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 and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) has launched Member Spotlight Series, a new monthly initiative designed to profile the diverse organisations and leaders within the nation's tyre and rubber sector. The programme offers comprehensive examinations of member companies, covering their business models, technological advancements, environmental strategies and corporate philosophies.

Pirelli is the first company to be featured, with its profile providing insight into its leadership approach and industry contributions. Subsequent spotlights will be released monthly through TRAC’s digital platforms, including its official website, newsletters and social media channels, with each instalment detailing products, strategic goals and recent achievements.

By sharing these narratives, TRAC intends to bolster member connections and highlight the sector's role in Canada's economy and ecological progress. The series further aims to encourage knowledge exchange and collaboration, allowing members to share best practices and elevate awareness of the proficiency present within the domestic tyre and rubber industry.

Carol Hochu, President and CEO, TRAC, said, “One of TRAC’s greatest strengths is the expertise and leadership found across our membership. The Member Spotlight Series celebrates the companies and people shaping our industry while helping share the stories of innovation, advanced manufacturing, sustainability and collaboration that define Canada’s tyre and rubber sector.”

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TyreSafe has announced a new alliance with Logistics UK, marking a significant step in uniting efforts to enhance road safety, promote sustainable transport and disseminate best practices within the freight and haulage industry. This collaboration formalises the mutual dedication of both organisations to address critical safety challenges facing UK's transport networks.

Logistics UK, a prominent membership association representing over 21,000 enterprises, encompasses the breadth of the supply chain, including road, rail, water and air freight. Its extensive network accounts for nearly half of the national lorry fleet, comprising more than 200,000 vehicles. Through advocacy, training and compliance support, the organisation is instrumental in maintaining secure and efficient supply chains, making it a pivotal partner for TyreSafe's safety initiatives.

The partnership underscores the growing recognition of tyre management as a cornerstone of modern logistics, impacting not only vehicular safety but also operational costs and environmental footprints. Data indicates that a majority of tyres on UK roads are underinflated, leading to approximately GBP 1 billion in annual fuel waste and accelerating tyre degradation. Furthermore, tyre defects are a primary cause of MOT failures, with over two million infractions recorded yearly, and they contribute significantly to roadside breakdowns and motorway incidents.

For commercial fleets, the stakes are particularly high, as proper inflation and tread depth are directly linked to fuel economy, emissions reduction and cost efficiency. As part of this joint effort, TyreSafe will promote its specialised, vehicle-specific safety resources, offering tailored guidance for HGVs, vans and cars. This educational push aims to empower drivers and operators with the knowledge to conduct effective tyre checks, thereby mitigating risks and supporting the logistics sector's sustainability and operational goals.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with Logistics UK, an organisation that shares our commitment to safer, more sustainable and more efficient transport. Tyres and their maintenance absolutely fundamental to fleet safety and performance. This partnership allows us to extend vital tyre safety messaging to a broad and influential logistics audience at a time when operators are balancing safety, compliance, cost pressures and sustainability ambitions. By working together, we can help ensure tyre safety remains firmly on the agenda across the sector.”

Arthur Gribbin, Engineering Policy Lead at Logistics UK, said, “Efficient logistics depends on vehicles operating safely, legally and reliably. Tyres play a critical role in achieving this, influencing everything from vehicle safety and fuel efficiency to downtime and environmental impact. By partnering with TyreSafe, we are helping ensure our members and the wider logistics community have access to trusted information and practical guidance to support safer and more sustainable fleet operations.”

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Continental has significantly broadened its Gravity mountain bike tyre lineup by introducing 13 new combinations, thereby offering riders extensive customisation options for aggressive trail riding, enduro racing and downhill disciplines.

The expanded portfolio now includes novel size, casing and compound pairings for the Argotal, Kryptotal Front, Kryptotal Rear and Xynotal models. Additional Trail Soft and Enduro SuperSoft variants are available for 29-inch and 27.5-inch wheels, while the trusted mixed-conditions tread remains accessible for 20-, 24- and 26-inch sizes.

This strategic enlargement underscores Continental’s dedication to providing gravity riders with tailored flexibility in balancing grip, control, durability and rolling efficiency. The Enduro casing with SuperSoft compound offers peak traction for demanding trails, whereas the Trail casing with Soft compound delivers a stable and durable option for aggressive riding.

Alexander Haenke, Product Manager for MTB & Gravel at Continental Tires, said, “MTB riders have very different needs depending on where and how they ride. With these 13 new tyre combinations, we are giving riders even more ways to find the perfect balance of grip, control and durability for their individual setup. Whether they are racing enduro, pushing their limits on technical trails or simply looking for maximum confidence on the descents, our expanded Gravity range offers the performance and flexibility they need.”

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AZuR partner Hofdmann Runderneuerungstechnik GmbH, based in Wittmund, has announced a significant expansion of its operational capabilities. The company, already well-known for its cold retreading services, is now integrating hot retreading for truck tyres into its production portfolio. This development follows the recent extension of the firm’s ECE R109 approval, and the first batches of hot-retreaded commercial vehicle tyres are already in production and entering the market.

This strategic move broadens Hofdmann’s technical expertise within the retreading sector and reinforces the tyre circular economy across Germany. As a longstanding member of the AZuR network, the company contributes deep knowledge in tyre repair, casing management and retreading processes. The addition of hot retreading complements the prevalent cold retreading method used in the commercial vehicle industry, offering enhanced options for specific tyre designs and applications, while both methods aim to extend the lifecycle of premium casings.

By diversifying its production programme, Hofdmann demonstrates that industry players are actively investing in retreading technologies and strategically scaling existing operations. This expansion not only bolsters the sector’s competitive position but also ensures a more reliable supply of retreaded tyres for fleet operators and commercial end-users. The process involves meticulous inspection of high-quality used casings before applying a new tread, significantly prolonging tyre usability prior to eventual material recovery or recycling.

The company’s capacity growth coincides with broader AZuR initiatives, including a recently launched European project group designed to strengthen collaboration among businesses, research bodies and value-chain stakeholders. With approximately 90 network partners, AZuR continues to pioneer solutions for maximising tyre usage and recovering raw materials. Hofdmann’s latest investment underscores that retreading remains a vital and enduring component of this sustainable industrial evolution.

Christina Guth, Network Coordinator of the Alliance for the Future of Tires (AZuR), said, “Every investment in retreading strengthens the European tyre circular economy. By expanding its hot retreading capabilities, Hofdmann is broadening its offering and creating additional opportunities to keep high-quality commercial vehicle casings in circulation for longer. This sends an important signal to the entire industry.”

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