Regrip, a start-up focussing on tyre recycling in India, which is backed by Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty, Govt of Rajasthan, and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has got $2 million (INR 16 crore) in funding. This also marks a successful exit for its seed investor IIMA Ventures. 

The fresh round was led by Qatar-based venture capital Sirious One, Inflection Point Ventures, and Let's Venture, alongside angel investors such as EaseMyTrip Co-Founder Rikant Pitti, Shobitam Co-Founder Aparna Thyagarajan, Bombay Chemical & Rubber Product's Managing Partner Vishal Jhunjhunwala, and TIE Angels Chairman Mahavir Pratap Sharma.

The start-up was founded by Tushar Suhalka aims to build India's largest network of discarded tyre collection centres. Regrip is working on latest technology such as what it claims is world's first solution to predict the life and price of old tyres, akin to ‘cashify for old tyres.’

The fresh funds will fuel the expansion of this technology deployment with tyre companies and further enhance Regrip's collection network for discarded tyres. With this infusion of capital, the start-up plots to accelerate its impact on the environment by revitalising discarded tyres, reducing waste, and maximising their lifespan.

Tushar Suhalka said, “This investment will enable us to expand our technological capabilities and bolster our efforts in building a robust collection network for discarded tyres across the nation. Our goal is not just to revolutionise the tyre recycling industry but also to make a significant impact on the environment.”

Celebrity investor Suniel Shetty said, "I am super excited about my association with Regrip. We're not just redefining the concept of re-cycled, safe, economical high-quality tyres, but also contributing to a greener future by reducing waste and maximising the lifecycle of each tyre. By embracing innovation and sustainable practices, we can create a better world for generations to come." 

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Continental has transformed its European Roadshow into a long-term customer engagement platform, scheduled to traverse the continent through 2027. The initiative delivers the company’s newest commercial vehicle tyre technologies, trailer solutions and digital services directly to fleet operators. Following successful kick-off events in the Czech Republic and Denmark, the mobile tour is set to visit Norway and Finland, with further destinations to be announced.

This expanded programme underscores Continental’s strategic commitment to deepening customer ties through direct interaction. The initiative directly addresses critical fleet management concerns, including total cost of ownership, operational efficiency and the ongoing digitalisation of transport logistics. The company aims to position itself as a partner in solving real-world operational challenges.

Central to the roadshow is the Showtruck, a mobile consultation and demonstration hub that allows fleets to experience Continental’s portfolio within their local markets. Attendees navigate themed stations that link product innovations to practical fleet applications and everyday operational hurdles. A primary focus is the Generation 5 tyre portfolio, engineered for enhanced mileage, reduced rolling resistance and superior durability, alongside trailer tyre options and a preview of the upcoming Conti Efficient Pro HT 5.

The roadshow also highlights ContiConnect, a digital tyre monitoring system that supplies real-time data and actionable intelligence to support predictive maintenance and increase operational transparency. Traveling thousands of kilometres across Europe through 2027, the platform engages fleet operators, logistics firms, dealers and industry partners. By merging products, digital services and technical expertise, Continental reinforces its dedication to efficient, digitally connected transport solutions, with additional tour dates to be revealed.

Ivonne Bierwirth, Head of Marketing Communications – EMEA, Continental, said, "Fleet operators are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, control operating costs and meet evolving industry requirements. The Roadshow allows us to engage directly with customers and demonstrate how our tyre technologies, digital solutions and expertise can help them address these challenges in their daily operations."

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Tyres Europe and the Association of Synthetic Amorphous Silica Producers (ASASP) have released a joint position paper on synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) in tyre manufacturing. The document highlights SAS as a critical component that improves wet grip, reduces rolling resistance and supports durability, thereby enhancing vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, electric vehicle range and lowering use-phase emissions.

A proposed harmonised classification for SAS is under consideration. Though not an outright ban, the industry warns it would likely compel manufacturers to phase out SAS during design rather than manage exposure, effectively bypassing practical risk controls.

Tyres Europe and ASASP urge regulators to base any action on robust evaluation of SAS properties, exposure conditions, established industrial uses and broader socio-economic impacts on European value chains. Policy measures must reflect these factors to avoid unintended disruptions.

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Tegeta Green Planet participated in the recent Social Design Days conference, a three-day event hosted by the Design Institute that centred on circular design and sustainable innovation. The gathering brought together diverse professionals to explore the intersection of creative disciplines and environmental responsibility.

During the proceedings, Tegeta Green Planet Director Shalva Akhvlediani engaged in a panel discussion that examined Georgia’s trajectory in building a circular economy. The conversation addressed the nation’s current obstacles and prospective avenues for growth, with a particular focus on systemic shifts in resource management and regulatory frameworks.

Akhvlediani pointed to measurable advancements in Georgia’s waste management infrastructure, the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility standards and a growing national recycling ethos. These developments, he observed, are creating a robust base for more judicious resource utilisation and fostering habits of conscientious consumption. The panel further acknowledged that resourcefulness is deeply rooted in Georgian heritage, where mending, reusing and bequeathing goods were traditional practices, though modern consumerism has eroded these customs, necessitating a blend of age-old wisdom with contemporary circular strategies.

A critical takeaway from the discussion was the assertion that technological fixes and legislation alone are insufficient. Genuine progress, Akhvlediani argued, hinges on synergistic cooperation between designers, architects, researchers and creatives to engineer products and systems that prioritise longevity and recyclability from inception. Social Design Days proved instrumental in facilitating cross-sectoral dialogue, promoting circular principles and inspiring actionable solutions for national sustainability. Tegeta Green Planet reaffirmed its dedication to advancing these environmental objectives and supporting collaborative platforms that drive meaningful change.

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Continental is set to construct its first company-owned wind farm adjacent to its tyre production facility in Korbach, within the municipality of Twistetal, Hesse. The initiative will supply electricity directly to the plant, situated roughly eight kilometres away, thereby diversifying the manufacturer's energy portfolio. This strategic move aims to accelerate renewable power adoption, enhance cost competitiveness and diminish reliance on volatile energy markets.

The project features three turbines that, alongside existing solar systems, are projected to satisfy approximately two-thirds of the Korbach plant's electricity requirements. With an annual generating capacity of around 55 gigawatt-hours, the turbines could supply roughly 15,000 average households. Continental has allocated a mid-double-digit million-euro investment, having secured all necessary permits. Groundbreaking is anticipated in 2026, with commissioning expected about 18 months later.

Tyre production consumes significant power for operations like mixing raw rubber and extruding components. The Twistetal wind farm will enable the Korbach plant to meet a larger proportion of demand with locally sourced renewable energy fed directly into manufacturing. This addition complements existing infrastructure while maintaining reliable operations during fluctuating wind or solar conditions. The Korbach facility, employing approximately 2,400 people, produces tyres for passenger cars, motorcycles, bicycles and industrial uses.

Photovoltaic systems at Continental’s Korbach tyre plant.

The selected Nordex N175/6.X turbines have a hub height of 179 metres and a rotor diameter of 175 metres, reaching a total height of 267 metres, making them among the most powerful onshore turbines available.

The Korbach project represents a key step in Continental's broader strategy to expand proprietary energy generation, with similar initiatives considered globally. The goal is a flexible, economically viable energy supply while increasing renewable power proportion, ideally produced near each manufacturing site.

Continental is evaluating feasibility at worldwide plants, considering local conditions, regulations, storage, integration with existing sources and financial viability. Since 2020, the firm has covered global purchased electricity demand with renewables and reduced tyre production greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 180,000 metric tonnes over four years. By early 2026, coal and heavy fuel oil were eliminated at all production sites, replaced by electricity from renewables, biomass, biogas, LPG and natural gas for steam and heating.

Dr Bernhard Trilken, Head of Manufacturing & Logistics in Continental’s Tires group sector, said, “Having our own wind turbines near the plant will give us more predictable energy costs and reduce our exposure to volatile energy markets – key factors for competitive tyre production in Germany. This is fully aligned with our global strategy to expand our own renewable energy generation and will serve as a blueprint for other sites worldwide.”

Klaus Ohlwein, head of the Continental tyre plant in Korbach, said, “The wind farm will bring major benefits to our location. It will help us cover a significant share of our electricity needs in Korbach with our own renewable sources at competitive and more predictable costs. The electricity generated will be used directly in tyre production, including in mixers and extruders. The project is an important step in our sustainability activities at the site and demonstrates how industrial competitiveness and sustainable energy use can be effectively combined in Germany.”

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