The global tyre recycling sector currently navigates a volatile landscape where geo-political instability and logistical bottlenecks intersect with a surging demand for circular economy solutions. While conflict-driven shifts in raw material flows present procurement challenges, they simultaneously offer Indian recyclers a strategic opening to diversify sourcing from high-compliance markets like US and Europe. Despite rising operational costs, the industry’s pivot towards sustainable, high-quality outputs, supported by rigorous international certifications, remains a vital driver for India’s manufacturing and infrastructure resilience.

The global tyre recycling industry is currently witnessing a mix of disruption and opportunity, shaped by geo-political tensions, logistics constraints and evolving sustainability expectations. The ongoing conflict involving the Middle East, along with United States and Israel, is influencing raw material flows in a significant way.

“The Middle East is a big part where the raw material generation is quite high, which gives a better boost to the Indian industry with regards to the import of base tyres,” said General Manager for Cross Border Procurement and Supply Chain at Dashmesh Group, Vijay Rana.

At the same time, global metal availability remains high, creating a complex supply environment.

“So this is a very challenging time and we can say it is also an opportunity for Indian companies to explore new markets where they can secure more materials,” added Rana.

Key alternative sourcing regions include United States, Australia, Europe and United Kingdom, where scrap availability remains strong. However, these markets come with strict compliance requirements.

“In those countries, there are certain norms which have real importance to comply with. If the importer is compliant, then it is not a problem. In many cases, the importer is also the manufacturer and actual user of the raw material,” he explained.

Logistics continues to play a decisive role in the industry’s performance.

“Shipping lines and water transport contribute nearly 80 percent of import-export trade, while only about 20 percent depends on air freight,” said Rana.

Rising energy costs and geo-political uncertainties are driving up operational expenses.

“This is giving the cost on the higher side, which is making the Indian industry a little slow in giving its best contribution to the economy,” he noted.

STRONG CIRCULAR PUSH

Despite these pressures, tyre recycling remains a critical segment within India’s circular economy.

“This waste tyre recycling segment is a big segment in India, giving its best contribution to the circular economy,” Rana said.

The sector supports multiple product streams including rubber granules, tyre-derived oil and related outputs.

Certifications also play a vital role in accessing international markets, particularly in Europe. "In European countries, REACH compliance and certifications are very important because people give more importance to the environment as well as human safety,” he explained.

With required certifications in place, exports are not significantly constrained.

“We have all the certifications in hand, and based on that, we do not have any challenge exporting our products to those countries,” Rana added.

Dashmesh Group has built a strong legacy in the rubber recycling industry since its founding in 2005. From its beginnings as a tyre trader to the establishment of major facilities in Gujarat, the group has scaled its production capacity significantly. Today, it is one of the leaders in sustainable manufacturing, operating with a zero-waste philosophy and holding different certifications like ISO, ISCC, KVQA and UKCERT.

The group specialises in producing high-quality crumb rubber, reclaimed rubber, rubber mulch, rubber granules, tyre pyrolysis oil and recovered carbon black. These REACH-compliant materials serve as vital, cost-effective resources for various Indian industries.

DOMESTIC DEMAND AND EXPORTS

India continues to be a strong domestic market for recycled tyre products.

“Presently, we are giving 95 percent of our finished product to the local market. Only five percent is exported,” said Rana.

Exports are currently routed largely through channel partners with some direct customers as well.

“We are more focused on increasing volumes in the export market,” he noted.

Dashmesh Group serves a diverse portfolio of industries across India, positioning itself as a key supplier for specialised manufacturing and development sectors. A significant portion of their operations is dedicated to supporting tyre manufacturing companies, providing the essential materials or components required for large-scale automotive production.

Beyond the automotive sector, the group plays a vital role in the industrial handling market by catering to conveyor belt manufacturers. These partnerships are crucial for the production of heavy-duty belts used in mining, logistics and factory automation.

Furthermore, it is actively involved in the nation’s growth through its collaboration with road infrastructure companies. By supplying this sector, they contribute to the essential materials and logistical support needed for the construction and maintenance of India’s expanding highway and transit networks.

“In terms of distribution of finished products, approximately 40–50 percent goes to tyre industries, around 25 percent to conveyor belting and rubber component industries and the remaining 25 percent to road infrastructure,” Rana explained.

GROWING ECOSYSTEM

Dashmesh Group operates continuous pyrolysis systems and quality remains central to the company’s positioning.

“Since the beginning, we have been more focused on quality because we have a recycled product. When we give the best quality to our customers, we can maintain them,” Rana said.

He noted that India’s position as a global tyre manufacturing hub continues to strengthen, which eventually fares well for recyclers like them.

Additionally, India’s size contributes to sustained demand. “It is a wide country, so there is a huge requirement for tyres,” Rana noted.

Sustainability also remains central to operations. “Around the globe, tyre generation is high and we are completely aligned towards sustainability,” he said.

Operational scale reflects this commitment as the company processes approximately 20,000 tonnes of tyres in a month. This contributes to resource conservation.

The company’s sourcing model focuses on direct engagement with global collectors. “Our main target is to connect with actual tyre waste collectors and processors outside the country as this ensures visibility and long-term alignment,” said Rana

“It gives clear visibility to both importers and exporters regarding who is involved and what the future planning is,” he explained.

Collection networks are decentralised as they gather waste from small locations and collection yards within their respective countries.

EXPANSION STRATEGY

Dashmesh Group is aggressively expanding its physical footprint to establish a truly nationwide presence. According to Rana, the company is strategically positioning itself in all four corners of India to better serve its growing clientele.

Currently, the group operates key facilities in the Sarigam Industrial Area in Valsad, Gujarat, and the Wada Industrial Area in Palghar, Maharashtra. It also maintains a strategic presence near the Nhava Sheva port to streamline logistics and export operations.

The company is now focusing on the next phase of its growth by moving into the southern and eastern regions of the country.

New facilities are currently under construction in Chennai and Haldia, West Bengal.

Current production capacity stands at 19,000 to 20,000 tonnes per month across all products. The upcoming expansion will significantly increase scale, as with the two new plants, it will add 200–250 containers per month, which is around 6,000–6,500 tonnes.

Total capacity projection is estimated to reach between 25,000 to 26,000 tonnes per month.

While global expansion is part of the roadmap, the immediate focus remains India.

“We see a lot of opportunities within the country and want to capture them first before going outside,” said Rana.

Beyond operations, Dashmesh Group is focusing on awareness and education.

“We are educating overseas suppliers on how to make these products more usable in daily applications. This is critical given rising waste volumes,” he explained.

He added, “The waste tyres on the planet are increasing day by day, and this needs to be controlled. The goal is clear, which is to provide the best solution and best destination for these materials.”

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The International Rubber Conference (IRC) will return to Japan in November for the first time in a decade, with more than 271 technical presentations and over 117 exhibitors expected to take part.

The event, known as IRC 2026 Aichi, will be hosted by the Society of Rubber Science and Technology, Japan, alongside the Rubber & Elastomer Technical Exhibition in Aichi. It is scheduled to run from 2^nd to 6^th  November, with the exhibition opening a day later and continuing until 6^th  November .

Held at the Aichi International Exhibition Center, also known as Aichi Sky Expo, the venue is located near Chubu Centrair International Airport and can be reached from Nagoya Station in about 28 minutes by train.

The conference programme will feature more than 271 presentations spanning rubber science, technology and industrial applications. Participants include James Busfield of Queen Mary University of London and Nobuyuki Tamura of Bridgestone Corporation, who also chairs the Japan Rubber Manufacturers Association. More than 400 delegates have already registered.

Running alongside the conference, the Rubber & Elastomer Technical Exhibition will host more than 117 exhibitors, ranging from raw material suppliers and machinery manufacturers to tyre makers and testing-equipment providers. The exhibition will be open to visitors free of charge.

The International Rubber Conference, first held in 1966, rotates annually across global host cities. The last event in Japan took place in Kitakyushu in 2016, with subsequent editions held in Haikou, Istanbul and Bangkok.

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Italian tyre major Pirelli has announced a multi-year investment plan worth approximately EUR 1 billion (USD 1.2 billion) to expand its manufacturing facility in Rome, Georgia in the United States. The motion passed by majority vote, with board members Zhang Haitao, Xi Xiaohong and Wang Kun voting against the proposal.

The capital expenditure program, scheduled to begin in 2027 and will go through 2033, aims to expand annual production capacity at the Georgia site to six million tyres and create approximately 1,000 jobs.

The United States represents the largest market for high-value tyres globally, accounting for roughly 40 percent of global volumes. The project will be carried out in two phases without altering Pirelli's financial targets for 2026.

Phase one of the expansion will introduce modular robotised production systems based on Pirelli's Modular Integrated Robotised System technology, scaling annual output to three million tyres starting in 2028.

In phase two, the company will begin construction of an automated production facility to add three million units of annual capacity. The expanded plant will produce connected tyre systems, including Cyber Tyre technology, following market authorisation granted by the US Bureau of Industry and Security under Italy’s 2026 Golden Power Decree.

Alongside the investment decision, the board approved an organisational restructuring resulting in the immediate elimination of the Corporate General Management function. As part of the changes, Corporate General Manager Francesco Tanzi will step down from his executive role, maintaining an employment relationship through 31 December 2026 to facilitate the leadership transition.

Under the terms approved by the board and the Remuneration Committee, Tanzi will receive a severance payment equivalent to 13 months’ remuneration, payable by February 2027, alongside accrued rights under existing short-term and long-term incentive plans. He has agreed to a two-year non-compete covenant covering Pirelli's primary operating regions in exchange for 130 percent of his gross annual salary, paid in eight quarterly instalments. Following the end of his employment, Tanzi will provide advisory services under a two-year consultancy contract with an annual fee of EUR 350,000, plus non-monetary benefits valued at EUR 45,000.

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Bridgestone has announced a European leadership appointment aimed at sharpening customer focus, streamlining engagement across product groups and supporting its ongoing growth plans. Stefano Sanchini will become President, Europe Sales, effective 1 October 2026, leading the company’s European sales organisation across both Consumer and Commercial segments.

The expanded role unites sales activities spanning passenger car, truck and bus, agriculture, off-the-road, motorcycle and original equipment. Sanchini brings over 20 years of international leadership experience in the automotive and tyre sectors, with a career covering Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. Since joining Bridgestone in 2017, he has held several senior positions, including Managing Director of Bridgestone India.

Most recently, as Vice President for Consumer Replacement in Europe, he helped strengthen customer engagement, commercial performance, profitability and regional market growth. Bridgestone said the appointment underscores its commitment to customer relationships, commercial execution and simpler cross-market operations. Sanchini will pursue sustainable growth while developing capabilities and partnerships supporting the company’s long-term European strategy.

Mete Ekin, Group President EMEA, said, "Our customers increasingly operate across multiple product categories and expect a consistent experience wherever they engage with Bridgestone. By bringing our sales activities together under one European structure, we are creating a simpler, more connected organisation that will help us respond faster, collaborate more effectively and continue building strong partnerships with our customers."

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Yokohama Europe has appointed Giuseppe La Iacona to a series of senior leadership roles as the company seeks to strengthen its position across the region.

La Iacona joined the business on September 15 and will assume responsibility for supporting growth and organisational consolidation in the European market.

He brings more than 20 years’ experience in the tyre industry, spanning sales, marketing, business development, country management and international customer relations. He has held senior roles across several European markets, developing experience in managing local dynamics while driving cross-border business expansion.

Reporting to Takashi Maki, La Iacona has been appointed General Manager for southern Europe, where he will lead a newly created regional cluster covering Italy and France. The role is intended to improve coordination and operational synergies between the two markets.

He will also serve as Chief Executive of Yokohama Italia, with overall responsibility for the Italian subsidiary, alongside taking on the role of head of international customers. In that capacity, he will oversee the management and development of clients operating across multiple European markets, with the aim of creating a more consistent commercial approach and strengthening collaboration between subsidiaries.

His remit includes improving organisational alignment and fostering closer cooperation between markets and customers as the company expands its European operations.

“I am very pleased to welcome Giuseppe to YOKOHAMA Europe at an important stage in our development,” said Maki. “His extensive international experience, deep knowledge of the tyre industry and ability to work across different markets will be valuable assets as we continue to strengthen our European organisation and pursue sustainable growth.”

La Iacona said: “I am excited to join YOKOHAMA Europe and to contribute to the company’s next phase of growth in Europe. YOKOHAMA has a strong heritage, a distinctive brand and significant opportunities across the European market. I look forward to working closely with our teams, customers and partners across countries to further develop the business and strengthen our presence in the region.”

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