact of the second wave on economic growth.  But ramping up the vaccination drive and inoculating the entire adult population as early as possible will help.

And there is a major shift again in the vaccination policy. As this column gets on the editor’s desk, the federal government has decided to provide free coronavirus vaccines to states for inoculation of all above the age of 18.

FY 21 could not live up to the expectations that most Indians had. Hope the next year will. (TT)

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Tana is poised to deliver a compelling presence at IFAT 2026, scheduled for 4–7 May, where the central invitation for attendees is to Feel the Energy through live displays of high-performance machinery, recent innovations and advanced digital tools. This year’s exhibition focuses on how intelligent technology and powerful waste processing equipment can work together to achieve both efficiency and operational excellence.

Visitors can experience the TANA Hammerhead, a mobile shredder engineered for demanding waste environments with a focus on maximising uptime and productivity. On the first day of the show, Tana will also unveil an exciting new product, representing a major leap in waste management technology through innovative engineering and practical operational benefits. Live demonstrations of the TANA Shark shredder will take place daily at 10:30, 12:00, 14:30, and 16:00 at the stand of German distributor VENETO Schwenter GmbH (FS.911/1).

Another highlight is the Tana Wingman, a live digital operator assistant that improves visibility, safety and efficiency. It provides real-time machine data and a live hopper camera view on a tablet interface without needing cloud services or internet, keeping all data secure on site. This system enhances situational awareness during loading and feeding, helping operators react quickly to blockages or irregular material flow while reducing the need to leave the operating area.

Tana is also piloting an AI-driven proof of concept called the TanaConnect Smart Assistant, developed with spogen.ai, which enables hands-free, voice-activated interaction for operators and service teams. This assistant offers intuitive, context-aware access to machine information, reducing time spent searching manuals. At Stand 227 in Hall B5, Tana welcomes IFAT attendees to an interactive space where experts are available to discuss how these solutions can improve productivity and workflows, offering a firsthand look at the future of waste management technology.

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The Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR) is preparing a major presence at THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026, the world’s leading tyre industry trade fair running from 9 to 11 June 2026. Building on its successful collaborative model, AZuR will return with an even larger network of partners representing all facets of the sustainable tyre circular economy. At the joint exhibition stand located in Hall 7.1, nineteen AZuR members from across the tyre and recycling sectors will showcase their work while the alliance takes on an intensive role within the fair’s event programme.

By bringing together industry, small businesses, trade and recycling specialists once again, AZuR demonstrates the full circular value chain under one roof. Visitors to the stand can explore sustainable new tyre production alongside repair, retreading, and both mechanical and chemical recycling processes.

The 2026 fair will place a special emphasis on promoting tyre retreading as a proven method to save resources, slash CO₂ emissions and reduce costs through multiple reuse of quality casings. To help retreading gain wider traction, AZuR is inviting European retreaders to attend and is integrating the topic into dedicated events and new dialogue formats spanning the entire value chain.

Among the fresh initiatives is a municipal dialogue connecting city decision-makers with experts to showcase retreaded tyres for public fleets, waste management and transit systems, highlighting CO₂ savings and up to 30 percent lower operating costs. An educational project called Retreading Goes to School will train tyre dealers, auto shops and their staff on the safety, quality and economic benefits of this technology.

THE TIRE COLOGNE 2026 thus offers AZuR and its partners an unmatched platform for presenting innovations, best practices and concrete solutions. The joint stand will also serve as a meeting hub for policymakers, scientists and business leaders to discuss advancing retreading, new uses for recycled materials, chemical recycling progress like pyrolysis and better political frameworks.

AZuR network coordinator Anna-Maria Guth said, “Our joint stand demonstrates the strength of the industry when it works together on solutions. The increasing number of partners participating confirms our approach and the relevance of the tyre circular economy.”

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HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS marked the 46th Disability Day by organising a sports day and donation event on 16 April 2026 at Yeongnak Aenea’s House, a residential care facility for children with severe disabilities in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Employees paired one on one with the children, who have limited chances for outdoor activities, and together they took part in various sports and recreational programmes, creating meaningful experiences.

The donation will be used to replace wheelchair inner seats, purchase specialised rehabilitation equipment and upgrade the facility’s environment. This partnership began in 2012, and this year marks its 15th anniversary. Through regular in person volunteering such as assisting with walks and supporting sports events, the company has consistently worked to improve quality of life and promote independence for people with severe disabilities.

This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to the social contribution slogan Value Together, emphasised by Vice Chairman H.S. CHO, who states that providing practical support to marginalised neighbours is a corporate responsibility. In recognition of its efforts, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS has been selected for seven consecutive years under the Community Contribution Recognition Program, received a Minister of Health and Welfare Commendation and achieved the highest S Grade rating.

Since its establishment, the HS HYOSUNG Group has carried out various social contribution activities, including cultural programmes for people with disabilities and initiatives for national veterans. Moving forward, the group plans to further expand its efforts to create social value based on its management philosophy of mutual growth with local communities.

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Tyrecycle, led by CEO Jim Fairweather, has responded to a recent federal inquiry into end-of-life tyres, conducted by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science, by stressing that the industry’s successes should not hide its failures. While the inquiry focused on commercial and economic aspects of tyre recycling, Fairweather argued that any regulatory changes must target specific market gaps rather than burdening parts of the sector that already work well. Tyrecycle supports mandatory market-based regulation and increased government procurement, and Fairweather described illegal tyre dumping as completely unacceptable.

The recovery rate for passenger and truck tyres in Australia stands at 96 percent, yet off the road tyres, or OTRs, tell a different story. Only two percent of OTRs are recovered, despite these large tyres from mining and agriculture accounting for about 29 percent of Australia’s tyre market. Fairweather highlighted regional disparities, noting Western Australia produces 60,000 of OTRs out of a national total of 155,000 tonnes, while Queensland and New South Wales together contribute another 75,000 tonnes. He warned that a complete system overhaul could raise consumer prices with little benefit.

Fairweather explained that passenger and truck tyres benefit from established state-based regulations and infrastructure, but OTRs require targeted intervention. Policy must differentiate between working markets and those needing genuine help. Fairweather reiterated that Tyrecycle is prepared to process every tyre in Australia, provided the correct supporting system is in place.

A critical shortage of domestic end markets for recycled tyre materials is a central problem. Tyrecycle collects around ninety thousand tyres daily, yet viable markets remain limited. Fairweather cautioned against over reliance on extended producer responsibility schemes, arguing they do not inherently create market demand. Australia needs market-based solutions that enable recyclers to find commercially viable applications. Tyre derived fuel provides an outlet, but more recycled products should be used domestically rather than exported. Other applications face limited demand, and collection alone does not close the waste loop.

On illegal dumping, Fairweather argued that schemes funnelling money through a central authority risk inflation and reduced competition. Better alternatives include rigorous enforcement of accreditation and monitoring systems that maintain direct customer relationships. He supported a mandatory scheme requiring manufacturers to contribute to waste management costs, though he prefers a market-based approach over a strict extended producer responsibility framework.

Fairweather stated that existing state-based regulations are sufficient; no new laws are needed, only proper enforcement. Where enforcement is weak, non-compliant operators undercut legitimate recyclers, reducing investment confidence. High quality enforcement supports market integrity, competition, lower prices and greater consumer choice. He placed tyre issues in the context of end-of-life vehicles, noting Australia processes 850,000 vehicles annually, generating 1.36 million tonnes of waste.

Fairweather concluded that only a combination of effective regulation, infrastructure investment and genuine end market development can achieve a circular economy for tyres. Without these measures, even well-intentioned schemes cannot deliver sustainable outcomes. Tyrecycle supports stronger compliance, expanded domestic consumption of recycled products and targeted fixes for off the road tyres, with Fairweather simply wanting the right regulation properly enforced.

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