Just concluded 2021 will stand out as a defining year for the tyre industry in India as it embarked upon an ambitious initiative – Charting a path to greater raw material security by attaining self-reliance in natural rubber (NR) availability.

The journey to become self-reliant is not new for the Indian tyre industry. The industry was amongst the first ones to become self-sufficient much before the slogan of being Atma Nirbhar was coined. For years, India has been producing practically all the tyres it requires making it one of the few countries that are self-dependent in tyre manufacturing. Much before a vehicle is rolled out, the tyre Industry is ready with the fitments having worked out specifications and standards to the minutest details.

While India has developed globally competitive tyre manufacturing capabilities, realising the vision of being Atma Nirbhar necessitates achieving self-sufficiency of the entire value chain in view of strong backward and forward linkages.

In this context, the ATMA NR project, launched during the year, attains all the more importance. Natural rubber is a key raw material for the Indian tyre industry. Unlike the global scenario where the ratio is skewed in favour of synthetic rubber, Indian industry stands out for its unique preference for NR.

However, NR demand has been outstripping domestic supply and the gap is widening. Going forward, the situation may become more challenging for the NR Consuming interests. Imports may not be sustainable considering the strategic importance of NR as raw material and also in view of large outflows of foreign exchange that the Government has been trying to discourage.

As one of its kind initiatives that could hold a template for several other raw material intensive sectors, the NR Project is designed to implement the scheme for developing a substantial 200,000 hectares of rubber plantations in the North Eastern states financially supported by major tyre companies, represented by ATMA with technical support and coordination by the Rubber Board.

This collaborative project in PPP mode involving tyre majors, Rubber Board and financing institutions is a landmark initiative where the consuming industry would be contributing directly to the development of plantation.

The project took off early in the year with a visit to the North East (Tripura, Meghalaya & Assam) by top leadership from ATMA Member companies along with Dr KN Raghavan, Executive Director of Rubber Board in February 2021 to get a first-hand understanding of ground level situation and connect with state leadership and policy makers.

Minister for Commerce & Industry (CIM), Government of India Piyush Goyal has been the prime motivating force, mentoring the project at every step right from the inception. A meeting convened by the Minister in the month of June 2021 discussed threadbare the launch of the project and the road ahead. The CIM proposed a meeting with the chief ministers of North-Eastern states to take them on board, seek their full support and fast track the project. The CIM even offered to speak to the CMs to inform them about the wider benefits of the NR Project for their respective states.

Since availability of planting material locally in North East states was a challenge, plans were made to transport the saplings from Kerala to the North East by rail. Few thousand saplings were initially sent as a pilot which reached Guwahati in good condition.

 It was an emotional moment for all the stakeholders in natural rubber sector, when the first full consignment was sent by a special train 'Bharathappuzha - Brahmaputra Rubber Express', to Azara, Guwahati, from Thiruvalla Railway Station on 10th July 21. It carried 1.33 lakh rubber saplings packed in specially designed cartons. These saplings were distributed in the NE states for planting in the identified areas.

Eventually, Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister of Tripura formally launched the NR Project under Chief Minister's Rubber Mission on 14th August 21 at Pathaliaghat in Sepahijala district of Tripura and the project is shaping up well ever since.

 India has emerged as a front runner as the world pursues alternatives to China in the field of manufacturing. Given the spirit of entrepreneurship backed by the policy reforms, the country is poised to play its due role in the global supply chains.

At the same time, the need for raw material security cannot be over emphasised as India looks to become the manufacturing hub of the world. It goes to the credit of the Government that it has shown keen interest in enabling policies to encourage domestic manufacturing, including tyre and allied sectors.

The fact that the ATMA NR Project could see the light of the day under the shadow of ongoing pandemic says a lot about the commitment of all the stakeholders to fight against odds. That surely augurs well for raw material security and sustainability as we welcome the New Year.

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The Tire Industry Project (TIP) has announced the publication of a scientific study presenting a sophisticated model designed to track how tyre and road wear particles (TRWP) move through land and freshwater environments. Known as the Mass Balance Model, this tool provides a method for predicting particle concentrations within watersheds across different climates and regions, offering high spatial detail on how these particles travel from roadways towards rivers, lakes and estuaries.

Tyre and road wear particles are created unintentionally during normal driving, where tyres meet the road surface. As scientific and regulatory focus on these particles intensifies, reliable models are essential for understanding their environmental pathways. While research is growing, the behaviour of these particles in waterways remains particularly understudied, making this modelling advance especially relevant.

The model draws on global and local datasets and open-source frameworks, including the ERA5 global climate dataset by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the Wflow catchment hydrology model by Deltares, a research institute. Its accuracy has been confirmed using field measurements from the Seine River basin in France, the Chesapeake Bay basin in the United States and the Yodo River basin in Japan – three very different watersheds. This validation shows the approach works across diverse watershed sizes, climates and stormwater management systems.

Applying the model to these three regions revealed that the share of particles reaching surface waters varies from just 2 percent up to 18 percent, depending on urbanisation, climate, basin size and drainage infrastructure. Importantly, improvements to stormwater systems could cut particle transport to surface waters by as much as half. This refined model builds on earlier work and is now globally applicable, with ongoing development aimed at making it accessible beyond the scientific community.

Nicolas Tissier, Director of Research at TIP, said, “Having a robust, reproducible model for TRWP transport and fate that can be applied worldwide is essential for advancing both scientific understanding and practical solutions. Our role at TIP is to support rigorous, transparent science that helps researchers, policymakers and industry make evidence-based decisions. By making this model open access, we aim to support broader collaboration across the scientific community around TRWP in the environment and to enable the development of more effective mitigation strategies.”

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT Tires), a well-established global player in the off-highway tyre market, has now entered India’s consumer segment with a determined move into the two-wheeler space. The company unveiled a new campaign called Jurrat, which signals a calculated expansion from its industrial stronghold towards becoming a comprehensive mobility brand. This initiative addresses the everyday transportation needs of millions who rely on motorcycles and scooters as their primary mode of travel. The high-energy television commercial debuted on 3 April 2026 during the Indian Men’s T20 League, a widely followed sporting event, and features brand ambassador Ranveer Singh to maximise visibility.

Jurrat, which translates to courage, captures the mindset of riders navigating unpredictable road conditions and daily routines with determination. The campaign emphasises three core product benefits that consumers value most: long life, exceptional road grip and unmatched comfort. By focusing on confidence, control and consistency during daily commutes, the narrative reinforces the belief that dependable tyre performance is the foundation of true road confidence. This product-led approach brings BKT’s brand philosophy, Elevate Your Drive, into the two-wheeler segment.

The campaign is being rolled out through a robust media mix that includes both television and digital platforms. High-impact placements are strategically used to ensure maximum reach, visibility and engagement, allowing BKT Tyres to effectively introduce itself as a holistic mobility brand addressing everyday transport needs.

Mahesh Koppad, Chief Marketing Officer – India, BKT Tyres, said, “India’s two-wheeler segment reflects the way the country moves, works and progresses on a daily basis. As depicted in the film featuring Ranveer Singh, riders today operate in dynamic and often unpredictable environments, where confidence is increasingly defined by control and consistency. Anchored in its ‘Elevate Your Drive’ proposition, ‘Jurrat’ highlights how performance-led tyres, engineered for long life, comfort and grip, enhance the overall riding experience, enabling assured, uninterrupted movement that supports not just mobility but progress in everyday life. With our entry into the two-wheeler segment, BKT Tyres remains focused on meeting evolving consumer expectations while strengthening our position across high-growth mobility segments.”

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Ironman Tires, a brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company (HTR), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Tire Distributors, has unveiled the iMOVE Sport G2, a next generation all season ultra-high-performance tyre crafted for modern sport sedans, performance crossovers and select electric vehicles. This launch responds directly to shifting demands in the automotive market.

Building on the original iMOVE Gen2 A/S, the new model features an advanced tread compound, a refined tread pattern and better durability. It offers confident traction on both dry and wet roads, extended tread life and a quieter, more comfortable ride. Priced competitively, it helps dealers gain ground in the rapidly growing Tier 4 performance tyre segment. The asymmetrical tread layout balances precision handling with daily comfort, using large outer shoulder blocks for cornering stability and a continuous centre rib for straight line control. Strategically placed 3D siping and angled grooves push water away from the contact patch to improve wet and light snow traction, while a variable pitch tread sequence cuts road noise for commutes or long trips.

A new generation rubber compound reduces heat buildup and extends tread life by managing frictional heat and optimising rubber density, which also boosts fuel efficiency. The tyre is EV ready, designed to handle the higher torque and weight of electric vehicles. Available in 17 sizes for 18- to 21-inch rim diameters, 16 sizes will arrive by early May, with the first eight ready now. Several emerging sizes new to the Ironman lineup give dealers fresh sales opportunities.

Competitive pricing and dedicated merchandising support help dealers grow their share in the value-oriented performance tyre segment while maintaining strong inventory and fill rates. The iMOVE Sport G2 comes with a 5-year limited protection policy covering workmanship and materials, road hazard protection and a 50,000-mile (approximately 80,467-km) warranty.

Keith Calcagno, Chief Strategy Officer, Proprietary Brands, American Tire Distributors, said, “The ultra‑high‑performance tyre market has evolved rapidly as vehicles become more powerful and more refined and as demand grows for tyres that can meet the unique requirements of electric vehicles. The iMOVE Sport G2 delivers the performance drivers expect while helping dealers boost inventory flexibility and capture more market share.”

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GRP Ltd, a leading manufacturer of reclaimed rubber, engineering plastics and repurposed polyolefins, has announced the retirement of Virendra Rathod, President of Marketing and Business Development, effective 31 March 2026. Following his retirement, Rathod will no longer be part of the company’s senior management personnel, said the company in its BSE filing.

During a board meeting held on 27 March 2026, the directors formally took note of Rathod’s retirement and recorded their appreciation for his valuable contributions throughout his service with GRP Ltd. His departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in the company’s marketing and business development functions.

In a separate leadership change, Jyoti Sancheti has resigned from her role as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, effective from the close of business on 7 April 2026 to pursue external opportunities. Consequently, she will also step down from additional responsibilities, including Compliance Officer under the SEBI Prohibition of Insider Trading Regulations, Nodal Officer under IEPF rules and the authorised person for determining event materiality and stock exchange disclosures under SEBI Listing Regulations.

GRP Ltd has confirmed that the process to appoint a new Company Secretary is underway and will be completed within the prescribed timeframe.

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