TATNEFT Partners With Hungarian MOL Group To Build Rubber Bitumen Plant

TATNEFT Partners With Hungarian MOL Group To Build Rubber Bitumen Plant

TATNEFT and Hungarian MOL Group have agreed to set up a rubber-modified bitumen (RBM) plant in Russia at the TANECO complex. The companies have also agreed to establish OOO RMB-RUSS joint venture.

Expected to start production in 2023, the new plant will help the companies produce 25,000 tonnes of RBM that will be used to make high-quality astringent for the road surface and also provide processing for up to 500,000 tyres per year.

The companies will invest a total of RUB 1.2 billion for the project, which will be made partially through the Hungarian Export Support Agency (HEPA). HEPA has extended an irrevocable grant to support the overseas use of MOL technology. According to the contract, MOL Group owns 51 percent of the joint venture with an option to change the structure of the cooperation five years after the commissioning of the production facility.

Talking about the JV, Nail Maganov, General Director, TATNEFT, said, "Our new joint project with the Hungarian MOL Group is the desire materialisation of the Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Viktor Orban, leaders of our countries, to develop mutually beneficial cooperation. This is an example of a partnership between two companies, our practical participation in solving global problems of warming and responsible consumption based on the concept of a circular economy."

Adding to it, Oscar Vilagi, Member of the Board of Directors, MOL Group, said, "I always feel very much proud when the knowledge and achievements of the Carpathian basin folks contribute to the development of other countries. The rubber-modified bitumen technology developed by MOL and a group of scientists from the University of Pannonia can now contribute to strengthening the closed-cycle economy of the Commonwealth of Independent States peoples, offering a way to recycle rubber tyres, previously considered waste, into material for the construction of a road surface. This region has great business potential. In addition to the technology development, such cooperation also serves the future of our children and grandchildren, since global warming does not recognise national borders. We have a common destiny, although we live thousands of kilometres away from each other". (TT)

Doublestar Tires Continues To Lead Chinese Tyre Brands With 116 Billion Yuan Brand Value

Doublestar Tires Continues To Lead Chinese Tyre Brands With 116 Billion Yuan Brand Value

On 18 June, the prestigious 22nd ‘World Brand Conference and Release Ceremony of China's 500 Most Valuable Brands’ was held in Beijing, organised by the World Brand Lab. Demonstrating its industry leadership, Doublestar achieved an impressive brand valuation of CNY 116.208 billion (approximately USD 16.21 billion), securing the 93rd position overall and maintaining its position as the highest-ranked Chinese tyre brand for yet another year.

This recognition underscores Doublestar's strong market presence and consumer trust, built on decades of innovation and quality craftsmanship. Moving forward, the company has committed to strengthening its brand influence through continuous technological advancement and sustainable development. By focusing on research and production of safer, smarter and more environmentally friendly tyre solutions, Doublestar aims to not only meet evolving market demands but also drive the high-quality growth of China's tyre industry.

Continental Receives ISCC PLUS Certifications For All European Tyre Plants

Continental Receives ISCC PLUS Certifications For All European Tyre Plants

Continental Tires has achieved a major sustainability milestone with all its European tyre production facilities now certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standard. The certification extends to plants in Lousado (Portugal), Puchov (Slovakia), Korbach (Germany), Sarreguemines (France), Otrokovice (Czech Republic) and Timișoara (Romania), along with the supporting Industria Textil do Ave textile plant in Portugal. The company's Hefei facility in China has also earned this recognition, expanding Continental's sustainable manufacturing network globally.

The ISCC PLUS certification verifies Continental's compliance with rigorous traceability and documentation requirements for renewable and recycled materials used in tyre production. This system enables the company to track sustainable inputs throughout the manufacturing process using the mass balance approach, which allows gradual incorporation of eco-friendly materials while maintaining existing production systems. Continental is currently increasing its use of certified materials, including bio-based synthetic rubbers and circular-process carbon black, as part of its strategy to include over 40 percent sustainable materials in tyres by 2030.

As a globally recognised standard established in 2010, ISCC certification promotes climate-friendly, deforestation-free supply chains across multiple industries. It covers sustainable biomass, recycled materials and renewable resources, providing a framework for transparent, responsible sourcing. For Continental, this achievement represents both a validation of current sustainability efforts and a foundation for future innovations in eco-conscious tyre manufacturing. The company's growing network of certified facilities demonstrates its commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining product quality and performance standards across its global operations.

Jorge Almeida, head of Sustainability for Continental Tires, said, “The ISCC PLUS certification of all our European tyre plants is an important milestone and a strong signal for a more sustainable industry in Europe. But we're not stopping there. Our plants in other regions will follow step by step, like our Hefei plant, which is already certified. We have a strong ambition to make our tyre production more sustainable worldwide across our entire supply chain.”

Bandvulc Expands Wastemaster 5 Tyre Range

Bandvulc Expands Wastemaster 5 Tyre Range

Bandvulc has expanded its Wastemaster 5 tyre range with a new 315/70 size, enhancing options for urban waste collection and recycling vehicles. Originally launched in 2021, this robust tyre boasts a high load rating and is manufactured at ContiLifeCycle’s Ivybridge facility in Devon, which produces Bandvulc and ContiRe retread tyres.

The Wastemaster 5 incorporates ARMORBAND technology, featuring a reinforced rubber layer along the sidewall to resist scrubbing damage and prolong tyre life. Its advanced tread design includes wide zig-zag grooves for mud and water clearance, stone ejection features, stepped blocks and deep sipes for superior traction in tough conditions. This upgrade reinforces Bandvulc’s commitment to durability and performance in demanding waste management operations.

Eurogrip Tyres Opens Two New Chennai Retail Stores

Eurogrip Tyres Opens Two New Chennai Retail Stores

Eurogrip Tyres, India’s top 2 & 3-wheeler tyre brand under TVS Srichakra Ltd, today launched two exclusive retail stores in Chennai – at Selaiyur and Villivakkam. These outlets will stock a full range of two-wheeler tyres, tubes and biking accessories like helmets, alongside offering tyre care, puncture repair, fitment services and engine oil changes.

Catering to scooters, commuter bikes, performance bikes and superbikes, the stores provide diverse tyre patterns and sizes. They will also handle warranty claims for customers. The Selaiyur store is located at J C Group, Plot no 3, Agaram Main Road, Chennai - 600 073, while the Villivakkam outlet is at ST Enterprises, Old no 39E/New no 103, MTH Road, Chennai - 600 049. These expansions reinforce Eurogrip’s commitment to premium service and accessibility.

T K Ravi, COO, Eurogrip Tyres, said, “We are happy to reach out to more customers through our new branded retail stores. In a city that has a bustling two-wheeler vehicle population, there is a need to have more outlets to expand our network. Chennai is an important market for us, and we had opened our first branded retail store in Velachery last May. The response from customers and riders has been encouraging and we are happy to be launching 2 more stores in the city – this will help bolster our brand strength here. We plan to have more such signature stores in different cities to make our products and services easily accessible to customers.”