In a discussion with Tyre Trends, Chief of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Information Unit Jean Rodriguez detailed how the Working Party on Noise and Tyres (GRBP) is driving international regulations on tyre safety, noise and sustainability. From pioneering micro-plastic emission measurement to strengthening wet-grip requirements and updating studded and retreaded tyre rules, Rodriguez emphasised UNECE’s role in shaping a harmonised global framework that balances consumer safety with environmental protection.

What is the role of the Working Party on Noise and Tyres (GRBP) within UNECE?

As one of the six subsidiary bodies of the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations, hosted by UNECE, the Working Party on Noise and Tyres continues to spearhead globally harmonised standards through UN Regulation No. 117, covering tyre rolling resistance, noise, wet grip and, with recent developments, abrasion measures. These UN Regulations form the backbone of safety and environmental tyre specifications adopted by numerous countries and a substantial share of tyre producers globally.

What were the key regulatory changes between 2022 and 2025?

In early 2024, the Working Party adopted the first-ever methodology to measure particle emissions from tyres, critical for tracking micro-plastic emissions via two protocols including real-world 8,000 kilometres convoy tests and 5,000 kilometres rolling-drum lab tests. These are slated for integration into a new UN Regulation by September 2025 for passenger tyres, expanding into heavier vehicle categories (C2, C3) into 2026 and 2027.

Once in force, these regulations will contribute to significantly reducing micro-plastic pollution. In 2016, tyre abrasion was estimated to represent 78 percent of the 1.3 million metric tonnes of microplastics entering the ocean.

The UNECE methodology to measure particle emissions from tyres will become the reference methodology of the Euro 7 proposal of the European Union. Moreover, EU tyre regulation and labelling covering noise, wet grip, rolling resistance and environmental transparency build directly on UNECE’s standards.

How has UNECE addressed tyre safety at legal minimum tread depth?

GRBP introduced requirements ensuring that tyres at the legal minimum tread depth (1.6 millimetres) retain a minimum wet-grip level relative to new tyres. This is a shift towards safety and sustainability by permitting consumers to drive worn tyres safely, potentially reducing waste. It obliges manufacturers to design tread compounds and patterns that preserve wet performance over the tyre’s life, not just when new.

What regulations were introduced for studded tyres in 2022?

In September 2022, a new UN Regulation to cover performance requirements and marking of studded tyres entered into force to increase road safety by introducing harmonised snow grip requirements for studded tyres. It simplified the legislative situation in several countries that allowed the usage of studded tyres on public roads, introduced strict requirements and procedures for testing their snow grip and allowed consumers to benefit from more coherent winter tyre markings.

What additional areas has UNECE been working on to align safety and environmental goals?

By refining noise standards, updating testing protocols and promoting tyre lifecycle efficiency, UNECE is steadily shaping regulations to match environmental and safety objectives. This includes work on enhanced noise testing for tyres (UN Regulation No. 117) and motorcycles (UN Regulation No. 41) and vehicle alert systems (UN Regulation No. 138/51)

How does UNECE ensure global relevance, transparency and participation in its work?

All this work in setting technical specifications testifies to UNECE’s high relevance in providing a global harmonisation framework. Its expanding scope, especially in environmental dimensions such as micro-plastic emissions, is helping it maintain policy leadership and normative force, shaping tyre safety, noise and environmental performance worldwide.

A very important aspect of UNECE work is that it prevents fragmentation of the tyre regulatory landscape. GRBP is open to governmental experts from any member country of the United Nations and to any regional economic integration organisation set up by member countries of the United Nations including experts of governmental organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

UNECE provides secretarial support to WP.29 and its working parties, facilitating negotiations between contracting parties to the 1958, 1997 and 1998 agreements. More than 100 experts participate in the sessions of GRBP and all documents considered by GRBP are available in the public domain.

What are UNECE’s priorities going forward to support safety and the circular economy?

Leveraging its technical authority and norm-setting capacities, UNECE is uniquely positioned to foster a globally harmonised tyre labelling framework that covers rolling resistance, wet grip and, for the first time, tyre abrasion. This framework promotes consistency, environmental protection, consumer transparency and ultimately supports worldwide regulatory alignment.

At its session in September 2025, GRBP will consider the proposal for a new UN Regulation on the uniform provisions concerning the approval of tyres with regard to abrasion performance.

UNECE is also updating UN Regulations no. 108 (passenger car/towed vehicle Retreaded tyres), 109 (commercial vehicle retreaded tyres) and 172 (snow performance of retreaded tyres) to ensure retreaded tyres meet the same safety standards as new tyres, even in challenging winter conditions but in a way that makes regulatory processes smoother and more conducive to circular economy practices.

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India’s tyre recycling industry is entering a painful consolidation phase as weakening export demand, oversupply of waste tyres and worsening shipping disruptions erode profitability across the value chain. While domestic consumption continues to provide partial support, falling realisations and rising logistics costs are squeezing processors of crumb rubber, reclaimed rubber, pyrolysis oil and recovered carbon black.

India’s tyre recycling industry is entering a period of consolidation as weakening export demand, oversupply of waste tyres and mounting shipping disruptions compress margins, even as long-term demand for sustainable materials continues to strengthen.

While volumes remained broadly stable during the March quarter, profitability deteriorated sharply across much of the sector as realisations fell in both domestic and overseas markets and logistics-related costs climbed, said Tyre and Rubber Recyclers Association of India President Chetan Joshi.

“Volumes were largely stable for most of us, but margins definitely came under pressure,” Joshi said. “Realisations dropped, especially in domestic and export markets, while logistics costs and delays increased. Domestic sales supported to some extent, but overall, it was more of a margin squeeze quarter than a volume issue.”

The industry is also facing a supply-demand imbalance in waste tyres driven by slowing exports of recycled products and softer downstream demand caused partly by elevated prices of finished recycled materials.

“There is oversupply due to low demand because finished product prices are high and exports of finished recycled products have slowed down,” Joshi said. “That is putting pressure on waste tyre pricing and also on end-product prices.”

The pricing pressure is now cascading across the recycling chain, affecting processors of crumb rubber, reclaimed rubber, pyrolysis oil and recovered carbon black (rCB), which are widely used by tyre makers, rubber goods manufacturers and industrial consumers.

However, Joshi said not all segments are under equal stress. Better-quality feedstock and certified recycled materials continue to command stronger pricing and more resilient demand despite broader weakness in commodity-grade products.

“Good quality and properly segregated material are still holding value better,” he said.

India has emerged as one of the world’s largest recycling hubs for end-of-life tyres because of its large vehicle parc, abundant feedstock availability and relatively low-cost processing ecosystem.

Domestic demand for recycled rubber materials has also expanded steadily in recent years as sustainability targets gain traction among tyre makers and industrial manufacturers.

According to Joshi, domestic consumption has helped cushion the sector from the ongoing export slowdown, though it remains insufficient to fully compensate for weakening overseas demand.

“India has strong domestic consumption in crumb rubber, reclaim, pyrolysis oil and rCB, so it does give some cushion,” he said. “But honestly, domestic demand alone cannot fully replace export markets, at least in the short term. We still need healthy exports to balance the ecosystem.”

Exporters are simultaneously grappling with worsening shipping disruptions that have increased operational uncertainty across several key overseas markets.

“Shipping has become unpredictable,” Joshi said. “Transit times are longer, freight and insurance costs have increased and planning exports has become difficult.”

He added that Europe, UK, the Gulf Cooperation Council region and parts of Africa are among the most affected markets because of freight-related disruptions and sluggish demand conditions.

“Even when orders are there, execution becomes a challenge,” he said.

The impact has been particularly severe for lower-value recycled products where freight costs form a larger share of overall realisations. Higher-quality and certified materials, however, have remained comparatively stable.

“Lower-value products are affected more, while higher-quality and certified materials are relatively stable,” Joshi said.

Despite near-term pressures, the long-term demand trajectory for recycled tyre-derived materials remains positive as global tyre manufacturers accelerate sustainability initiatives and seek alternatives to increasingly expensive virgin raw materials.

“The long-term trend is very clear and recycled materials are gaining,” Joshi said. “With higher natural rubber prices and sustainability targets of tyre companies, demand for reclaimed rubber, micronised powder and rCB will increase.”

At the same time, he noted that buyers are becoming significantly more selective, shifting purchasing decisions beyond price considerations towards quality consistency, certification and compliance standards.

UNIT ECONOMICS

The tyre pyrolysis industry is witnessing a sharp improvement in margins and investment sentiment as geo-political tensions in the Middle East push up crude-linked fuel prices, creating stronger demand for tyre-derived pyrolysis oil, according to Apchemi Chief Executive Officer Suhas Dixit.

The recent conflict involving Iran has emerged as the single biggest factor influencing the sector’s performance, triggering steep price increases for tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO) and reviving expansion plans across the industry after years of compressed profitability.

Tyre pyrolysis oil prices in India have climbed dramatically in recent months, rising from about INR 35–40 per kilogramme to nearly INR 60 per kilogramme, according to Dixit, reflecting stronger demand and tighter energy market conditions linked to higher crude oil prices.

Dixit said the price increase has fuelled fresh enthusiasm among investors and operators looking to expand existing facilities or establish new projects.

The company, which positions itself as a global technology and engineering player rather than a purely domestic recycler, said overseas demand remains robust despite continuing disruptions in international shipping and trade routes.

While the conflict in the Middle East and shipping disruptions around key trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns about freight costs and export uncertainty for many Indian recyclers, Dixit said Apchemi remains relatively insulated because of its global operating model.

The company is currently executing multiple large-scale international projects including three 150-tonne-per-day tyre pyrolysis facilities for clients in developed markets, according to Dixit.

Even so, Dixit acknowledged that the industry remains exposed to broader geo-political uncertainty, particularly because energy prices and shipping costs directly influence the economics of pyrolysis-derived fuels.

At the same time, he believes the current environment is creating a rare opportunity for operators to strengthen profitability after years of weak returns.

On the other hand, reclaim rubber manufacturers seem to be facing renewed uncertainty as rising raw material costs linked to geo-political tensions continue to pressure pricing and destabilise downstream demand.

“Market is a little scary right now,” said a Gujarat-based crumb rubber manufacturer. The spokesperson attributed the instability largely to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have triggered higher costs across the raw material chain and pushed up prices for finished reclaim rubber products.

“Reclaim rubber manufacturers are particularly vulnerable to swings in raw material pricing because margins in the segment are often thin and highly sensitive to changes in energy, logistics and waste tyre procurement costs,” he noted.

Despite the ongoing volatility, he indicated that the broader market trajectory for the current fiscal year is unlikely to differ significantly from the previous year, suggesting that industry participants may continue to operate in a challenging but manageable environment.

PULLING THROUGH

Joshi said India continues to enjoy structural advantages because of its scale and feedstock availability but warned that the industry could lose competitiveness if it fails to improve quality consistency and formalisation.

He added that the next growth cycle in tyre recycling is likely to favour companies investing in compliance, process control, certification and value-added products rather than those competing purely on trading volumes and low-cost exports.

“The opportunity is huge, but discipline in the industry will decide who benefits,” Joshi said.

Looking ahead to FY27, Joshi expects margin recovery to remain uneven across the industry with larger and technologically stronger companies likely to outperform smaller operators focused on low-margin export trading.

For India’s recycling industry, the current downturn may ultimately accelerate a broader structural transition already underway from volume-led commodity processing towards a more formalised, quality-focused and sustainability-driven circular materials ecosystem.

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The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced the impending departure of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Christina Zamarro, effective 10 July. To ensure continuity, Scott Deakin has been appointed as interim CFO, assuming his duties on 1 July, just over a week prior to Zamarro’s exit.

Deakin brings over 25 years of financial and operational expertise to the role, having previously served as a public company CFO and operating executive across multiple industries. His most recent tenure was as CFO at Gypsum Management & Supply, a wholesale distributor of interior construction products, a position he held from 2019 until 2026. Concurrently, Goodyear has initiated a comprehensive external and internal search to secure a permanent successor for the top finance position.

Mark Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, said, “I want to thank Christina for her leadership and strong contributions to Goodyear during her 20 years of service, three of them as CFO. She has been a valued partner across the business, helping advance important initiatives and positioning the company for continued progress. We remain focused on executing Goodyear's operating strategy. As interim CFO, Scott is well positioned to provide continuity in the company's financial leadership and support execution of operational, transformation and capital allocation priorities.”

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From market leadership in single wire bead winding machines to advanced apexing technologies and integrated solutions, VIPO continues to shape the tyre manufacturing across India.

With a dominant presence across MCR, PCR, TBR and OTR segments, VIPO combines engineering precision, digital innovation and strong local support through VIPO INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED to deliver high-performance bead and apex solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the Indian tyre industry.

VIPO STRENGTHENS ITS TECHNOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN INDIA

India has emerged as one of the most dynamic tyre manufacturing hubs globally, demanding not only high production capacity but also consistent quality, process stability and long-term operational reliability. Rapid investments in manufacturing capabilities, combined with increasing performance expectations, are driving tyre producers to adapt more advanced and reliable technologies. In this environment, VIPO a.s. stands out as a trusted and forward-looking partner, recognised for its expertise in bead winding and bead apexing technologies.

Over the years, VIPO has built a dominant position in the Indian market, particularly in the segment of single wire bead winding machines, covering the full spectrum of tyre applications – from MCR and PCR to TBR and OTR. This strong market presence is not accidental; it is the result of long-term cooperation with leading tyre manufacturers and a deep understanding of their production challenges. The company’s success is rooted in its ability to deliver machines that ensure precise wire placement, optimised tension control and repeatable bead geometry, all essential factors influencing tyre safety, uniformity and overall performance.

VIPO’s bead winding machines are engineered with a focus on process stability and mechanical precision. Advanced control of wire feeding, tension regulation systems and optimised winding kinematics allow for consistent production even at high operating speeds. The machines are designed to minimise variation, reduce scrap rates and ensure long-term repeatability, which is critical in high-volume manufacturing environments. Flexibility is another key advantage, enabling manufacturers to adapt quickly to different bead sizes and tyre specifications without compromising efficiency.

Beyond bead winding, VIPO’s apexing solutions for TBR and OTR provide advanced process integration, enabling accurate and consistent application of apex profiles. By combining extrusion, material handling and application technologies into a unified system, VIPO ensures high process efficiency, strong bonding quality and reliable output, even in demanding production conditions. The precise control of apex geometry, temperature conditions and application pressure contributes to improved adhesion and structural integrity of the bead area, directly impacting tyre durability and performance under real operating conditions.

In addition, VIPO continuously enhances its apexing technologies by integrating auxiliary systems such as strip handling, profile guiding and application synchronisation. These elements ensure smooth process flow, eliminate inconsistencies and further reduce operator dependency. The result is a highly stable and repeatable process that meets the strict quality requirements of modern tyre production.

What truly differentiates VIPO is its ability to deliver complete, future-ready solutions. The company goes beyond machinery, offering integrated systems that include automation, digitalisation and intelligent process control. These solutions are designed to enhance productivity, reduce operator dependency and support data-driven manufacturing environments aligned with latest modern industrial principles. By implementing advanced control architectures and data acquisition systems, VIPO enables manufacturers to monitor key process parameters in real time, identify deviations early and optimise performance across the entire production line.

Digitalisation plays an increasingly important role in VIPO’s portfolio. The integration of diagnostics, condition monitoring and predictive maintenance tools allows customers to minimise unplanned downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). These capabilities are particularly valuable in large-scale production facilities where even small inefficiencies can lead to significant operational losses.

A crucial element of VIPO’s success in India is its strong local presence through VIPO INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED and local agency represented by POLYPLAS company. Close collaboration with customers enables continuous performance optimisation and long-term reliability of installed equipment. The local team provides end-to-end support, including service, diagnostics, installation, commissioning, operator training and ramp-up support. This hands-on approach ensures that customers achieve faster start-ups, higher efficiency and improved machine lifecycle performance.

The close proximity to customers also allows VIPO to respond quickly to operational needs, provide immediate technical assistance and adapt solutions to specific plant conditions. This level of responsiveness is highly valued in the Indian market, where production continuity and flexibility are key success factors. The cooperation extends beyond standard service activities and often evolves into long-term partnerships focused on continuous improvement and process optimisation.

VIPO’s commitment to the region is further demonstrated by its active engagement with the industry. As a lunch sponsor at the GTRC 2026 conference in Chennai, VIPO will also contribute to the technical programme, presenting its latest solutions in material stock preparation area, bead and apex manufacturing technologies. This reflects the company’s role not only as a supplier but as a partner to technological progress within the tyre manufacturing community. By sharing know-how and engaging with industry experts, VIPO actively supports the exchange of knowledge and the development of best practices across the sector.

Looking ahead, VIPO continues to invest heavily in research and development, focusing on the bead and apex solutions. The company’s R&D activities are driven by the need to respond to increasing complexity in tyre design, new material requirements and higher expectations for automation and digital integration. Key development areas include advanced automation architectures, digital process monitoring, predictive diagnostics and enhanced material processing technologies. Additional focus is placed on improving energy efficiency, reducing material waste and increasing overall process sustainability.

These innovations aim to deliver higher efficiency, improved transparency and greater operational intelligence for tyre manufacturers. By combining mechanical engineering expertise with modern digital tools, VIPO is creating solutions that are not only reliable but also adaptable to future industry requirements. The ability to integrate new functionalities and upgrade existing systems ensures long-term value for customers and protects their investment in technology.

With its combination of engineering excellence, market experience and customer-centric approach, VIPO is not only responding to the needs of the Indian tyre industry but actively shaping its future as a global BEAD and APEX equipment manufacturer. n

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Balkrishna Industries (BKT) has appointed Saroj Kumar Khuntia as chief financial officer with effect from June 18, following the retirement of Madhusudan Bajaj, who stepped down after attaining the age of superannuation.

The board approved Khuntia's appointment at its meeting on June 17, based on the recommendations of the nomination and remuneration committee and the audit committee.

Bajaj ceased to serve as chief financial officer and key managerial personnel at the close of business on June 17 in accordance with the company's retirement policy.

The company said his departure was not a resignation. Following his retirement, Bajaj will continue to assist the company as special adviser to the chairman and managing director.

The board recorded its appreciation for Bajaj's contribution and leadership during his tenure.

Khuntia assumes the role of chief financial officer and key managerial personnel from June 18. He will also serve as compliance officer.

A fellow chartered accountant, Khuntia has more than 24 years of experience in corporate finance, strategy, capital markets, treasury, taxation, governance and finance transformation.

He has previously worked with CG Power, the Mahindra & Mahindra Group, IBM and Hindustan Lever.

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