Therefore, transitioning to a green economy has sound economic and social justification. For governments, this transition would involve levelling the playing field for greener products by replacing harmful subsidies, reforming policies and redirecting public investment among others. In the private sector, this transition would involve responding to these policy reforms and incentives through increased financing and investment, skill building and innovation capacities to realise the opportunities arising from a green economy.
Automobile industry is one of the key sectors for economic growth, where sustainability is critical to ensure access to clean and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Particularly for the rubber industry, which is largely perceived as non-environmentally friendly, it is imperative to work towards adapting the green economy; largely through development of green technology and introduction of green manufacturing practices including resource decoupling - using less land, water, energy and materials to maintain economic growth and to reduce environmental impact.
Technology innovation remains a key priority. Some of the trends for automotive and tyre industries include, sustainable tyre through introduction of green material technology with further improvement in fuel efficiency (Rolling Resistance) Safety (Dry and Wet Traction), Durability (mileage) and Comfort (Noise, Vibration, Ride & Handling). Besides above, obtaining rubber material from biomass and recyclable avenues, greater use of modelling in performance prediction and tyre design, change in tyre design to tall and thin tires, especially to suit electric vehicles are of paramount importance towards the making of a green economy. In addition, technologies that include real time simulation, virtual proving ground, self-inflation technology, electrified rubber, sensor-based tyres for health assessment and fleet management can help save fuel, reduce operating cost including increased tyre life.
Use of simulation and predictive technology - Finite Element Analysis (FEA), service life prediction, etc. – are expected to contribute towards determining the reliability aspect of tyres. With the advent of high-end software, FEA tools are now extensively used for prediction of structural durability, aquaplaning, heat generation, process simulation and Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH). Advanced research is underway to understand the microscopic behaviour of polymer-filler interaction using new generation simulation techniques. This in turn would help to develop ultra-high-performance tyres with reduced hysteresis, improved safety and durability.
In line with the automobile industry, tyre Industry is also looking into possibilities of implementing smart manufacturing practices, which include Big Data-driven quality control, robot assisted production, self-driving logistics vehicles, production line simulation, smart supply network, predictive maintenance, machine as a service, self-organising production, additive manufacturing of complex parts and augmented work among others.
As vehicles directly impact the environment (air quality, noise levels etc.,) and tyres are integral to its functioning, a collaborative effort is required to bring about a change of thinking and a change of culture on pursuing green economy in the rubber industry.
BKT Debuts With Strong CDP Ratings For Climate And Water
- By TT News
- January 15, 2026
BKT Tires has achieved a noteworthy initial rating from the international environmental watchdog, CDP. The company’s inaugural disclosure for the 2025 fiscal year resulted in a ‘B’ score for its climate change management and a ‘B-’ in water security.
These ratings, issued by the global Carbon Disclosure Project, highlight BKT’s emphasis on operational transparency and its structured approach to environmental stewardship. The scores are recognised as an affirmation of the firm’s strategic initiatives aimed at minimising its ecological footprint and enhancing climate resilience throughout its business activities.
The accomplishment is attributed to the concerted effort of the organisation’s workforce. This milestone establishes a benchmark for BKT’s ongoing journey towards its sustainability objectives.
CEAT Partners With CleanMax On Major Renewable Energy Initiative
- By TT News
- January 15, 2026
Leading Indian tyre manufacturer CEAT is advancing its sustainability targets through a strategic partnership with CleanMax Enviro Energy Solutions Limited. Under a group captive arrangement, CleanMax will supply renewable electricity from a combined ~59 MW hybrid wind-solar project. This clean energy will power CEAT’s manufacturing facilities located in Halol, Gujarat, and Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
The hybrid model merges wind and solar generation, capitalising on their complementary patterns to deliver a more stable and consistent power output with a higher plant load factor. This reliability is essential for energy-intensive industrial operations and supports greater grid stability.
Annually, this initiative is projected to produce approximately 135.8 million units of renewable energy, elevating CEAT’s clean power consumption to around 60 percent of its needs. The environmental benefit is substantial, with an expected reduction of about 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year – an impact comparable to planting nearly 4.5 million trees annually.
This collaboration leverages CleanMax’s established expertise in the commercial and industrial renewable sector. For CEAT, it marks a significant step towards its net-zero ambition by enhancing energy security, boosting operational efficiency and achieving considerable progress in its decarbonisation journey.
Roopesh R, Senior Vice President – Procurement, CEAT, said, “This long-term partnership with CleanMax allows CEAT to strengthen our renewable energy footprint across Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Sustainability is an important part of how we plan for the long term and CEAT is committed to grow our business that serves our customer responsibly while remaining resilient for the future. As a company already advancing in areas such as green sourcing, sustainable transportation, biodegradable packaging, sustainable manufacturing and reduced distribution emissions, integrating this hybrid wind-solar renewable energy is a natural and strategic progression in our sustainability journey. These hybrid projects will bring cost efficiencies at our key manufacturing facilities and will help us in our journey to produce tyres with low carbon footprint – and be a benchmark in the industry.”
Kuldeep Jain, Managing Director, Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Limited, said, “We are proud to collaborate with CEAT, a globally recognised brand in the automotive sector, and support its strategic sustainability objectives by enabling the decarbonisation of operations across its key manufacturing hubs. These projects demonstrate how well-structured collaborations can accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and build a more sustainable energy future for large-scale manufacturing.”
JK Tyre Expands Banmore Facility To Lift Passenger Car Radial Output
- By TT News
- January 14, 2026
JK Tyre & Industries Ltd has inaugurated the Phase III expansion of its passenger car radial tyre manufacturing facility at Banmore in Madhya Pradesh, increasing production capacity as it steps up domestic manufacturing investment.
The expansion lifts the plant’s output to 30,000 passenger car radial tyres a day, equivalent to about 10.5 million tyres a year. The development forms part of a multi-phase investment of more than INR 10 billion at the Banmore site.
The new facility was inaugurated by Hisashi Takeuchi, in the presence of Raghupati Singhania and Anshuman Singhania, alongside senior representatives from Maruti Suzuki India Limited.
JK Tyre said the expansion supports its strategy to serve India’s aftermarket, original equipment manufacturers and export markets, as passenger vehicle demand continues to grow. With the commissioning of Phase III, the Banmore plant has become a key hub for high-performance passenger car radial tyre manufacturing.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Raghupati Singhania said: “The inauguration of Phase III expansion by Hisashi Takeuchi San at our Banmore plant reflects JK Tyre’s unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem and supporting the country’s mobility growth story. As passenger vehicle demand continues to rise, our focus remains on incessant capacity enhancement, modernisation, and technology-led innovation. Banmore has been a cornerstone of our passenger car radial journey, and this expansion further reinforces our ability to serve OEMs and consumers with high-quality, sustainable, and future-ready products, while contributing to industrial growth and employment generation in Madhya Pradesh.”
The company said the Banmore facility continues to contribute to regional industrial development through direct and indirect employment, sustainability-focused manufacturing practices and community initiatives, including programmes in healthcare, education, livelihood development and sports.
Caterham Motorsport Signs Nova Motorsport As Official Tyre Partner
- By TT News
- January 14, 2026
Caterham Motorsport has entered a new multi-year partnership with Nova Motorsport, appointing them as the Official Tyre Partner. This agreement effectively continues the successful, long-term relationship previously held with Avon Motorsport, as Nova Motorsport now manufactures the same championship-winning tyre products under licence.
The partnership ensures a supply of high-performance tyres across four official Caterham championships: the Roadsport and 270R Championships will utilise the Nova ZZS; the 310R Championship will use the Nova ZZR and ZZS and the flagship UK Championship will be equipped with Nova Motorsport Slicks and Wets. These tyres, rebranded from the former Avon line, are specifically engineered for the unique demands of the Caterham Seven.
Freed from the constraints of road tyre labelling regulations, the new Nova ZZR and ZZS products are dedicated entirely to track performance, offering enhanced capabilities. This transition to the Nova brand and the secure, long-term nature of the alliance underscore Caterham Motorsport's strategic confidence in Nova Motorsport to deliver proven, ultra-high-quality products for its driver-focused racing series.
Daniel Stanton, Head of Sales & Marketing, Nova Motorsport, said, “We are immensely proud to solidify our relationship with Caterham Motorsport as the brand’s official tyre partner. This builds on a working relationship that has lasted many successful years under the Avon Motorsport banner. Nova Motorsport and Caterham share key synergies as businesses; we are both focused on the specialist, niche and high-performance segments of the automotive and motorsport world. This multi-year partnership is a major strategic pillar for Nova Motorsport. It underscores our unwavering commitment to reliably supplying Caterham competitors around the world with the tyres they need to compete and win at the highest level.”
Alex Read, Head of Motorsport, Caterham, said, “Nova Motorsport is the perfect fit for Caterham Motorsport. Our products demand specialist tyres, and the Nova team, with its heritage rooted in Avon Motorsport, understands this implicitly. The tyres supplied are uniquely designed for our Sevens, meaning our competitors will directly benefit from Nova Motorsport’s renewed dedicated focus on the Caterham product. We are fully confident in the quality and service our drivers will receive and are looking forward to getting the 2026 Caterham Motorsport racing season underway with our new partners.”
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