Saint-Gobain plays a pivotal role in the carbon black industry by supplying high-performance refractories that enhance energy efficiency and thereby reduce pollution in the production process. The innovative solutions contribute to more sustainable carbon black manufacturing by improving yield and extending the lifespan of reactors while the company’s efforts to use cleaner energy sources as a consequence of its commitment to carbon neutrality strengthens its sustainability efforts.

Refractories play a crucial role in the production of carbon black, particularly in the reactors where the carbon black is produced. Carbon black is typically made by thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons called cracking in a high-temperature, oxygen-limited environment.

Refractories are heat-resistant materials used to line the reactors and other high-temperature vessels to withstand the extreme conditions involved in the carbon black production process. Their main functions include withstanding high-temperature erosion and chemical attack, thermal insulation, protecting equipment, controlling gas flow and distribution etc.

While there are many players that supply refractories to India’s carbon black industry, Saint-Gobain has been an innovative player that enhances energy efficiency. Speaking to Tyre Trends on the sidelines of the 15th Asia-Pacific Carbon Black Conference, Business Development Manager Shailesh Doshi mentioned, “The production process in the carbon black industry is inherently polluting. However, refractories play a crucial role in mitigating this impact by enhancing both yield and energy efficiency. By providing thermally efficient refractories, Saint-Gobain helps increase the yield of the process, thereby boosting overall energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint.”

For instance, if a reactor operates at 1,850 degrees Celsius, raising the temperature to 2,200 degrees Celsius can improve the yield by 4-5 percent. This not only improves energy efficiency but also contributes to a more sustainable process with a reduced carbon footprint.

Saint-Gobain supplies specialised refractories to the carbon black industry. “Refractories are essentially high-temperature, ceramic materials that line furnaces and other thermal vessels, designed to withstand extreme conditions inside these reactors. In the carbon black industry, there are two types of reactors, namely tread reactors and carcass reactors. As the names suggest, the carbon black produced in tread reactors is used for tyre treads, providing wear resistance, while the carbon black from carcass reactors is used in the tyres inner structure called carcass, contributing to strength,” informed Doshi.

“The refractories used in the reactors must endure not only high heat but also erosion, turbulence and chemical and thermal attacks. We provide high-purity refractories specifically designed for these aggressive conditions. Our refractories are critical for the key zones of the combustor, choke, venturi, post choke and other areas within the reactor. We work with leading players in the carbon black industry, having collaborated on the development of many products over the past four to five decades. Our close association with these industry leaders has helped evolve refractories for the carbon black manufacturing process ensuring our refractories meet the ever-evolving demands of this high-temperature, high-performance environment,” added the executive.

IMPROVING EFFICIENCY

The executive mentioned that Saint-Gobain manufactures refractories from high-performance materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures. “For alumina refractories, we primarily use aluminium oxide, which is sintered to form a dense, durable structure. For zirconia refractories, we use fused zirconia grains, which has exceptional thermal stability. These materials are chosen for their inherent ability to withstand temperatures as high as 1,850 degrees Celsius, with zirconia refractories capable of handling even higher temperatures,” explained the executive.

He noted that the key to the effectiveness of these materials at such high temperatures lies in their unique properties. Aluminium oxide and zirconia both have excellent resistance to thermal shock, erosion and chemical attack, making them ideal for the harsh conditions inside carbon black reactors.

Alluding to how these refractories help in energy efficiency within the reactors, he said, “In terms of energy savings, we see improvements in yield when operating at higher temperatures. This increase in yield is directly linked to better energy efficiency. Additionally, by using high-quality refractories with longer lifespans, we reduce the need for reactor shutdowns. The energy loss during shutdowns and restarts can be significant, so a longer refractory life translates to less downtime and more consistent energy use. This, in turn, not only boosts energy efficiency but also helps reduce overall pollution from the carbon black production process.”

Alluding to how the company holds a competitive edge, he said, “Our focus remains on purity and quality control. As the temperature and chemical demands of the process increase, impurities in refractory materials can significantly affect performance. We rigorously control the purity of our raw materials to ensure that our refractories deliver superior performance, longevity and energy efficiency.”

ENSURING SUSTAINABILITY

Saint-Gobain is advancing sustainability in the carbon black production process through two primary channels, including enhancing customer processes and improving the environmental footprint of our own operations.

“For our customers, we focus on increasing yield and energy efficiency, which directly reduces carbon emissions. We also contribute to sustainability through our own manufacturing processes. Energy consumption is a significant factor in refractory production and we are transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Our plants no longer rely on oil-based fuels or polluting energy sources like petcoke; instead, we use natural gas and are increasingly shifting toward electricity,” said the official.

He added, “However, given the high temperatures required for refractory production, we continue to rely on the cleanest available fuels such as natural gas and LPG. Furthermore, as a group, we are actively working on improving our scope 3 carbon emissions by sourcing cleaner energy including renewable sources.”

In terms of innovation, Saint-Gobain has been leading efforts to enhance refractory performance for the carbon black industry. “Six to seven years ago, we introduced refractories capable of withstanding higher temperatures, helping customers boost reactor temperatures. Another key innovation is the development of large, single-piece refractories for complex zones like choke and venturi, which simplify installation and significantly reduce downtime. Traditional refractory bricks require more complex installation, but our solution streamlines this process enabling faster and more efficient reactor restarts,” added Doshi.

Saint-Gobain operates across a wide range of markets with a strong presence in carbon black, Petrochemical, metallurgy, ceramics, glass, plasterboard (Gyproc), construction chemicals, ceramics, refractories and abrasives.

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JK Tyre & Industries is aiming for double-digit revenue growth in FY2026, outpacing its forecast for single-digit expansion across the broader tyre industry. Managing Director Anshuman Singhania outlined the company’s ambitions during a post-earnings media call, underscoring confidence in demand recovery and strategic market positioning.

Q1 Performance Overview

For the first quarter of FY2026, JK Tyre reported revenue of INR 38.91 billion, with EBITDA at INR 4.24 billion, translating to a margin of 10 percent. Net profit stood at ₹1.55 billion — up 51 percent compared with the previous quarter, but down 21 percent YoY.

Singhania attributed the annual decline to muted original equipment (OE) demand, particularly in truck and bus radial (TBR) volumes, alongside higher raw material costs compared to the same period last year. He also highlighted an adverse impact from the company’s Tornel business in Mexico, which faced uncertainty due to tariffs on exports from Mexico to the United States, dampening volumes.

Resilience in Domestic and Export Markets

Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, said, “The growth momentum in domestic markets remained robust in Q1, with JK Tyre clocking a sales growth of 11 percent YoY, as contributed by a steady demand for our products in both replacement as well as OE segments, underscoring JK Tyre’s continued focus on core growth drivers and strengthening market presence.”

“Despite a challenging and uncertain macro-economic environment, exports of passenger car tyres witnessed a strong traction both on QoQ and YoY basis, signifying pull for our products and enhanced brand perception in the global markets,” said Dr Singhania.

Operational efficiencies and strategic pricing supported performance, even as natural rubber prices remained elevated. Subsidiaries Cavendish (India) and Tornel (Mexico) continued to contribute significantly to the group’s consolidated financials.

Operational efficiencies and strategic pricing supported performance, even as natural rubber prices remained elevated. Subsidiaries Cavendish (India) and Tornel (Mexico) continued to contribute significantly to the group’s consolidated financials.

Regarding trade tensions between India and the US, Anshuman Singhania noted that exports from India to the US account for only around 3 percent of JK Tyre’s revenue and could be redirected to markets such as Mexico, Latin America, Brazil and the UAE if required. With zero tariffs in Mexico, JK Tyre can utilise its production base there to meet demand for both passenger and truck radials. The EU and UK, where JK Tyre holds a strong position in the TBR segment, also remain tariff-free.

Capacity expansion

The company’s INR 14 billion capital expenditure plan is progressing on schedule, covering passenger car radial (PCR), TBR and all-steel truck radial projects. For the year, investment is expected to total INR 9-10 billion, aimed at boosting production capacity by 30-40 percent.

A key driver for future profitability is the shift towards premium products. The share of 16-inch and above passenger car tyres in JK Tyre’s portfolio has grown from 18 percent in FY2020 to 25 percent in FY2025, with a target of 40-45 percent over the next two to three years. This change is being fuelled by rising SUV sales, larger rim sizes in entry-level cars and strong export demand.

The company has also developed a complete range of tyres for electric vehicles, spanning commercial truck radials, bus tyres, passenger radials and two/three-wheeler tyres  Major OEMs such as Ashok Leyland’s Switch Mobility and Tata Motors are sourcing these products, including for last-mile connectivity vehicles and newly launched EV buses.

Market Outlook

The replacement market has been a bright spot, with passenger radial volumes up 32 percent year-on-year and truck radial volumes growing in the high single digits. JK Tyre expects demand to strengthen in the second half of FY2026, supported by infrastructure development, a favourable monsoon, potential interest rate cuts, and improved consumer liquidity.

Anshuman Singhania stressed that the worst of raw material price pressures appear to be over, paving the way for margin improvement as the product mix shifts and capacity utilisation rises. With the small car segment’s gradual decline offset by growth in premium categories, JK Tyre remains confident in sustaining momentum.

“Overall, India is poised for growth,” Singhania concluded. “We see positives across the board — from infrastructure push to evolving consumer preferences — and we are well-positioned to capitalise on these trends.”

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Yokohama Rubber has begun supplying its ADVAN V61 tyres as original equipment for BYD’s new SEALION 6 DM-i SUV, marking the Japanese manufacturer’s first OE partnership with the Chinese carmaker.

The SEALION 6 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV launched by BYD Company Ltd. this July, is being factory-fitted with 235/50R19 103V size ADVAN V61 tyres. The announcement comes as Yokohama seeks to grow its footprint in China’s fast-evolving electric and hybrid vehicle market.

The ADVAN V61 is part of Yokohama’s global flagship ADVAN range and is positioned as a premium SUV tyre. The company said the tyre “offers ADVAN’s hallmark premium-grade driving performance, along with a high-level balance of fuel and energy efficiency, handling stability, and quietness, achieving both comfortable city driving and long-distance touring for heavyweight SUVs.”

The SEALION 6 DM-i combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing up to 74kW with an electric motor generating 160kW. Buyers can choose between 18.3 kWh and 26.6 kWh blade battery options, offering electric driving ranges of 93km and 130km, respectively. All models come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems as standard, and the exterior design draws inspiration from the concept of “ocean aesthetics.”

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Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd said its subsidiary Dunlop Tyre Japan Ltd has completed a Japan Fair Trade Commission investigation into automotive all-season tyre sales after the regulator approved a commitment plan submitted by the unit.

The probe, which examined the subsidiary’s sales practices, concluded without the commission identifying any violation of Japan’s Antimonopoly Act, Sumitomo Rubber said in a statement.

Under Japan’s commitment procedures, companies can submit plans to address potential competition concerns without admitting wrongdoing, allowing them to resolve investigations while avoiding formal sanctions.

"We deeply apologise for the great trouble and anxiety that we have caused to all concerned, including our clients and business partners,” the tyre maker said.

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Belgian steel wire maker Bekaert reported resilient first-half 2025 earnings as strong cash generation and cost control offset softer sales, but warned that tariffs and currency pressures are weighing on demand.

The company posted consolidated sales of €1.9 billion, down 5.2 percent year-on-year, with volumes declining 2.6 percent and price/mix effects stripping out a further 2.2 percent. Underlying EBIT slipped 16.2 percent to €171 million, delivering a margin of 8.8 percent compared with 9.9 percent a year earlier.

Free cash flow surged to €123 million from €43 million in the prior-year period, driven by a €135 million reduction in working capital and €21 million in cost savings as the company continued to streamline operations and rein in capex. Net debt fell to €327 million from €399 million despite a continuing €200 million share buyback programme, €74 million of which has been completed.

“We have continued to focus on what we can control best – cash flow and costs - and have significantly reduced overheads and working capital in H1 2025,” chief executive Yves Kerstens said. “Equally, I am very pleased with the hard work of our teams fighting for volumes in the current challenging markets.”

He added: “We are also taking further steps to make our business units more autonomous and agile. Therefore, I am very confident that we will come out of the current business environment stronger and more cost competitive than ever before.”

Bekaert said volumes were particularly strong in its Steel Wire Solutions and Rubber Reinforcement divisions in the United States and China, while European and Latin American demand lagged. Its Brazilian joint ventures delivered €24 million in net profit share, up from €20 million a year ago.

However, the group cautioned that growing trade tensions – including a rise in US steel tariffs from 25 percent to 50 percent – and the weakening of the US dollar and Chinese yuan against the euro were eroding pricing power and softening orders.

“Following a period of resilience in Q2, the tariff uncertainty and weakening economic outlook has started to have an impact on demand,” Bekaert said.

The company now expects slightly lower full-year 2025 sales on a like-for-like basis, with an underlying EBIT margin of between 8.0 percent and 8.5 percent, down from 8.8 percent in the first half.

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