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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Michelin has introduced the new MICHELIN XHA3 tyre, a next-generation product engineered to meet the escalating productivity demands of modern construction equipment. Building on the established legacy of the MICHELIN XHA2, this latest release is designed to support faster operational cycles and the increased capabilities of contemporary machinery, all while prioritising uptime and efficiency through a combination of versatility and innovation.

Developed for a broad spectrum of heavy machinery, the MICHELIN XHA3 is suitable for loaders, articulated dump trucks and graders, covering E3, L3 and G3 applications. Its multi-machine design allows it to perform effectively across diverse terrains, ranging from mud and asphalt to more aggressive environments. This adaptability not only simplifies fleet management but also reduces inventory complexity by minimising the number of tyre references needed on site.

The tyre’s advanced structure and new tread design, which incorporates increased rubber volume, deliver up to 20 percent greater wear life compared to the previous generation. Enhancements such as a reinforced bead area provide up to 20 percent additional load capacity depending on the size, accommodating high-torque machinery. Furthermore, the new four-block tread pattern and optimised shoulder radius improve traction and stability, contributing to reduced vibration and enhanced operator comfort.

A standout feature of the MICHELIN XHA3 is the patent-pending Michelin Visual Pressure Control, an integrated sidewall indicator that allows for immediate visual inspection of tyre inflation without the need for sensors or electronic devices. This system facilitates routine safety checks and streamlines workflows, contributing to lower maintenance costs and reduced unplanned downtime. With a high retreadability rate and an estimated 16 percent reduction in Total Cost of Ownership, the tyre is positioned as a durable, reliable solution that will be progressively rolled out worldwide in multiple dimensions.

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Continental has unveiled a concept tyre developed under the EU-funded ZEvRA project, which is composed of approximately 43 percent recycled materials. The innovation serves as a demonstration of the potential inherent in advanced material approaches while simultaneously underscoring the critical need for a dependable regulatory framework to facilitate the industrial-scale adoption of recycling technologies.

The technical achievement is set against the backdrop of the ZEvRA initiative, an acronym for ‘Zero Emission Electric Vehicles Enabled by Harmonized Circularity’. This two-year EU project, slated to conclude in 2026, is dedicated to enhancing the circular economy for electric vehicles across the entire value chain. As the sole tyre manufacturer participating in the consortium, Continental brings specialised expertise to the collaborative effort.

Addressing the complexities of tyre production, which requires a precise balance of numerous high-performance raw materials to guarantee safety, efficiency and durability, the concept tyre represents a significant milestone. The successful integration of a substantial proportion of recycled content into a safety-critical component, without compromising performance standards, highlights the compatibility of ecological responsibility and product excellence. The tyre has achieved the highest possible rating on the EU rolling resistance label.

The ZEvRA concept tyre incorporates a variety of recycled materials, including tall oil, steel, rubber derived from end-of-life tyres and polyester fibres sourced from recycled PET bottles. Continental employs advanced methodologies such as pyrolysis to extract recovered carbon black from old tyres for repurposing. Since 2023, this material has been utilised in all newly manufactured solid rubber tyres at the Korbach facility. Additionally, the company uses sand residue from foundries in a recycling process to produce an alternative silica variant, effectively keeping materials in circulation and reducing the demand for primary resources.

Continental executives have articulated the strategic importance of this development. Dr Andreas Topp, head of Platform Development and Industrialization for passenger-car tyres, emphasises that while circular materials are key to sustainable mobility, the full impact of technological progress requires reliable and aligned policy frameworks. Jorge Almeida, head of Sustainability for Continental’s Tires group sector, stresses the necessity of establishing innovative recycling technologies on an industrial scale and creating closed material flows. He advocates for a standardised, transparent approach to calculation and reporting, developed through close dialogue between policymakers and stakeholders.

Beyond the recycled content, the concept tyre also features approximately 13 percent renewable raw materials and 25 percent mass-balance-certified materials, bringing the total share of sustainable sources to over 80 percent. Continental is progressively increasing the use of such materials across its portfolio, with the share of purchased renewable and recycled production materials reaching 28 percent in 2025, with a target of at least 40 percent by 2030. Insights from the ZEvRA project will guide the company’s future development of materials and technologies, focusing on industrial availability and scaling manufacturing processes.

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Doublestar Tire emerged as a prominent exhibitor at the 2026 Latin Tyre & Auto Parts Expo in Panama City. The premier industry gathering for the Americas attracted over 700 international exhibitors and more than 30,000 professional trade visitors, providing a substantial platform for automotive parts and tire manufacturers.

The Panamanian event serves as a critical commercial gateway, radiating trade opportunities across more than 20 neighbouring nations. Given Latin America’s varied topography and climatic extremes, which demand superior tyre resilience and wet traction, Doublestar has collaborated with regional partners to engineer customised products. These targeted solutions have secured considerable market acceptance and popularity throughout the area.

Among the showcased innovations, the TBR tyre D902 integrates a wear-resistant compound with an advanced tread pattern, ensuring dependable stability for long-haul routes in tropical heat. The DSU02, a premier passenger car tyre, demonstrates exceptional protection against abrasion and impact, coupled with superior handling in both wet and dry conditions. A diverse portfolio of economically priced models further drew significant attention from purchasing agents.

This strategic participation has notably amplified Doublestar’s brand presence across the American markets and established a robust framework for deeper local engagement. Committed to delivering high-performance, value-added transportation solutions, Doublestar continues to reinforce the international standing of Chinese tyre manufacturers through quality-driven innovation.

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Barez Industrial Group, Iran’s leading tyre manufacturer, observed its 29th consecutive year of activity on the Tehran Securities Exchange during a commemorative event held on 23 August 2026. The gathering featured the traditional exchange bell ceremony, underscoring the company’s enduring footprint in Iran’s capital markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Jamal Mirzaei, CEO of Barez Industrial Group, spoke of the organisation’s momentum, asserting that current undertakings and forward-looking blueprints are steadily carving out its tomorrow. The firm’s leadership used the platform to reaffirm its commitment to sustained growth and operational excellence.

Originating as a provincial manufacturer in Kerman back in 1985, Barez has since risen to become a linchpin of the national tyre industry. Strategic upgrades to production lines and the integration of cutting-edge manufacturing processes have propelled its reach beyond borders. Since joining the TSE in 1997, it has outshone six other listed peers in the rubber and plastics category, claiming the largest share of the sector’s overall valuation, which exceeded IRR 330 trillion at the prior session, with the group responsible for over IRR 120 trillion of that figure.

The proceedings also included an award presentation, with TSE Chief Mahmoud Goudarzi offering a commemorative token to Mirzaei in appreciation of the firm’s three-decade record of transparent engagement with the exchange. Later, a press engagement allowed the executive team to walk reporters through notable milestones, pipeline ventures and strategic forecasts, fostering a clearer view of the company’s roadmap for investors and analysts alike.

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