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.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. has formally completed the merger of its subsidiary, Cavendish Industries Ltd., into its operations, a strategic move that follows Cavendish's acquisition in 2016. At that time, Cavendish was operating at only 30 percent of its manufacturing capacity for various vehicle tyres. Under JK Tyre's stewardship, the subsidiary received extensive managerial, financial and technical support, which facilitated a complete operational turnaround. Through optimised manufacturing processes, capacity utilisation dramatically increased to 95 percent. Additional expansion at the Laksar facility further bolstered its substantial contribution to the company's overall tyre production.

This consolidation is projected to generate significant value by combining operational strengths, achieving greater economies of scale, and creating a more robust and diversified product portfolio. The unified entity will also benefit from an extensive, integrated distribution network. The merger aligns with JK Tyre's enduring strategy of pursuing sustainable growth through both organic projects and strategic acquisitions. Cavendish’s successful integration represents the company’s third major operational turnaround, following previous revitalisations of Vikrant Tyres and JK Tornel Mexico, alongside the establishment of two Greenfield plants.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hankook Tire has further solidified its commitment to sustainable manufacturing with the recent International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS awarded to its Daejeon plant. This globally recognised certification validates the use of bio-based and recycled materials and ensures supply chain transparency, representing the company’s third such achievement following earlier certifications at its Geumsan and Hungary facilities. At the Daejeon site, the substitution of fossil-based synthetic rubber with bio-circular polymers has substantially lowered the environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle.

This milestone reinforces Hankook Tire’s comprehensive ESG strategy, which now encompasses original equipment, replacement and motorsport tyre production. A notable example is the supply of high-performance rally tyres, incorporating up to 31 percent sustainable materials, for the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship. The company’s sustainable innovation is also evident in products like the iON evo tyre for the Porsche Taycan, which uses 45 percent recycled and recyclable materials without compromising performance. Similarly, the iON GT replacement tyre for the European market integrates up to 77 percent certified materials and has earned top EU Tyre Label ratings.

Beyond product development, Hankook Tire is pioneering future mobility solutions, showcased by a concept tyre with 81 percent sustainable materials presented at IAA Mobility 2025. In electric motorsport, as the exclusive tyre supplier for Formula E, the company has earned the FIA’s highest environmental accreditation and is set to introduce the iON Race tyre containing 35 percent sustainable materials.

To accelerate these efforts, Hankook Tire is pursuing open innovation through collaborations with technology partners such as ROTOBOOST and Solvay, focusing on advanced materials like turquoise hydrogen-based carbon black and circular silica. The company is also engaged in national research consortia to validate carbon-reduction technologies and enhance the commercial readiness of sustainable alternatives, consistently aiming to merge high performance with ecological responsibility across its global operations.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone India has reconstructed and revitalised the government school in Kuti village, near the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Madhya Pradesh, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project directly serves a marginalised community of tribal groups and migrant labourers from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Previously, the school operated in a perilous and crumbling structure, lacking even basic facilities for its 175 students, despite the steadfast efforts of three teachers. The new, purpose-built campus now provides structurally safe and vibrant classrooms, dedicated child-friendly spaces and access to essential amenities.

This transformation is set to dramatically improve student enrolment and daily attendance by replacing a hazardous environment with one that is secure and conducive to learning. More than just infrastructure, the initiative instils a renewed sense of dignity and aspiration in both students and their families, who work primarily as daily-wage labourers, vegetable vendors and construction workers.

Executed in collaboration with the district administration and education department, this effort reflects Bridgestone India’s core mission of driving long-term social impact through strategic community partnerships. By focusing on critical gaps in educational infrastructure for displaced and underserved populations, the company fosters an environment where children can truly thrive and communities can build a more hopeful future.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Marking a significant milestone, the Nokian Tyres facility in Oradea, Romania, produced its one millionth tyre of the year on 20 December 2025, thereby reaching its annual production target. This new factory, inaugurated in September 2024, began deliveries in March and is dedicated to supplying passenger car tyres for the European market.

Its inaugural year saw the production of premium models like the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 2 winter tyre, upholding the company’s 90-year legacy of safety and sustainability. The product range expanded this year with the launch of two further tyres for Europe: the Seasonproof 2 all-season and the Powerproof 2 summer tyre, with more new products planned for future manufacture at the site.

Distinguished as the world’s first full-scale zero-CO2-emissions tyre factory, the Oradea plant operates entirely without fossil fuels, employing cutting-edge production technology. Upon its anticipated completion around the end of 2027, it will become Nokian Tyres’ largest global production facility, accounting for roughly 40 percent of total capacity. It represents the company’s third major manufacturing hub alongside its existing factories in Nokia, Finland, and Dayton, US. Currently, the Romanian operation employs over 500 people, underscoring its important role in Nokian Tyres’ strategic European production network.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “I am very proud of our entire team for their hard work in reaching this milestone. It is a strong testament to our commitment to customers across Europe, enhancing our service level and delivering innovative products that ensure safety and comfort for drivers in all conditions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!