The launch of the Dr D Banerjee Centre of Excellence at JSS Technical Institutions marks a pivotal step towards transforming India’s rubber and tyre industry. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the centre aims to break longstanding deadlocks, equipping the workforce with advanced skills and driving innovation in polymer science and sustainable rubber technologies. With a focus on supporting MSMEs and addressing emerging challenges, especially those posed by electric vehicles and stricter regulations, the DBCOE seeks to become a national hub for research, training and certification, ultimately positioning India as a leader in the evolving global rubber sector.

The Indian Institute of Rubber (IRI) and JSS Technical Institutions inaugurated the Dr D Banerjee Centre of Excellence (DBCOE) recently at the Raghupati Singhania auditorium at JSS Technical Institutions’ Mysore campus.

The institute will serve as a proactive platform for academic and industrial collaboration for polymer science and rubber technology aiming to bridge different industrial deadlocks within the rubber industry.

The event was attended by JK Tyres and Industries CMD Dr Raghupati Singhania, Mysore District Magistrate Lakshmikanth Reddy (IAS), H.H. Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, IRI Chairman Dr R Mukhopadhyay, IRI Vice Chairman V K Misra and industry veteran P K Mohamed, among others.

Setting the stage for the occasion, Mahaswamiji stated, “This is a remarkable coincidence that JSS Science and Technology is associating with Dr D Banerjee Centre of Excellence to usher in new vistas for innovation in rubber technology, where science meets technology for the benefit of society. The centre is dedicated to focusing on innovation, research and new product development and creating high-performance tyres, thereby contributing to sustainability efforts by developing eco-friendly tyre technologies.”

Drawing on the same lines, Misra went on to say, “This is a dream come true as the decision was taken to establish a Centre of Excellence at the occasion of IRCO RubberCon Conference held at Chennai in the year 2015. It gives all of us an immense sense of pride to be associated with the establishment of this Centre of Excellence. It will provide a unique platform to the rubber and allied industry for skill development, training, technology development etc. in the coming years.”

The centre honours the contribution of Dr Banerjee, a pioneering figure in Indian rubber and tyre technology. The initiative was supported by JSS Mahavidyapeetha, IRI and numerous industry leaders and technologists.

Dr Singhania was recognised at the event not only for his leadership in the tyre industry but also for his commitment to nation-building and youth empowerment.

“I am glad that the Indian Rubber Institute, in association with JSS Mahavidyapeetha and the larger Indian rubber fraternity, has set up this centre in memory of Dr Banerjee, the doyen and father of the Indian rubber industry. It is heartening to know that this Centre of Excellence has been established with a clear and noble vision. In fact, this initiative resonates deeply with our Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Skilled India Mission’,” said Dr Singhania.

He added, “This centre has the potential to play a vital role in realising the vision within the rubber sector. I was delighted to tour the centre and see the comprehensive infrastructure and facilities put in place to fulfil these objectives. I am confident that this centre will soon earn the reputation and recognition it rightly deserves.”

A FULFILMENT CENTRE

According to Dr Singhania, in India’s rapid growth trajectory, institutions like this will play a crucial role in empowering youth with the skills needed to serve this vital sector. Vocational education is a key enabler of employability and plays a transformative role in facilitating a smooth transition of individuals into the industrial workforce.

“I am tempted to share our own experience with industry-academia partnership. We have been successfully running one at IIT Madras for the last 18 years. I believe this kind of close collaboration between industry and academia is something we have been missing in India, and it is indeed a critical step forward,” he stated.

India today stands at a unique juncture with a demographic advantage expected to last for the next 25–30 years. Equipping the population with the right skill sets – both technical and entrepreneurial – opens the opportunity to transform an advantage into a demographic dividend that drives economic growth not just within India but globally.

The employment landscape is evolving rapidly. Business models are being disrupted and new job roles are emerging at an unprecedented pace. The skills and job profiles that were relevant five years ago may no longer be sufficient today. This rapid change demands a dynamic skilling ecosystem – one that is agile, industry-responsive and inclusive.

To meet the future demands of the tyre and rubber industry, such as the increasing use of speciality polymers, advanced materials and the rising adoption of electric vehicles, a technically confident and highly trained workforce is needed.

“This Centre of Excellence can play a vital role not only as a hub for education and hands-on training but also as a platform for testing, research and technology development. Its contribution, particularly to MSMEs in the rubber and allied sectors, will be significant. This centre will evolve into a beacon for the rubber industry, not just in India but across the Asia-Pacific region,” said an optimistic Dr Singhania.

VETERAN’S TALK

Commenting on the occasion, former IRI Chairman P K Mohamed stated that after several years of earnest effort by the officials and members of the IRI, a world-class institute for rubber technology, education, research, testing and skill development has been established.

“Currently, industries recruit students directly from colleges after they complete their BTech degrees. These companies then invest one to two years in training them before assigning them to regular roles. This approach is both expensive and time-consuming. To address this, we propose the introduction of a preparatory course for students, developed jointly by industry and academic institutions, based on a mutually agreed syllabus. Experienced professionals from industry, raw material and equipment suppliers as well as research organisations could be invited to deliver these classes,” said Mohamed.

He added, “We are also in the process of working out an appropriate methodology for funding these programmes. This initiative will significantly benefit industries by enabling them to hire job-ready candidates directly, eliminating the need for extensive post-recruitment training.”

The industry veteran highlighted that forensic analysis of failed products remains a key challenge for small and medium enterprises. To address this, DBCOE has developed comprehensive analytical capabilities and plans to recruit a specialist for failure analysis. This facility will help industries identify root causes of failures and implement corrective actions to ensure continuity.

A material characterisation and wet chemistry lab has been set up to analyse raw materials such as carbon black, rubber chemicals, various rubbers, accelerators, antioxidants and process aids. In-house capability also exists to draft material specifications for future quality control. Plant audits and merit-based approvals can be arranged.

Plans are underway to offer short courses in collaboration with equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Topics will include mixing, extrusion, calendering, tyre building, compounding, engineering, moulding, retreading, footwear, belt technology and latex products. These courses will combine practical and theoretical content, including testing methods and failure analysis. Notably, discussions with HF Mixing Group on mixing technology are progressing well. Additionally, a recognition programme is being developed to honour individuals contributing to different segments.

DEFEATING DEADLOCKS

India’s automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and rising performance expectations. While tyres often dominate the conversation, rubber components account for up to 10 percent of the overall value in an automobile and its role is growing more critical than ever.

As vehicle design evolves, so do the demands on rubber parts in the wake of higher torque, lighter weight, reduced rolling resistance and near-silent operation as can be seen in case of EVs. For manufacturers, especially the MSMEs that make up much of the sector, these shifts present a formidable challenge. Existing designs and materials no longer suffice.

Speaking on the vision of the centre and how it will meet industry deadlocks, Dr Mukhopadhyay said, “The mission is fourfold viz-a-viz upskill the current workforce, offer technical support for regulatory compliance and homologation, enable technology advancement for MSMEs and drive sustainable material innovation in collaboration with raw material suppliers. This centre aims to be more than just an academic institution; it’s envisioned as an ecosystem that fuels India’s rubber sector with skilled talent and cutting-edge know-how.”

At the heart of the initiative lies a simple truth that knowledge alone is no longer enough. According to Dr Mukhopadhyay, India’s tyre and rubber sector needs a convergence of skill and science that demand a confluence of practical expertise and theoretical depth. With an eye on decarbonisation, the centre will also push research into bio-based alternatives for carbon black, synthetic rubber, tackifiers and processing oils. From tyre-to-tyre recycling to steel reuse and low-emission polymers, the effort reflects a broader ambition to modernise the industry not just for EV readiness but for long-term sustainability.

“In a market where regulatory demands are intensifying and global competitiveness is rising, this centre represents a strategic leap. It promises to future-proof India’s rubber industry by training the next generation, empowering MSMEs and leading the shift towards a cleaner, more resilient manufacturing base,” he said.

THE NON-TYRE SECTOR

The centre will primarily focus on the tyre industry but aims to support the wider rubber ecosystem, especially MSMEs producing non-tyre components. While large tyre firms have testing and certification infrastructure, smaller players often lack access to technology, skilled labour and analytical facilities. The centre will bridge this gap through hands-on training, consultancy and development support. It will act as a national hub for tyre technology, BIS certification and sustainability compliance while also helping non-tyre manufacturers enhance technical capabilities.

“This sort of institution has been both our dream and our vision. We’ve worked hard to bring it to life, and I’m heartened to see the industry now stepping up. Of course, execution and funding remain challenges. Nothing happens overnight, but I’m confident that with time and collective effort, we will overcome these hurdles. As a PhD holder in this field, I’ve witnessed the struggles students face, particularly during their research projects. Dealing with limited equipment, recruitment issues and maintenance challenges are plenty,” averred Dr Mukhopadhyay.

HURDLES IN THE WAY

Despite India’s robust tyre and rubber sector, a culture of collaboration remains elusive, especially among tyre companies, which have largely remained conservative and insular in their approach.

Industry veterans have long observed that companies prefer to operate in silos, wary that cooperation might breed competition.

According to Dr Mukhopadhyay, the initiative of collaboration has come in the form of grassroots movements like the Wisdom Club – an informal alliance led by senior industry professionals like himself and Mohamed – who have pooled their knowledge and experience to mentor the next generation and drive development where institutions have fallen short.

“Unlike government-backed Centres of Excellence, which number over 40 yet often lack focused activity, and with only one national body showing limited development momentum, these independent efforts fill a critical gap. Furthermore, there are no large grants, no access to state support and infrastructure must be built slowly, piece by piece – often through deferred payments and personal negotiations. We don’t have capital. Yet, against these odds, progress is being made often over decades.”

While attempts to find institutional partners in Chennai and other cities have met resistance or failed to materialise, the effort continues.

EDUCATIONAL PROWESS

Highlighting the nuances of the educational programmes offered by the centre, IRI Advisor S Vasudeva Rao mentioned, “The centre offers two flagship programmes, namely the Diploma in Rubber Technology for diploma holders and fresh recruits and the Postgraduate Diploma in Rubber Technology for science and engineering graduates. Both combine online theoretical modules (delivered on Sundays) with practical assignments and hands-on crash courses at the Mysuru campus. Final examinations are conducted and evaluated by IIT Kharagpur, lending strong academic credibility.”

Rao also noted that the new training powerhouse is an INR 280 million facility funded entirely through industry donations. It brings in over 40 industry experts to teach domain-specific topics ranging from tyre and conveyor technology to PU foams and latex composites. Curriculum is aligned with real-world applications and transparency is ensured via digital course materials and regular assessments.

The initiative has gained formal endorsement across the tyre industry. Companies like Apollo, Yokohama, BKT and JK Tyre now embed course completion as a pre-condition for employment confirmation, reimbursing 100 percent of the INR 40,000 course fee. While the centre is new, the course dates back to 1995 and over 1,200 professionals have graduated with average annual enrolment now exceeding 250.

The centre represents a rare model of successful industry-academia collaboration in India’s manufacturing sector, combining infrastructure, expertise and funding to systematically upskill the rubber workforce.

While the establishment of the DBCOE represents a significant milestone, the broader challenge lies in overcoming the entrenched conservatism and fragmented nature of India’s tyre and rubber industry.

Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of speciality polymers and high-value bio-based chemicals derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has named Sangwoo Ryu as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ryu possesses over 25 years of leadership in finance and operations within international markets. He is currently the CEO of Cariflex Pte Ltd, a former Kraton spin-off now under DL Chemical, where he initially served as Chief Financial Officer starting in February 2020. He assumed the Cariflex CEO role in April 2025 following the promotion of its former CEO, Prakash Kolluri, to President of Kraton's Polymer business.

Ryu’s deep expertise in financial strategy, investment controls and operational planning is expected to strengthen Kraton’s standing as a reliable leader in global Pine Chemical and Polymers markets. In his new position, he will collaborate with Kraton’s Executive Leadership, Board of Directors and Cariflex Leadership to guide strategic decisions and operational excellence, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustained growth and organisational stability.

Ryu said, “I want to express my gratitude towards the members of the Board of Directors and the Kraton Leadership Team for their unwavering dedication to Kraton’s success. I’m looking forward to leading Kraton into the next era of excellence, building upon the strong foundations and principles set forth in our vision and values.”

As part of its strategic growth into Central Europe, FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY, a global leader in recycling equipment manufacturing, has established a new sales partnership in Germany. The company has appointed industry veteran Dieter Jerschl as its representative for the region to drive the promotion and implementation of its recycling systems. Jerschl’s extensive expertise, built over two decades with prominent firms like BHS, Eldan and Vecoplan, encompasses a deep understanding of diverse waste streams such as tyre, cable, municipal solid waste and e-waste.

This collaboration, initially targeting Germany, Austria and adjacent countries, is designed to be flexible and scalable. Its primary aim is to cultivate a strong project pipeline and solidify FORNNAX’s regional footprint. The partnership extends beyond sales to include comprehensive technical support, with Jerschl’s team providing vital value-added services like installation, maintenance and spare parts assistance. This local service framework is intended to ensure efficient project execution, minimise operational downtime and elevate customer satisfaction.

By leveraging Jerschl’s profound market insight and established networks, FORNNAX seeks to accelerate the adoption of its high-performance shredding and pre-processing technologies. The move underscores the company’s global strategy of embedding local expertise within key markets, which it deems crucial for developing technically sound solutions tailored to specific regional waste challenges. This initiative reinforces FORNNAX’s dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship, advancing its mission to deliver sustainable recycling solutions worldwide.

Jerschl said, “I’ve known FORNNAX for over a decade and have followed their growth closely. What attracted me to this collaboration is their state-of-the-art technology; it is powerful, sustainable, and economically viable. There is great potential to introduce FORNNAX’s innovative systems to more markets across Europe, and I am excited to be part of that journey. We are committed to increasing market awareness and establishing new reference projects across the region. My goal is not only to generate business but to lay the foundation for long-term growth. Ideally, we aim to establish a dedicated FORNNAX legal entity or operational site in Germany over the next five to 10 years.”

Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, FORNNAX, said, “We see tremendous potential in the Central European market. Partnering with someone as experienced and well established as Jerschl gives us a strong foothold and allows us to better serve our customers. This marks a major milestone in our efforts to promote reliable, efficient and future-ready recycling solutions globally.”

Dr Gerard Nijman of KraussMaffei Extrusion has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Fernley H. Banbury Award, one of the rubber industry’s highest international honours, presented by the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS). This award annually recognises outstanding scientific and technological contributions to the field.

The award commemorates the inventor of the internal mixer and highlights sustainable innovations in production technology, instrumentation, process control and the development of processing methods for rubber and similar materials. Dr Nijman’s career exemplifies such innovation, having significantly advanced rubber rheology, pioneered new mixing and multiplex extrusion technologies and modernised the production of silica compounds for the tyre industry.

His work has effectively bridged the gap between scientific research and industrial application. Notably, in the 1990s at Vredestein, he introduced novel mixing technologies and multiplex extrusion to tyre manufacturing. He also contributed to pioneering processes for silica compound processing, foundational to technologies like Michelin’s ‘Green Tyre’. Furthermore, his rheology-based designs for extruder screws and flow channels have helped shape enduring industrial standards.

Dr Nijman, who joined KraussMaffei Extrusion in 2017, brings decades of expertise from previous roles at Apollo Tyres Ltd and Vredestein Banden BV. His ongoing collaborations with the German Institute for Rubber Technology (DIK) and the University of Twente have also profoundly influenced his approach. KraussMaffei Extrusion itself is globally recognised for its tyre technology, building on longstanding Berstorff expertise to deliver advanced extrusion solutions for treads, sidewalls, innerliners and other components, as well as high-performance multiplex and calender systems.

The award acknowledges not only his specific technical achievements but also his distinguished career and lasting impact on rubber processing. The official presentation will be held in September 2026 during the Global Polymer Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, US.

Dr Nijman said, “It is a great honour for me to receive the Fernley H. Banbury Award. This recognition confirms the importance of the close connection between research and industrial practice in rubber processing and motivates me to continue to drive forward innovative solutions for our industry.”

Ralf Benack, Managing Director, KraussMaffei Extrusion, said, "We warmly congratulate Dr Nijman on this outstanding award. With his in-depth knowledge, many years of experience and tireless dedication, he has had a decisive influence on the rubber and tyre industry and has further developed our technologies in a targeted manner. This recognition is more than deserved. We are very proud to have Dr Nijman in our team!"

Michelin has appointed James Dimmock as its new Commercial Communications Manager for the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Based at the company's Stoke-on-Trent headquarters, he will report to the Northern European Communications team. In this capacity, Dimmock will oversee all commercial communications, including public relations, social media and influencer partnerships.

His mandate involves crafting the brand's commercial narrative, fostering stronger connections with media and content creators and producing innovative digital content to support the brand's growth. He brings more than two decades of extensive experience with Michelin to the role, having held various senior marketing and communications positions both internationally and domestically. His most recent role was as Social Media and Influencer Manager. He will now lead these efforts locally while integrating with the broader communications team.

John Howe, Managing Director, Michelin UK, said, “James has already made a significant contribution to Michelin communications activity in the UK & ROI. His deep understanding of our business and products, combined with his strategic and creative approach, makes him ideally placed to lead our commercial communications as we continue to evolve our brand.”

Dimmock said, “I am excited to be taking on this new role at Michelin. It is a privilege to continue building on the work we have already achieved and to help drive the next phase of our commercial communications strategy across the UK & ROI.”