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)

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Tegeta Green Planet opened the Light Vehicle Diagnostics course at Tegeta Academy with a presentation for attendees aged 17 to 33. Beyond their chosen vocational field, participants learned about automotive waste management and environmental responsibility.

Shalva Akhvlediani, the organisation’s director, outlined its activities and goals while emphasising Extended Producer Responsibility. The session examined how the automotive sector connects to environmental duty and why used tyres, waste oils and automotive batteries must be collected and managed properly.

Tyre management and RECSOL featured prominently. Attendees traced a used tyre’s path from collection to recycling and learned how waste becomes a source of new resources. RECSOL, Tegeta’s tyre recycling plant, is a significant infrastructure project in used tyre recycling, processing tyres into materials for various uses and supporting circular economy principles.

A core aim is a system where waste is not an endpoint but the starting point for new resources, which requires infrastructure alongside greater public awareness and information on proper disposal. For participants, the meeting linked professional education with environmental awareness, stressing that future automotive professionals should understand this responsibility early.

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Tyres Europe, alongside ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association) and CLEPA (the European Association of Automotive Suppliers), has dispatched a joint communication to EU decision-makers concerning the possible broadening of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to cover downstream goods. The move comes as trilogue discussions approach.

Tyre producers form part of an automotive value chain already bearing carbon-related expenses for steel and aluminium manufactured within Europe. The proposed expansion would draw additional products into the mechanism’s remit before the existing framework has demonstrated its effectiveness. Resulting costs and administrative requirements would land on downstream manufacturers, tyre makers included, with signatories cautioning that a conceptually sound regulatory effort could become an operational and financial strain.

Endorsing the mechanism’s aims, the signatories nonetheless urge a proportionate scope that shields the entire value chain from carbon leakage while preventing that risk from being pushed further downstream. They advocate extending the mechanism only where a material carbon-leakage danger is evidenced, and request that policymakers ease compliance demands, including via more fitting default values mirroring real production routes.

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NEXEN TIRE has extended its partnership with Zalgiris, reinforcing its commitment to basketball in Europe, particularly across the Baltic region. The renewal builds on a relationship that began in 2024 and reflects the company’s broader strategy of linking its brand to performance, innovation and mobility.

The tyre maker has pursued sports partnerships as a way to connect with fans, sharing in the passion and excitement of supporting favourite teams during major matches and memorable moments. It also values the teamwork, dedication and collective achievement that define team sports, using such ties to build authentic connections and deepen engagement in key European markets. Its collaboration with clubs including Zalgiris and FC Bayern München forms part of this approach.

Under the extended agreement, NEXEN TIRE will gain greater visibility among sports fans in the region. The partnership offers branding opportunities at Zalgirio Arena, such as synchronised on-screen advertising and promotion on LED stands near the court, in a position visible on television during EuroLeague and LKL home games.

The arrangement also includes a hospitality programme allowing NEXEN TIRE to welcome guests and business partners at Zalgiris home fixtures. Through the strengthened alliance, the company aims to share its passion with more fans while raising brand awareness across the region.

Ricky Lee, Managing Director, NEXEN TIRE Poland, said, “Our cooperation with Zalgiris has developed positively since 2024, and we are pleased to extend and strengthen this partnership. Basketball has a particularly strong following in the Baltic region, making Zalgiris an important partner as we continue to grow our presence and engage with fans. We look forward to supporting the team throughout the season and doing our best to create positive experiences for both the players and their passionate fans.”

Paulius Jankunas, President, Zalgiris, said, “We are delighted to continue our cooperation with NEXEN TIRE and build on the partnership we started two years ago. NEXEN TIRE brings extensive experience in sports marketing, and we are proud to work together on creating meaningful projects and experiences for our fans. We look forward to another successful period of cooperation and to welcoming NEXEN TIRE’s guests and partners to our games and events.”

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TBC Corporation, one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tyres through wholesale and franchise operations, has widened its tyre portfolio through the addition of four new lines under the Multi-Mile Tyres banner. Serving as a value step-up brand, Multi-Mile gives dealers a strong mix of broader product coverage and improved consumer advantages crafted to drive better retail margins, helping retailers offer greater value while lifting profitability. With this expansion, the portfolio now reaches over 85 percent of the vehicle market, offering dealers more ways to satisfy customer demand.

Among the additions are tyres built for rugged and mud terrain use, boasting self-cleaning treads that push out mud and stones alongside dependable traction both on and off the road. Also joining the range are commercial and C-metric speciality tyres tailored to heavy-duty regional and long-haul trucks, together with all-weather tyres that hold the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe snow rating and are made for high mileage and consistent year-round use.

A prominent name in the replacement tyre segment, Multi-Mile carries cutting-edge touring, high-performance and broad-line tyres suited to passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs. Meanwhile, the upgraded Mile After Mile Protection Plan warranty now delivers broader coverage, adding three-year roadside assistance, a three-year road hazard protection plan and a 60-day ride guarantee on top of its extensive treadwear warranties.

Rachel Tibor, Chief Marketing Officer, TBC Wholesale, said, “For more than 70 years, Multi-Mile products have offered cost-efficient, reliable and durable tyre options that enhance safety and performance. With this expanded portfolio, Multi-Mile strengthens its position as a value step-up brand, giving dealers more opportunities to meet evolving consumer needs while offering a product mix designed to support stronger retail margins. We’re continuing our longstanding tradition of supplying the right products at the right time for every type of vehicle and application.”

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