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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Balkrishna Industries Ltd. (BKT) has expanded its partnerships in India’s premier men’s T20 cricket league to eight teams, adding Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the upcoming season as it seeks to strengthen its position in the country’s consumer tyre market.

The company said its BKT Tyres brand would continue as Official Tyre Partner to Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, alongside the newly added Bengaluru franchise.

The move comes as BKT advances its entry into India’s consumer tyre segment, using the tournament as a platform to expand visibility and engage a broader customer base, including commercial operators and private vehicle owners.

The partnerships are structured as long-term arrangements, incorporating stadium branding, broadcast integrations, dealer activations and digital campaigns aimed at strengthening fan engagement.

Rajiv Poddar, JMD of BKT, said: “Partnering with sporting institutions has always been central to BKT’s philosophy of Growing Together with communities. Cricket is one of the most influential cultural forces in India, uniting people across geographies, generations and backgrounds. Our continued partnerships as the Official Tyre Partner under the BKT Tyres brand allow us to connect with audiences in a meaningful way while strengthening our presence in the tyre segment. Through this association, we will further amplify our ‘Elevate Your Drive’ campaign featuring Ranveer Singh across broadcast and digital touchpoints, bringing the campaign’s message of ambition, progress and forward momentum to millions of viewers. These collaborations reflect our commitment to building long-term relationships founded on teamwork, performance and shared aspirations.”

Venky Mysore, Chief Executive of Kolkata Knight Riders, said: “BKT Tyres is not just a partner they are a brand that shares our relentless pursuit of performance. This renewed association is a testament to the trust we have built together and the ambition we carry forward. As BKT accelerates its growth in India's consumer market, the Knight Riders brand gives them the platform, the passion, and the global scale to make that journey count. At Knight Riders Sports, we do not build partnerships for visibility alone we build them for impact. This collaboration is precisely that: two performance-driven organisations, aligned in purpose, investing in a future they intend to win together.”

Rajesh Menon, Chief Executive of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said: “Royal Challengers Bengaluru is proud to welcome BKT Tyres as our Official Tyre Partner. At RCB, we believe in pushing boundaries, embracing ambition, and creating meaningful connections with our fans, values that closely align with BKT’s ‘Elevate Your Drive’ philosophy. Together, we aim to accelerate our shared vision of excellence, resilience, and forward momentum both on and off the field.”

K Shanmugam, Chief Executive of Sunrisers Hyderabad, said: “We are happy to continue our partnership with BKT Tyres as part of this T20 cricket league. This collaboration reflects a strong alignment of values, bringing together a shared focus on excellence, performance, and consistency. Together, we move forward with clear intent, committed to raising standards both on and off the field, while delivering a meaningful and engaging experience for fans.”

Alok Chitre, Chief Operating Officer of Rajasthan Royals, said: “We are delighted to partner with BKT Tyres for the sixth year, with a shared energy and drive for performance that continues to strengthen our association. Their commitment to sport, and cricket specifically, reflects a clear focus on the growth of the game and its fan ecosystem in India. As we advance in scale and influence, we look forward to building on this partnership in a meaningful way this year as well.”

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson said: “BKT Tyres has been a valued long-term partner of Mumbai Indians, and this continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to consistency and performance. We look forward to building on this partnership through the season.”

Colonel Arvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer of Gujarat Titans, said: “Gujarat Titans are pleased to continue the association with BKT Tyres. Partnerships like these reflect a shared commitment to performance, consistency and long-term growth. Such collaborations provide a strong platform for teams and brands to connect with fans across the world, and we look forward to building on this association while continuing to engage meaningfully with our supporters and striving for excellence both on and off the field.”

Satish Menon, Chief Executive of Punjab Kings, said: “We are very happy to continue our journey with BKT Tyres. They have been a loyal and valued partner for the Punjab Kings over the years. Their commitment to excellence matches our ambitions, and it is always a pleasure to work with a brand that understands the pulse of the sport and its fans so well.”

Vinay Chopra, Chief Executive of RPSG Sports Private Limited, said: “At Lucknow Super Giants, we believe that strong partnerships are built on shared values of performance, resilience, and ambition. Our association with BKT Tyres reflects this synergy, as both brands are committed to pushing boundaries and consistently striving for excellence. As we gear up for another exciting season, we look forward to engaging our fans more deeply and creating meaningful experiences together through this partnership.”

BKT said its sports partnerships form part of a broader global portfolio spanning multiple disciplines, aimed at reinforcing brand visibility and consumer engagement.

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Goodyear India Limited said its board has taken note of the resignation of Abhishek Arora as Director – Human Resources, India, with effect from April 20, 2026, and approved the appointment of Vishal Dhingra as HR Director, South Asia from April 21, 2026.

Arora, who will also cease to be a senior management personnel member on April 20, 2026, resigned to explore external growth opportunities, according to the company.

The board approved Dhingra’s appointment following the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. He will assume the role as a senior management personnel from April 21, 2026.

Dhingra has more than 25 years of experience in human resources. He joined Goodyear in July 2020 as Director HR – India and currently serves as HR Director – ASEANZ. Prior to this, he held roles at PepsiCo, India, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Limited, Eicher Tractors and Ballarpur Industries Limited.

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India has concluded that imports of emulsion styrene butadiene rubber (ESBR) of the 1500 series from the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Russia and Thailand were dumped, following an anti-dumping investigation initiated in March 2025.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, found that dumping margins across all subject countries were above the de minimis threshold and “significant”.

The investigation was launched after Reliance Industries Limited filed an application alleging injury from imports of the product, which is widely used in tyre manufacturing and other rubber goods. The authority determined that the application met the requirements for standing, with support from Indian Synthetic Rubber Private Limited.

The product under consideration, ESBR-1500, is primarily used in tyres due to its abrasion resistance and ageing stability. The DGTR concluded that domestically produced material is comparable to imported goods and can be used interchangeably.

The period of investigation covered October 2023 to September 2024, with injury analysis spanning four financial years. During this time, imports from the subject countries rose overall and accounted for more than 90 per cent of total imports throughout the period.

The authority found that import volumes were highest during the investigation period and had increased relative to domestic production and consumption.

Dumping margins varied by country. Imports from the European Union and Japan were found to have margins in the range of 10–20 per cent, while Russia showed higher margins of 20–30 per cent. South Korea and Thailand recorded lower ranges, generally between 0–10 per cent for cooperating producers and up to 10–20 per cent for others.

The DGTR conducted a cumulative assessment of imports, concluding that goods from the subject countries compete with each other and with domestic production in the Indian market.

On injury, the authority determined that increased imports had affected the domestic industry through price suppression and declining profitability. It noted that while demand for the product rose steadily, the domestic industry’s financial performance weakened over the same period.

The DGTR also rejected arguments that the injury was caused by internal inefficiencies or raw material volatility, stating that such fluctuations were global and not specific to India.

The authority concluded that dumped imports had caused material injury to the domestic industry, establishing a causal link between import volumes and the deterioration in financial performance.

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Fornnax Technology, a global leader in recycling equipment manufacturing, has officially brought Sushil Upadhyay on board as the new Head of its Service Department, a leadership transition that takes effect immediately. With a professional background spanning over 26 years, Upadhyay arrives with extensive experience drawn from multiple multinational corporations. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed and coordinated large, cross-functional teams comprising more than 300 professionals. Within his new capacity at Fornax, his primary focus will involve steering strategic transformations within the service domain, with the objective of optimising equipment reliability, maximising value across the lifecycle of machinery and elevating the sustained performance of the company’s worldwide installed base of industrial recycling solutions.

In the coming year, the service division under his leadership is set to concentrate on a series of clearly defined operational objectives. Key among these is the effort to curtail instances of unexpected machinery downtime by integrating both preventive and predictive maintenance approaches. The team also intends to roll out measurable performance benchmarks for service delivery, which will include tracking metrics such as speed of response, Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and overall equipment uptime. Moreover, there will be a concerted push to reinforce the availability of spare components by optimising regional warehousing and distribution processes.

Further developments on the agenda involve the creation and delivery of well-structured training modules targeting technical expertise and workplace safety, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of service personnel. In parallel, the organisation plans to introduce digital tools designed to boost transparency in operations and enable customers to more effectively monitor service activities. These combined efforts underscore Fornnax’s commitment to evolving its service infrastructure in response to growing demands for efficiency and reliability.

Jignesh Kundaria, Director & CEO, Fornnax, said, “Our people are the true engine behind our innovation and execution. As we scale globally and expand our footprint across diverse recycling applications, cultivating a culture of excellence remains central to our strategy. In 2026, we are intensifying our focus on talent development, leadership growth and building a high-ownership, high-accountability environment that drives continuous improvement across engineering, manufacturing, and service. This will set new benchmarks in the industry, and I believe Upadhyay will play a crucial role in this journey.”

Upadhyay said, “Fornnax’s strong positioning in high-capacity shredding solutions and its commitment to sustainable recycling deeply resonated with me. The company’s engineering strength and rapid growth trajectory present a powerful opportunity to build a world-class service organisation. In an industry where machine reliability directly impacts customer profitability, service becomes a direct driver of customer success. I am excited to elevate Service from a support function to a strategic growth enabler, which is specifically focused on uptime, lifecycle value and long-term partnerships.”

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