In the mountainous heart of Central Europe, a quiet industrial revolution is unfolding – where discarded tyres are reborn as high-performance materials for modern infrastructure, sport, construction and more. Leading this transformation is RPG Recycling, a Czech company and a flagship member of the REC Group, which has positioned itself at the forefront of tyre recycling and sustainable rubber innovation.

When you step into the industrial heart of RPG Recycling in the Czech Republic, it is immediately clear that this is not just another waste management facility. Here, unwanted tyres are transformed from a mounting environmental burden into valuable resources serving industries across Europe and beyond.

RPG Recycling is part of the Czech-based conglomerate REC Group, which houses companies such as Kovsteel, Steelmet, A-Glass, RPG Recycling, Gelpo, ASSCO, Egoe Noba, DZO, A-Orto and Kovozoo.

Interestingly, for the tyre industry RPG Recycling, Gelpo, Assco and Egoe Noba together provide complete treatment of waste from SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) rubber & EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber from the collection through crushing to production of final products. In an exclusive interaction with Tyre Trends, Pavel Hartman, Executive Director of RPG Recycling, Gelpo, Assco and Egoe Noba, shares the details.

“Tyre recycling is more than just a process – it’s a commitment to sustainability and resource maximisation,” explained Hartman.

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF TYRE RECYCLING

Hartman shared that RPG’s operations span the entire lifecycle of tyre waste. “Our facility is equipped with an advanced fleet of vehicles, ELDAN recycling lines, granulation equipment, shredders, tyre cutters and even oversized tyre cutters. This technology allows us to handle everything from initial collection to final processing with unmatched versatility,” he said.

Every step is tightly controlled. “We manually sort and select tyres from the Czech and Slovak markets, ensuring consistent quality enters the granulate processing phase,” Hartman said. Sophisticated sorting ensures only the best input for further recycling. Tyres are then resized, shredded, granulated and separated into constituent materials.

The mainstay of RPG Recycling is the production of rubber granulate – a key raw material for industries ranging from construction to sport. “The primary output is rubber granulate, which becomes everything from industrial and construction panels to base layers for sports facilities. We are proud to supply the raw material behind products that deliver safety, noise reduction and durability,” said Hartman.

A closer look at RPG’s data underlines this impact: in 2024 alone, the company handled nearly 56,000 tonnes of tyres and processed enough rubber to give a new lease of life to materials from over half a million households.

But rubber is only part of the story. “A secondary output is steel fibre, primarily directed to the metallurgical industry, while textile fibre is used for energy recovery,” noted Hartman. For tyres unsuited to granulate production, RPG ensures nothing is wasted, “They are resized and used in the energy sector, contributing as alternative fuel.”

Gelpo, a sister company, pushes these materials even further, manufacturing anti-vibration panels for construction, noise barriers for transport and robust sports surfaces. “At Wenceslas Square in Prague, our anti-vibration mats made from 6,667 recycled tyres span an area equivalent to eight swimming pools,” Hartman shared, illustrating the real-world scale of their output.

He further mentioned that maintaining consistently high standards is a non-negotiable aspect for the company.

“We operate a sophisticated quality management system, overseeing everything from tyre reception to the final stage of rubber granulate production. Daily quality control checks focus on cleanliness, density and structure,” explained Hartman. He underscores that the process extends to the preparation of specific product batches according to the type and cleanliness of input tyres.

Looking ahead, he shared, “We’re developing a second recycling line to increase capacity and output quality. On the technology side, we plan to adopt new components that simplify operations and further refine our granulate.”

RPG Recycling is also actively advancing the principles of the circular economy. “By transforming waste tyres into secondary raw materials, we are reducing dependence on primary resources – like new rubber – and ensuring that fewer tyres end up in landfills or incinerators,” Hartman stresses. A unique feature is the ability to regranulate old rubber products, reincorporating them into new manufacturing cycles and eliminating landfill waste.

This holistic approach is reflected throughout the REC Group, where companies like Assco and Gelpo work together to collect EPDM and SBR rubber waste, process it and return it to market as high-performance materials.

Sustainability is quantifiable at RPG; it is not just the end-product but also the process itself.

“Our photovoltaic power plants alone have reduced emissions by 555 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting over 37,000 trees,” Hartman highlights. In total, through the use of secondary raw materials, RPG, Assco and Gelpo together have delivered emission savings of over 24,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The group’s modernisation efforts extend to cleaner production and close cooperation with environmental authorities and research institutions. “We participate in expert groups like European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers Association (ETRMA), EURIC (European Recycling Industries’ Confederation) and ESTC and support new applications for recycled materials,” said Hartman. He noted initiatives such as eco-friendly noise barriers, which integrate recycled rubber for both environmental and social benefit.

Of course, recycling tyres is not without hurdles. “Energy costs remain significant, so we responded by launching solar generation, cutting usage by 10 percent,” revealed Hartman. He points to market and regulatory headwinds, “There’s a lack of clear standards for recycled rubber products and, in some cases, insufficient market support for end products made from secondary materials. These factors impact competitiveness, especially in price-sensitive sectors.”

Still, he maintains an optimism for the tyre recycling. Hartman is keen to point out ongoing dialogue with tyre manufacturers and the tyre industry’s gradual adoption of reclaimed rubber and pyrolytic products as a route to closing the circular economy loop.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Expansion and innovation are central to RPG’s future plans. “We are building a new line to increase rubber granulate capacity and working with Gelpo to diversify applications and enter new markets,” Hartman shared.

While RPG does not currently collaborate with Indian partners, global dialogue and technological advancement are clearly on the horizon.

For Hartman and the RPG team, the mission is clear, “We give tyres a new life, protect nature and use every resource to its fullest.” And looking from both the data and the impact felt across construction, sport and industry, the Group seems to be on a mission set to steer the sector towards a more sustainable future. n

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Gaurav Kumar has resigned as a whole-time director of Apollo Tyres, the Indian tyre manufacturer, after more than two decades with the company, though he will remain chief financial officer during a transition period.

The Gurugram-based company's board approved the resignation at a meeting on Thursday. Kumar steps down as a director, and consequently as a member of the risk management committee, with effect from the close of business the same day. The company said he had confirmed there was no material reason for his departure beyond that stated in his resignation letter.

Kumar will continue as chief financial officer for such period as is necessary to ensure a smooth transition, after which he will cease to be part of the company's senior management.

In his resignation letter, Kumar said: "It has been terrific to be part of the incredible journey at Apollo Tyres thus far. I have learned, and hopefully contributed in equal measure, and now seek to explore alternative and new challenges. I wish Apollo Tyres the very best for the journey ahead and will always be part of the Apollo Tyres Family." He added that he was grateful to Onkar Kanwar and Neeraj Kanwar for their support during his tenure of more than 22 years at the company.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, said: "Gaurav deserves kudos for the critical role he has played in the growth of Apollo Tyres, both in India and overseas, in the last twenty years. While we do regret losing him, we are conscious of his personal aspirations and wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

The company said it was in the process of appointing a new chief financial officer.

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Shrader Tire & Oil (STO) has announced the appointment of Bob Feldbauer to the role of President, effective 1 August 2026. He will concurrently serve as Chief Operating Officer, while Joe Shrader maintains his position as Chief Executive Officer.

Feldbauer’s ascent follows his arrival at STO in early 2025 as Chief Operating Officer, a role built upon a robust industry resume. His prior engagements include a lengthy stint at the helm of Jack’s Tire & Oil in Utah and a substantial period with Michelin North America, where he handled sales and managerial assignments.

Under the new structure, Feldbauer’s purview widens to encompass both internal fleet management across 14 sites and outward-facing commercial development, including alliances and market expansion. With the founding family’s fourth generation now active within the firm, the succession plan reinforces the enduring principles established when the company opened in 1948.

Shrader said, “Bob has proven exactly what we hoped he would when we brought him on board – sharp operational instincts and a real drive to help this company grow. Putting him in the President seat lets us move faster on the growth plans we’ve been building towards.”

Feldbauer said, “It has been a fast year and a half at Shrader Tire & Oil. I have gained tremendous insight and valuable knowledge about our organisation’s structure, company culture and an understanding of our overall goals and commitments. One thing is clearly obvious – the commitment Shrader employees have to deliver the best customer experience each and every time. I appreciate this and look forward to supporting them as their President and COO.”

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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has unveiled a brand installation at the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) T2 Elevated Road Underpass as the tyre manufacturer seeks to broaden its positioning beyond its traditional Off-Highway business and strengthen awareness of its expanding on-highway portfolio in India.

The 2,000 sq. ft. installation, inspired by the company's "Elevate Your Drive" philosophy, highlights BKT's portfolio across agriculture, construction, mining, earthmoving, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. The activation comes as the company expands its presence in India's two-wheeler and commercial vehicle tyre segments.

Designed to move beyond conventional outdoor advertising, the installation features nine illuminated tyre-shaped displays, each 8 feet in diameter, using the tyre itself as the central storytelling element. It opens with a large-format visual featuring BKT brand ambassador Ranveer Singh, followed by a sequence of displays illustrating the company's expanding mobility portfolio. The installation will remain at the airport for 24 months.

Mumbai International Airport handled a record 55.5 million passengers in 2025, providing the company with sustained visibility among business travellers and consumers.

"For BKT, innovation goes beyond product engineering; it extends to how we tell our story. This installation reflects a simple yet powerful idea: our tyre itself becomes the medium through which travellers experience the breadth of BKT's world. As we expand our presence across India's mobility landscape, it is important that consumers see BKT not through a single product category, but as a brand that supports movement across diverse terrains, applications and journeys. Mumbai Airport provides an ideal stage for us to express that transformation in a memorable and distinctive way," said Satish Sharma, Senior President & Director – Business Development and Strategy, BKT.

The installation was conceptualised by Infectious Advertising and uses immersive design, sequential storytelling and its airport location to showcase the company's wider mobility portfolio. According to BKT, the activation is intended to connect its established Off-Highway business with its growing presence in India's on-highway mobility market.

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Mumbai-headquartered leading carbon black manufacturer Epsilon Carbon has reported a 10 percent reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions across its upstream transportation operations during FY2025–26. The reduction was achieved through the deployment of an electric and liquefied natural gas freight fleet.

An independent third party certified the emissions data. The reductions achieved in transport logistics equate to carbon absorption figures associated with approximately 29,000 trees. The verified figures allow supply chain partners to include these reductions within Scope 3 emissions reporting frameworks and environmental disclosures.

Gaurav Mathur, Chief Executive Officer, Epsilon Carbon, said, “Decarbonising logistics is central to our climate strategy. What makes this milestone meaningful is that the results are independently verified with a 10 percent reduction in CO2e emissions within the upstream transportation category over a single financial year, driven by the adoption of electric and LNG fleets. These carbon reductions strengthen our own sustainability disclosures and those of our customers, and we intend to scale this model across our supply chain.”

Following Phase 1 operations, Epsilon Carbon intends to expand the number of electric and LNG vehicles in its transport fleet during FY 2026–27 to scale low-carbon freight transport across its supply chain network.

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