Can you tell us about the background of Radhe Renewable Energy and what was the idea behind the development of the 100 MTPD  single reactor continuous pyrolysis plant?

During our travels around India 25 years ago, we used to find farmers burning the agricultural stubble and waste to clear the fields for the next sowing. This used to cause a lot of pollution. With our understanding of hydrocarbons, we decided to create resource out of this waste. We started Radhe Renewable Energy with the idea of creating green fuels from many types of wastes that caused pollution and were a big disposal issue then. Our initial projects were to convert agricultural waste into valuable briquettes which replaced conventional fossil fuels like coal and furnace oil.

Being a hardcore and focused waste-to-energy company, we understood the chemistry of biomass and the future potential of green fuel from biomass. We persisted to find ways to convert rural agricultural waste into wealth with green environment and for sustainable growth of rural India. Our creative and dedicated team moved forward to develop biomass gasification technology to replace fossil liquid fuel in process industries like ceramics, chemical and steel industries with the use of solid biomass briquettes. We were the first company to develop and manufacture industrial scale size biomass and coal gasification technology and replace complete liquid fuel from ceramic industries near Rajkot, India. This reduced the import dependency of coal as fuel. Our team understands the mindset of process industries. We continuously strive to develop technologies that are not only cutting edge but which also create value for the capital invested. We understand that the lifecycle cost is as important as the acquisition cost in India and the other Asian markets. Last but not least, we are completely dedicated to operational safety and sustainable solutions for our clients.

Radhe Renewable Energy has supplied more than 500 biomass and coal gasification technology plants to the various process industries with successful track record in synchronising clients’ processes with gasification. Over this period, our team has gained considerable experience working with big corporates of India (process houses like TATA chemical, H&R Johnson tiles, Somani, Vedanta group, Mahindra, Steel Ispat etc.). We also gained the experience of major process of steel, drying, fertilizer, petrochemical, food, pharma, rubber and mineral industries.

It was in the year 2006 that we started working on a project to convert waste tyres and municipal solid wastes into valuable products. We were the first amongst many who saw the potential of converting this waste into green fuels at that time. We already had lots of experience to convert biomass into char to get charcoal and gas with fast pyrolysis.

What kept you investing in and developing the continuous pyrolysis technology when everyone else was selling thousands of cheaper batch type plants in India?

Equipped with the vast experience that our team had of all process industries, we knew that we wanted to do a revolutionary work in this tyre pyrolysis field too. Hydrocarbon is a big subject. You must handle them properly with full safety, environmental concern, and efficient and stable operation. You cannot think for cheaper batch type technology. We just did not want to do what other small companies were involved in – basically, copying environmentally non-compliant batch type plants from China and selling it in India. The batch type plants were very unsafe to operate, leading to many fires and explosions. The smell and the gases released have affected thousands of people in the last 10 years of their operations across Indian towns and cities.  

We chose to take the higher road. We decided to develop and build the best technology plant that India will be proud of. It was an uphill task with huge work and investments involved. It took about three years for a lab scale trial plant to come up. We started scaling up later. It has taken us more than seven years to reach our patented full commercial scale 100 TPD single reactor continuous waste tyre pyrolysis plant.

We can proudly boast that we could perhaps be the only manufacturer to have the largest single reactor 100 TPD continuous plant running successfully for the last nine years. It is sometimes hard to believe that an Indian company can develop and deliver a global technology that can challenge the world in price and performance. The world is amazed with what they see when they understand our technology and offerings. Today, we can offer plants meeting European standards and compliances at about one-fourth of the cost of the European manufacturers. None of them have a 100 TPD show plant operating for as long as we have.

How was the journey in developing indigenous technology for upgrading Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)?

Since the last 25 years, we been working with hydrocarbons, and we know the importance of carbon in daily life. Conventional world is producing carbon black from firing of furnace oil with highly polluting industrial process. At present, the world has few options in making carbon black. These processes consume lots of natural resources and are polluting in nature. Carbon is backbone for many products like rubber, tyre, plastics, Bakelite, minerals, graphite, metal etc. With waste tyre pyrolysis process, we are deriving carbon free without use of any natural resources and without any polluting process. Our continuous pyrolysis process is completely environmentally friendly with almost zero discharge. This process also generates surplus energy for other applications. We understood the importance in upgrading the carbon char generated during the process and worked on it for the more than three years. We were finally able to develop the process to upgrade the rCB to commercial grades successfully. Our rCB is a much sought-after derivative in the Indian market and is being exported across the globe.

How do you evaluate the tyre industry in India? What makes you bet on the carbon black business?

The Indian tyre industry is on a phenomenal growth trajectory and is now very receptive to ideas on sustainability and reuse of recycled materials. We are in active dialogue with many rubber and tyre companies for exploring opportunities to work together with regards to the production and usage of our rCB,

Silica is being aggressively adopted by the tyre industry as a reinforcement material due to tightening of the safety and environmental norms? How will this, according to you, pose a challenge for the rCB industry?

Silica is a useful ingredient of tyre and rubber, which is also found in rCB. As silica is extensively being adopted by the tyre industry, we feel our rCB is absolutely apt for the tyre industry. This will meet both their objectives together – sustainability and reinforcement.

Could you highlight the production capabilities?

Currently, we have 750-800 MT/month rCB production capacity. In the next two years, we will have 300 percent of this capacity in India and about 400 percent of this capacity in the rest of the world. Our brand is Hi-Green carbon black.

Could you talk about the markets the company taps? Are you looking to tap new markets?

We have now opened our doors to companies wanting to set up tyre pyrolysis plants with carbon upgradation systems. The response is overwhelming. We have inquiries coming from all over the world. Initially, people were sceptical if we really had done what we say. They are impressed when they visit our facility. We are now in active dialogue with at least 5-6 companies across Europe and the USA. The future looks very bright.  

Do you think there is a need for further collaboration between CB producers and tyre companies?

Yes … definitely, this is a marriage that will last. Tyre companies will be able to complete the circular economy loop. It is a win-win for all.

What are your future plans?

To establish high capacity plants in highly aware European, US, UK and Australian markets and create an ecosystem for high quality tyre-derived oil and rCB. We have started the process to appoint channel partners in Europe and many other strategic markets. We will have our footprints in these markets in the next 24 months.

What are the challenges in the business?

Opportunities and challenges are two sides of the same coin. We always felt that most companies look at the path of least resistance and miss out on the major learning which leads to greatness.

We have built the technology on our own. We have had to invest into the development with our own resources. If we were in Europe or other first world countries, we would have had access to low-cost funding, especially for R&D.

The other challenges in India and other Asian markets are the ever-changing government norms. Quite often, we find that these environmental norms do not have any ground connect. The norms are often formed without proper evaluation of technology merits and guided by local sources. For example, waste tyres are still classified in the hazardous waste category. Strangely, coal and biomass does not classify as hazardous waste. We fail to understand the logic behind such norms. These matters hinder the growth of the right technologies.

Despite all these challenges, we have been able to make our mark in the country.We now look forward to setting our footprints across the globe. (TT)

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”